Essays

Russell, Rupert. "PAPERMAG: Exploring Harajuku Parties, Nightclub Rules, and a "Celibacy   Syndrome" In Tokyo." PAPERMAG: Exploring Harajuku Parties, Nightclub Rules, and a "Celibacy Syndrome" In Tokyo. Paper Magazine, April 2013. Web. 01 May 2014.

Russell in his article explains the night-life and parties in japan, or more accurately, a lack thereof . Many Japanese youth are beginning to shy away from social responsibilities and, therefore, rarely attend parties. Russell explores this phenomenon and shows his western audience, who are most likely at least semi-social, the extremities of Japanese culture by providing examples such as the hikikomori problem, which he addresses may have serious effects for Japan down the road, mail order wife dolls, cuddle cafes, etc. Russell finally points out that these celibacy phenomena may not be limited to Japan, as he notes the way that these can exist are only possible through somewhat new technologies, and solemnly admits that these problems may be soon facing the west because "Japan, as usual, is ahead of the curve."(Russell)

Kremer, William, and Claudia Hammond. "Why Are so Many Japanese Men Refusing to Leave Their Rooms?" BBC News. BBC World Service, June-July 2013. Web. 01 May 2014.

 Kremer and Hammond work to provide insight to western audiences on the increasing hikikomori population in Japan. A national census in Japan showed that at least 700,000 people are hikikomori (completely socially withdrawn), and this number is said to increase, however healthcare professionals are somewhat baffled about how to help the situation. Overall, this article expresses the growing concern that the hikikomori  phenomena presents to society, and hopes that audiences look into the subject further.

Fondi, Francesco. "A Day-trip Date with the Virtual Romantics of 'New LovePlus+'" Japan Times RSS. Japan Times, 7 Apr. 2014. Web. 01 May 2014.

In his article, Fondi describes the new scene of Japanese gaming and its impact/appeal on Japanese society. Where once Japanese games were once the lead in their industry, they are now falling behind. New Japanese games are dating-sims ( dating simulators) which, as described, can take all the effort and time that a real girlfriend takes. Fondi explains how this fits into the rising trend of social evasion in Japan, especially hikikomori. Despite these games having a social reclusive reputation with western audiences, Fondi points out that there are many who are perfectly normal who play these games, therefore these games' popularity are most likely a result of social withdrawal rather than a cause of it.

Otsu, Kazuo, and Yomiuri Shimbun. "Japan's Shrinking Society 4 / NEETs and the Elderly Could Lead Japan's Way Forward." The Japan News. Japan News, 30 Apr. 2014. Web. 01 May 2014.

Japan will soon face a workforce crisis if employees keep dwindling as they are now. Otsu and Yomiuri explain how the elderly and NEETS (hikikomori) must work to sustain Japan's Economy. The report optimistically documents the success of hiring the elderly and socially withdrawn as a hard counter to this stifling trend that is also beneficial and productive for a company, hoping the audience, Japanese business executives, hires more of these people.