For decades in Japan, people have been disappearing. Coming home one evening, they have drawn the curtains or gone to their bedrooms and stayed there ever since, as though they have ceased to exist. It’s a societal phenomenon known as ‘hikikomori’, defining over one million nationals who have chosen a lifestyle of extreme withdrawal from society. The term is recognisable to many an otaku, who are used to seeing it applied to a pale, thin, agoraphobic and sometimes comedic creature who comes out of hiding only when the plot deems it necessary. Often just as visible as their under-eye circles, however, is the fact that these modern hermits live in fear. The terror of failing to blend into their social surroundings, or failing in their grades, or in the ruthless targets of the workplace. When facing pressure from their colleagues, classmates, teachers or parents to conform to a strict ideal of success, without any escape or compromise, there is little surprise in so many choosing to withdraw altogether. There is even less to wonder about in similar stories coming to be portrayed in stories by otaku en masse, who find it fascinating and perhaps admirable to so boldy state one’s [...]
Dec 18, 2019 • Subscribe
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