The more I research regarding Hikikomori the more I get concerned about this social problem. I think the seriousness of this issue is totally ignored by those in power while overly sensationalized by the media with its imprecise information. Mix these two factors and you’ll end up with an increasing number of Hikikomori and a number of families in burden and shameful to have such family member.
I think the term., “Hikikomori” must be clearly explained and emphasized to the public to avoid confusion. That it’s NOT a disease. And definitely, it is not something to be embarrassed as some families feel about it.
Hikikomori are NORMAL individuals that have faced an abnormal pressure from their society and culture. They are victims of social and cultural pressures.
Sekentei plays a big role on why there are hikikomori. They have withdrawn themselves from the society not because they fear human contact but because of this certain fear of being judged by the people around them.
They themselves knew better than anyone that they have to do something about their state but are incapable of doing anything brought about by feelings of failure or not being able to meet the standards imposed.
According to Masahisa Okuyama, who runs an organization of parents of hikikomori children, the kind of boys that become hikikomori are the sensitive and intelligent ones with parents who are liberal and overprotective.
I think giving them a chance to prove their worth on what they are good at will somehow budge them from their passive state. These individuals stay on their rooms with nothing expected from them so if you let them do something to show their value, it would help a lot.