Every so often we all have days where we just don't want to leave our rooms. But, what if you never left?
Well in Japan these people are known as Hikikomori
Hikikomori is the Japanese term for reclusive young adults who essentially practice self isolation and confinement. Simply put they are hermits of the modern age.
There was a report a number of years ago, which labelled there to be about 700,000~ of these post modern hermits, with an average age of 31 in Japan. They are commonly referred to as the 'Missing Million'
There are even accounts of Hikikomori having endured up to 20 years of self imposed isolation.
The Ministry of Health in Japan have a classification for this type of behaviour of it occurring after a 6 month self imposed isolation. The impact this behaviour and often taboo topic has a dramatic effect on Japanese society, parents are often afraid to talk about their situation due to the potential social ramifications and therefore the number actually suffering this condition is not actually know.
The initial reason for withdrawal often has to do with some form of childhood trauma. This can be as small as poor performance in school or something more atypically traumatic. This sinks these young people into a headspace which is hard to escape and the withdrawal occurs.
Here are some fascinating images of rooms of Hikikomori
For a more in depth look at the Hikikomori and the social/psychological reasoning I can suggest this article. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-23182523