Hikikomori is a Japanese term for a state of severe, prolonged social withdrawal in which a person stays mostly at home and avoids school, work and social contact, often for months or years. The word can describe both the condition and the person. It is not the same as enjoying your own company or preferring a quiet life.
This page is general information, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Solo Era is not therapy.
Hikikomori meaning at a glance
The word combines Japanese roots meaning roughly "pulling inward" or "being confined". It was brought to wide attention in Japan through psychiatrists, notably Tamaki Saito, whose 1998 book on social withdrawal is cited in a published review of hikikomori definitions. The term has since been used worldwide, and researchers in several countries have described similar cases.
Definitions vary. Criteria associated with Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, as summarised in the same review, describe a home-centred life lasting beyond about six months that is not better explained by another mental disorder. I have not read the original government text, so check it if you need exact wording. Academic researchers have proposed their own criteria, including time spent away from home and the level of distress or impairment. Because the definitions differ, check the current wording on an official site or in a recent review if you need it exactly. There is no single standard definition, so treat numbers like "six months" as a commonly cited guide, not a rule.
Hikikomori vs enjoying solitude
Many people enjoy spending time alone. The difference lies in choice, function and feeling.
| Healthy solitude | Hikikomori-type withdrawal | |
|---|---|---|
| Choice | You choose it and can stop | Feels stuck or hard to change |
| Contact | Keeps some relationships and routines | Little or no contact, school or work |
| Feeling | Restful, content | Often shame, fear, low mood or numbness |
| Duration | Hours or days | Months or years |
| Daily life | Meals, sleep, tasks continue | Often disrupted: sleep, hygiene, activity |
| Direction | Can return to people when ready | Getting out feels harder over time |
See solitude vs isolation for the general distinction, and alone vs lonely for how being alone differs from feeling lonely.
What is said about causes
There is no single cause. Researchers and clinicians mention a mix of factors, such as pressure at school or work, bullying, a hard transition, family stress, anxiety, low mood or neurodevelopmental differences. Social media and gaming are sometimes mentioned, but evidence on cause and effect is mixed, so be careful about simple stories. Withdrawal can also feed itself: the longer someone stays away, the more frightening going back can feel.
Signs that withdrawal may be a concern
These are not diagnostic criteria. Consider asking for help, for yourself or someone you know, if several apply over a long period:
- Avoiding almost all contact with people outside the home.
- Reversed sleep, little daylight, and little reason to leave.
- Feeling ashamed, afraid or hopeless about going out.
- Dropping school, work or old interests.
- Relying on others entirely for food or supplies.
Choosing quiet weekends, working from home or preferring few friends is not hikikomori. See is it healthy to spend a lot of time alone for more on telling the difference.
Where to find help
Getting support is a sign of strength, not failure.
- A family doctor or GP. A good starting point; they can check physical and mental health and refer on.
- A mental health professional. A psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor can assess what lies behind the withdrawal and suggest options.
- Local services. In some places there are outreach or support services for withdrawn young people and adults; ask a doctor or search your own country's official health site.
- Crisis lines. If you or someone else is in danger or thinking about self-harm, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line immediately.
- For families. Many professionals advise patience, low-pressure contact and not forcing the person out. A clinician can advise on specific steps.
Specific hotlines and organisations are not listed here because availability differs by country and changes; use your local health authority's official page.
If you are supporting someone
Keep contact regular and non-judgemental. Small invitations that are easy to decline tend to work better than ultimatums. Encourage a doctor's visit and offer to help book it. Celebrate tiny steps, such as opening a curtain or a short walk, rather than expecting a quick return to school or work.
Where small steps fit, and where they do not
Gentle practice of small outings can help some people rebuild a routine, but it is not a treatment for severe withdrawal. Solo Era offers small missions at level 1 for people who already can leave home and want to practise doing things alone; it does not treat withdrawal, and a subscription is required to start missions. If leaving home itself feels impossible or frightening, start with professional support rather than an app.
Solo Era for iPhone
Small steps are not a substitute for care
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
FAQ
What does hikikomori mean?
It is a Japanese term for severe social withdrawal in which a person stays mostly at home for a long time and avoids school, work and social contact.
Is hikikomori a mental illness?
It is not a formal diagnosis by itself. It is described as a pattern of behaviour that can overlap with anxiety, depression or other conditions, so a professional assessment is useful.
Is it hikikomori if I like staying home?
Not necessarily. Enjoying quiet time while keeping friends, routines and responsibilities is normal. The concern is distress, loss of function and long duration.
Does hikikomori only happen in Japan?
No. The term started there, but researchers have described similar withdrawal in other countries.
Who should I talk to?
Start with a doctor or mental health professional. In an emergency, contact local emergency services.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
