In Japan, the term hikikomori (literally, pulling inward or being confined) refers to the phenomenon of reclusive teenagers and adults who cut themselves off from the outside world and enter periods of prolonged isolation. Often regarded as "acute social withdrawal", the situation has caught the notice of municipalities across Japan, who are trying to implement ways to help aide social recluses and extreme shut-ins in terms of adjusting to the outside world. A 2016 Japanese government report estimates that 540,000 people between ages 15 and 39 have completely severed tied with the outside world outside of addressing small chores, the Japan Times reports.

In the following video, YouTube documentary channel RTD travels to Japan to speak with not only experts and support doctors on the epidemic, but hikikomori themselves, to explore what leads to so many Japanese people falling into such depression. "Smothering mothers, bullying at school, social pressure and expectations...." are cited as primary reasons "that push some Japanese into self-imposed confinement", but concerns for each individual's support rises as time goes on.

Take some time out of your day to watch an intimate look at hikikomori in Japan, and hear their stories.