Hikikomori ("shut-in") pilgrimages on Shikoku

[Bradypus]

I have just seen an article about a social service organisation running group pilgrimages on Shikoku as a way of encouraging hikikomori "shut-ins" to leave their social isolation and reintegrate with their families and wider communities.

https://soranews24.com/2024/08/15/j...200-year-old-way-to-deal-with-a-modern-issue/

 

[Tassie Kaz]

A positive program to deal with a sad situation.
I hope something similar can be offered to older age groups who may also feel isolated.
As we know, a long walk is restorative in so many ways; even those of us who undertake them solo can often (in my case, always) feel a greater connection to the world around us.
Thanks for posting this article Roland .

 

[Kiwi-family]

Wow 18-45 year olds. I was surprised to see this as the target group. I was fully expecting it to be for the elderly. How sad that there are people "in the prime of their lives" already cut off from society. To be honest, I had not given this ANY thought before now - only the elderly. (and that despite having a severely depressed twenty-something live with us for two years - I guess I thought he was a rare exception) Thanks for sharing.

 

[Annw]

A lesser known phenomenon, predominantly among young Asian/mostly Japanese men. Great approach to addressing this difficult social/emotional/developmental issue.