random thoughts ~

Experience in going out with hikikomori is always amazing. Most often, I myself would forget that my friend is a hikikomori in real life.

Sometimes I will feel myself more like a hikikomori than anyone else......

The most meaningful encouragement that I have from hikikomori research are:

1. when the person who has a hikikomori experience look into my eyes and say, "Thank you! I think you are suitable for this job! I think this is very important. Please do not give up, and please continue your research;"

2. when one begin to pour out what he/she has in his/her mind to me;

3. when one has enough trust in me and willing to go through the past with me;

4. a good time of sharing of an outdoor adventure or a meal together.

Hikikomori in the States?

The symposium in Washington DC had not been of much help in terms of locating hikikomori in States. However, emails and contacts that I received convinced me that perhaps the hikikomori in the States are much more hidden.

Perhaps the Americans are more insensitive towards their tendencies to withdraw, or maybe there are more of indifference when it comes to social behavior of an individual. What do you think?