The Rising Tide of Loneliness Among Young People in Japan
A growing number of young people in Japan are choosing solitude over marriage, parenthood, and even social interaction. This phenomenon has led to a surge in loneliness, especially among the younger generation, prompting concerns about its societal impact.
Loneliness Declared a Global Public Health Problem
In November of last year, the World Health Organization declared loneliness a global public health issue. This was previously seen as primarily affecting older adults, but in Japan, loneliness rates have steadily increased among those aged 20 to 39 between 2021 and 2023, making them the most lonely generation in the country's history.
The Scale of the Problem
Beyond the "hikikomori" (social recluses), millions of other young Japanese individuals are grappling with feelings of isolation. This has triggered a cascade of social problems, including:
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Increased rates of depression
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Declining marriage rates
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Decreased productivity
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Heightened social anxiety
Loneliness has permeated various aspects of society, leaving many feeling suffocated.
Embracing Solitude: A New Lifestyle
Many Japanese individuals, like Airi, have come to terms with their loneliness. She enjoys dining out alone, indulging in her favorite foods without worrying about others' preferences. For Airi, solitude provides the space for reflection and personal growth. Author Mai Urami, who wrote a book about women living alone that was later adapted into a TV drama, shares this sentiment. The growing acceptance of solitary lifestyles has spurred the development of products and services tailored to single individuals, covering areas like:
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Housing
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Finance
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Travel
A Society Without Connection?
Isida Mitsunori, a social science professor at Waseda University, points out that Japan's society is notably lacking in close friendships and social connections compared to other nations. While many young people have two to three close friends or even fifteen acquaintances, professionals like Airi, who works in the entertainment industry, find it challenging to form genuine connections due to intense competition. The fear of negativity and the desire to avoid burdening others further contribute to this isolation.
Communication Challenges in the Modern Age
The frequency of face-to-face interactions among young friends is decreasing as they seek to avoid potential inconveniences. Similarly, elderly individuals taking medication often refrain from seeking help or interacting with others to avoid burdening them. The rise of smartphones has made connecting and disconnecting easier than ever, but this form of communication can be fragile and insecure, unintentionally fostering chronic loneliness.
Societal Factors Contributing to Loneliness
Japan faces dual challenges in the form of low birth rates and an aging population. While the number of full-time employees is increasing, job security is declining, and participation in local community activities is waning. Government surveys reveal that women in their 20s are the most vulnerable to loneliness. Nakan, a 24-year-old graduate student working part-time at the city hall, dedicates most of her time to research, leaving her with minimal leisure time and infrequent contact with friends.
The Economic and Social Implications
Long working hours, with some companies demanding over 80 hours per week, limit opportunities for socializing. Furthermore, younger generations exhibit a lack of motivation toward major life events like marriage and parenthood, impacting economic and social well-being. Many desire marriage but are deterred by the financial burdens, particularly the cost of raising children. Traditional gender roles, where men were breadwinners and women were homemakers, remain ingrained in society.
Social Media's Impact
Kana, influenced by her friends' social media posts, feels that her current income cannot support a similar lifestyle, which exacerbates her sense of loneliness.
The Path to Loneliness
According to Dr. Horiguchi, an anthropology professor at Temple University, loneliness is a gradual process that starts with discomfort in social situations and progresses to rejection of social interaction, ultimately leading to depression and negative behaviors.
Overcoming Loneliness: Finding Support and Connection
Organizations are providing assistance to those experiencing loneliness. Ono, who refused to attend school due to physical and psychological reasons, has started working for Lingchuan's company and is gradually integrating into society. With organizational assistance, Masako has begun psychological counseling and anticipates making more friends in the future. Kungzi's mental and physical health has improved as her social circle expands, and she helps others in similar situations, which in turn reduces her feelings of isolation. Gong Qi is now the president of a youth caregiver association. He is committed to helping more people reverse their loneliness and slow down the growth trend of this young killer.
The Trade-off: Freedom vs. Connection
A Japanese survey posed the question: Is it better to have a lively but restrictive society or a lonely but free one? A majority (65%) favored the freedom of solitude, given that Japanese society now provides an environment where individuals can choose to be alone. Isida Mitsunori believes that everyone in modern society feels lonely to some extent, and this trend will continue to intensify.
Learning to Cope with Loneliness
Airi believes it's essential to develop inner strength, emotional intelligence, and resilience to deal with problems and prevent loneliness from controlling one's life. Gong Qi encourages lonely young people living in the shadows not to worry about their different lifestyles and to use their solitude to sort out their thoughts, as this may lead to new opportunities.