Examining Illness Narratives of Hikikomori

Abstract

Hikikomori, often described as "social withdrawal," emerged as a sociomedical condition among Japanese youth at the end of the twentieth century (Rubinstein 2016). In this paper, I aim to examine the Japanese cultural model utilized by individuals experiencing Hikikomori to articulate their circumstances. Specifically, the study will delve into the narratives employed by Hikikomori individuals to elucidate the factors leading to their entry into the Hikikomori state and the reasons behind their subsequent reintegration into society. An essential aspect of this inquiry involves examining whether these narratives reveal any indications of social suffering. Additionally, the research explores external influences on Hikikomori individuals, focusing on the directives provided by others regarding their actions. I believe that analyzing these accounts within the conceptual framework of "illness narrative” (Hunt 2000) would allow me to investigate how individuals narrate their Hikikomori experience.