1. Introduction
Loneliness is a feeling that can affect anyone, regardless of nationality or culture. However, it has been found that loneliness is especially common among Japanese people. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Japanese people feel lonely and the strategies they can use to help combat this issue.
2. Japanese Culture and Social Interactions
Japan is known for its strong cultural norms, which can often lead to a lack of meaningful social interaction. The concept of “honne” (true feelings) and “tatemae” (public face) plays a large role in how individuals interact with one another in Japan. Honne refers to an individual’s true feelings and desires, while tatemae is what one expresses publicly in order to fit into society. This leads to many individuals feeling that they must hide their true emotions from others in order to fit in and be accepted by society.
3. Loneliness in Japan: Statistics
The number of Japanese people who report feeling lonely has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, over 40 percent of Japanese people aged 25-44 reported feeling lonely at least once a week in 2019. This is an increase from 30 percent reported in 2013 and 20 percent reported in 2003.
4. Causes of Loneliness in Japan
There are many factors that contribute to loneliness among Japanese people, including cultural norms, technology and mental health issues.
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- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
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Cultural Norms: As mentioned before, the concept of honne/tatemae plays an important role when it comes to social interaction in Japan. This pressure to conform can lead many individuals to feel isolated and lonely as they feel they must hide their true selves from others around them in order to fit into society’s expectations.
Technology: Technology has become increasingly prevalent in Japan over the past few decades, leading some individuals to rely heavily on virtual relationships as opposed to real-life ones due to convenience or fear of rejection or judgment from others around them. This reliance on technology for social interaction can lead individuals down a path towards greater isolation and loneliness as virtual relationships do not provide the same level of emotional support as real-life ones do.
Mental Health Issues: Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety can also contribute significantly towards feelings of loneliness among Japanese people due to difficulty forming meaningful connections with others around them or difficulty expressing themselves openly without fear of judgment or rejection from others due to stigma surrounding mental health issues within society at large.
5 Impact of Technology on Social Interaction in Japan
Technology has had both positive and negative impacts on social interactions within Japan over the years with more positives than negatives overall due its convenience factor when it comes connecting with friends and family members who may live far away or are busy with work/school commitments making it difficult for them meet up physically often times.On one hand technology such as text messaging,video calling,online gaming etc have made it easier than ever before for individuals connect with each other no matter where they are located geographically.On the other hand however,some studies have suggested that heavy reliance on technology for social interactions could potentially lead greater feelings isolation & loneliness.
6 Mental Health Issues Related To Loneliness In Japan
Mental health issues such as depression & anxiety are closely linked with feelings loneliness & isolation.These mental health issues can make it difficult for individuals form meaningful connections with others due their difficulty expressing themselves openly without fear judgement or rejection from those around them due stigma surrounding mental health issues within society at large.Furthermore,these mental health conditions can also make it difficult for those affected maintain existing relationships leading further feelings isolation & loneliness.
7 Strategies To Combat Loneliness In Japan
Fortunately there are several strategies which those suffering from loneliness & isolation can use help combat these issues.These strategies include : seeking professional help if needed,reaching out family & friends even if just talk about how you’re feeling,engaging hobbies & activities which bring joy & purpose into your life,joining community groups related interests which allow you interact with like minded people etc.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,there are multiple factors which contribute towards high levels loneliness among Japanese people including cultural norms,technology & mental health issues.Fortunately however there are various strategies which those suffering from loneliness & isolation can use combat these issues such as seeking professional help if needed,reaching out family & friends even if just talk about how you’re feeling etc.
9 Sources/References
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National Institute Of Population And Social Security Research (2019). Survey On The Feeling Of Loneliness Among People Aged 25–44 [Data File]. Retrieved From https://www8.cao.gojp/survey/houkoku/data_list/pdf/youth_lonely_2019_summary_en_ver1_0_web_.pdf
Kato K., Yamazaki M., Uchida S., et al (2020). Mental Health Consequences Of Living With An Invisible Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study Of Individuals With Chronic Pain In Japan [Data File]. Retrieved From https://wwwpubmedcentralncbinlmnihgov/pmc/articles/PMC7356061/#__ffn_sectitle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBRm18jIsVE
Is loneliness common in Japan?
The survey found that 39.5 percent of men and 35.1 percent of women are experiencing loneliness. Of the respondents feeling lonely, people in their 20s made up the largest group, at 42.7 percent, followed by those in their 30s, at 41.6 percent, those in their 40s, at 40.5 percent, those in their 50s, at 38.4 percent, and those in their 60s or over, at 23.7 percent.Mar 19, 2022
What is the Japanese concept of loneliness?
Kodokushi (北京死) or lonely death refers to the phenomenon in which Japanese people die alone and go undetected for a long time. This phenomenon was first described in the 1980s. Kodokushi has become a growing problem in Japan due to economic problems and the countrys growing elderly population.
Why are Japanese people so isolated?
The high incidence of loneliness and social isolation in Japan is the price of discipline given to a society that tends to prioritize individual responsibility to others and society over ones own rights.
Who feels the most lonely?
Young people feel lonely The loneliness test conducted by the BBC on 55000 people found that people aged 16-24 were the most likely to feel lonely. April 29 2022
Is depression common in Japan?
Previous research has shown that the prevalence of major depressive disorder in eastern Japan is lower than in the western United States.
Do Japanese people shy?
However the Japanese are not said to be very fearful. Being calm and quiet has been considered a virtue in Japan since samurai times so Japanese people show less friendliness especially when talking to foreigners.
