ARTIST STATEMENT

Hikikomori (hee-kee-koh-MOH-ree) is a severe form of social withdrawal in individuals who choose to isolate themselves at home for prolonged periods: at least six months by definition. Although, in the most severe cases, the individual will spend several years alone in their rooms. This phenomenon is not a mental illness but a social issue. The word hikikomori is a term used for both the situation and the individuals themselves. Hikikomori were first observed in Japan in the early 2000s and thought to be a culture-bound syndrome, but many worldwide have found themselves living in extreme seclusion. Various reasons could make someone want to live this way, such as feeling rejected by society or feeling unsuccessful. The cost of living, high college tuition, and rising competition in the job market have made it harder for a generation of young people to leave their homes to start their adult life. Those pressures, along with personal issues, can drive one to become severely reclusive.