Discussion Questions 3 PDF

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Responses I wrote to questions pertaining to the assigned reading. ...

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What is a hikikomori? What is an otaku? How are they different? As the writing suggests, an otaku is considered to be “a geek or weirdo who is addicted to manga, fanzines and computers”. These addictions have also recently come to include Japanese video games, anime, and the like. A hikikomori is basically a hermit, a social recluse. The writing defines them as individuals “who encapsulate themselves at home for at least six months and who have no social contact outside their immediate family.” They have no economic status, and are not currently pursuing education, employment, or training (they are NEETs). While some hikikomori can be considered to be otaku, the reverse cannot be said for otaku. Otaku, while they may consume more manga than the average individual, and make it a significant part of their lives as a major hobby, these people can still be functioning members of society, as businessmen, college students, or part-time workers. Hikikomori, on the other hand, do not contribute to society via a job or pursuing an education. They are often financially sustained by a family member.

Do you think hikikomori and otaku are unique to Japanese society? Can they be found elsewhere? Explain your opinion. Support it with evidence. I believe while some aspects of hikikomori and otaku can be unique to Japanese society (like the reasons why hikikomori become such), their natures as social recluses and “addicted” fans (respectively) can be compared to those of other cultures. In the US, for instance, the rising number of jobs that can be done remotely, over a computer, has changed the lifestyles of certain individuals. Well-known artists can create their work from home and sell it online, seldom leaving their home. Individuals like these could easily become social recluses, though I believe it’s not as prevalent and problematic as in Japan. Comic book nerds are also considered to be the American equivalent to otaku. They often spend most of their free time collecting and reading comic books and comic book memorabilia pertaining to their favorite characters, much like otaku with anime merch and manga volumes. Popular US media also portrays these individuals, like otaku seen in manga and anime. The Big Bang Theory, a situational comedy about intelligent scientists who are socially awkward and obsessed with comics, is one such popular portrayal (though, it’s not very realistic and relies on outdated stereotypes).

What are common stereotypes for hikikomori and otaku? How are they supported in anime and manga? How are they redefined in anime and manga? Give examples. Hikikomori and otaku are often vilified in the news or by older individuals as murderers and detriments to society. The few cases of mass murderers that have been labeled as otaku have been used by these sources to suggests that otaku and/or hikikomori are violent individuals, when truly being an otaku is not what propelled these individuals to kill. Anime and manga often sell these individuals as heroes, often being prodigies who prefer to keep to themselves. The character L from Death Note, for instance, was an investigator hunting down a notorious killer, and often had food brought to him to his room, where he spent days consuming media and research that helped him solve murders. There is also Welcome to the NHK and Meteru no Kimochi from the writings. They both portray our characters as socially awkward individuals, pushed towards a reclusive lifestyle because of traumatic events, like the death of a loved

one. They insinuate that patience and slow recovery are key in helping these individuals become active members of society.

How does this redefining of hikikomori reflect changes in Japanese society? Some individuals believe, like Ishikawa Ryoko, that “hikikomori is not a condition of illness, but rather a long term and radical process of self-seeking”. The aforementioned manga (NHK and Meteru) seem to portray hikikomori in the same light. Rather than a hindrance to society, it seems now that hikikomori are viewed as products of increasing social pressures to become lifetime employees, (businessmen who start at a company and work their way up for the rest of their lives), or marry and have kids. Because of this view, greater efforts have been placed on reintegrating these individuals into society, through “rental sister” programs, therapy, and support groups. Because of this approach, it might suggest that Japanese social norms of dedication to business for men, and homemaking for women, are shifting towards gender equality, and a social acceptance of individuals who chose less traditional career paths, like holding down different part-time jobs, working from home, etc.

What are the differences between male and female hikikomori? In your opinion, do female hikikomori exist? Why do you think female hikikomori are often overlooked? According to the reading, male hikikomori are pressured to become businessmen, marry and have children. The writing suggest that they face greater pressure than female hikikomori, or at least that the media surrounding hikikomori makes it appear so. But, female hikikomori are faced with a phenomenon that males are not, simultaneous pressure to be successful business women, and then wives and mothers. As the writing suggests, even if a woman succeeds in business, she will still be expected to ultimately take a husband and become a housewife. They may be overlooked over male hikikomori for several reasons: there are 2 times as many male hikikomori as female, women are associated with the home, social stigma about women’s lower status might also affect how society defines these female hikikomori. For example, a female hikikomori living with her mother might not be considered as such....