"A New Start For Hikikomori -- Returning to Society"
by Keiko Nagatomi
On display from Nov. 25 - 30, 2011 at Zen Foto Gallery in Tokyo's Roppongi district.
Admission is free.
ひきこもり.
A social issue most people would rather turn a deaf ear or a blind eye.
A phenomenon dancing in a wide web-like spectrum most people would rather not deal with.
". . .often the hikikomori phenomenon in Japan is replete with brush stroke generalizations",
- Rinko Ogasawara
I do agree with her and I think it also applies beyond Japan's border,
in other countries where information towards such state is often hyped by the media which often leads to stereotyping.
This exhibit by Keiko Nagatomi entitled, "A New Start For Hikimomori -- Returning to Society"
is a wonderful means of learning from the people themselves.
Their lives that is no different from ours shown in these pictures.
Their thoughts about their reclusion and hopes for the future scribbled on these white sheet of paper.
It's learning directly from them without media drama and hypocrisy.
A photobook by Keiko Nagatomi on Hikikomori is also on sale at the gallery.
It's written in Japanese with English translations (so no worries if you want to read their messages).
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