[Late, I know.]

Not familiar with hikikomori? This NY Times article should answer most of your questions. Read about Japanese boys that sequester themselves in their rooms for years at a time. Says one 23-year-old, who’s finally come out of his room and into a dorm, about going to university: “But there are idealistic dreams…. I don’t know. It might be too late for me.”

Hikikomori “translates as ‘withdrawal’ and refers to a person sequestered in his room for six months or longer with no social life beyond his home.”

I was both fascinated and depressed after first reading about this hikikomori phenomenon. What reminded me of it is this digital piece titled “japanese children with digital cameras.”

Lately, I wonder what amount of time is “normal” to stay holed up in your apartment. I’m not tempted to lock myself in, but I think many can at least see glimpses of its appeal at times.

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