Virtual spaces coaxing Japan's social recluses back into society

Apr 08 (Kyodo) - Virtual online spaces are providing social recluses, known as "hikikomori" in Japan, a way of staying connected to the world while also allowing them to edge closer to making a full return to society.

In addition to providing consultation support and introducing work-from-home jobs, local governments and private companies are making efforts to establish unique "club activities" based on common interests as the problem of social disconnection continues to spiral.

The Kyoto prefectural government has held twice-per-week virtual meetups for shut-ins since June 2022, aptly called "online place to be."

When people access the virtual space, their avatars -- sometimes pandas or other characters -- gather at a table surrounded by trees. The avatars are designed and operated by the participants who address each other by nicknames and chat without having to reveal their actual faces. ...continue reading

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