"Hikikomori" and Japan's Role in the World

Jul 2, 2008

Michael Zielenziger discusses Japan's hikikomori, bright young people who opt to live as shut-ins because they don't fit in a society of high conformity and low entrepreneurship.

Author Michael Zielenziger (Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation) discusses the sociology of Japan's hikikomori—bright, creative people in their working years who choose to live as shut-ins because they don't fit in a society of high conformity and low entrepreneurship. He believes that stagnant governance and a values crisis are weakening Japan's competitive position in the world.

You may also like

JUL 17, 2025 Article

Helvetas USA Signs Model International Mobility Convention, Underscoring Practical Pathways for Rights-Based Migration

Helvetas USA CEO Christian Steiner has signed the MIMC, marking a significant step in reaffirming the organization’s commitment to a cooperative global mobility approach.

JUL 15, 2025 Podcast

Investing in Your Ethical Infrastructure, with Simon Longstaff

The Ethics Centre's Simon Longstaff discusses the power of moral inquiry, performative vs. good-faith engagement, and how ethics can help to address global challenges.

Scene from Mountainhead. CREDIT: HBO

JUL 11, 2025 Article

Ethics on Film: Discussion of "Mountainhead"

This review of HBO's "Mountainhead" discusses ethical issues around emerging tech and the power and influence of billionaires.

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation