A seminar on support for "hikikomori" people was held in Izumisano, Osaka, and the experts who participated said that the expression "hikikomori" did not reflect the psychological distance from other people. , Suggested that it should be changed.

This seminar was held by an NPO that supports hikikomori people, and about 150 people, including government officials and the families of the parties concerned, participated through the venue and online.



Among them, Professor Toshie Yamane of Yamaguchi University Graduate School, who is familiar with the actual situation of hikikomori, said that the chances of hikikomori people to consult at the administrative window are decreasing due to the influence of the new coronavirus, and also consult with corona sickness. He pointed out that it is important to secure a system that can do it.



Professor Yamane says that although the expression "hikikomori" has spread the image of being locked up in the room, many people actually go out for shopping, etc., and there is a psychological distance from other people. He suggested that the term "social distance syndrome" should be used instead.



Tomoya Tanabe, the representative director of the NPO Psychiatric Support Center, who hosted the seminar, said, "The problem of" hikikomori "is not well understood, but we think about the way people in each position can provide support. I want to deliver high-quality support while doing so. "