Hikikomori phenomenon spreading from Japan to Finland raises concerns among experts

The hikikomori phenomenon, which describes individuals withdrawing from society, is spreading from Japan to Europe and Finland. In Japan, it’s estimated that there are about 1.5 million hikikomori, primarily young men who may remain in their rooms for weeks without venturing out. This trend has been recognized for decades, according to Professor Takeshi Tamura, who notes that the internet facilitates this isolation.

Professors Tamura and Andre Sourander express concern about young people’s social withdrawal. Sourander, a child psychiatry professor at the University of Turku, highlights similarities between Japan and Finland, emphasizing how advanced both societies are and how deeply integrated digital technology is. However, he points out that Japan experienced the impacts of digital addiction earlier than Finland, which is now moving in a similar direction. Consequently, many children may not attend school or partake in extracurricular activities, maintaining friendships only through digital devices.

Tamura, with over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families worldwide, has identified similar behavioral patterns, specifically in Italy. He describes the hikikomori phenomenon as universal, noting increased fear among youth in participating in society. While Japan has the highest numbers of hikikomori, Finland has a related group known as “peräkamarin pojat” or “backroom boys.”

Both professors stress that society should not label these vulnerable young individuals as failures; rather, it’s essential to understand the various reasons behind their struggles. They advocate for ongoing research to identify effective support mechanisms for those at risk of social isolation. A recent major intervention study at the University of Turku focused on anxiety in children aged 8 to 12, yielding promising results from a three-month early intervention program for highly anxious children and their parents.