Last November, the World Health Organisation declared loneliness a ‘Global Public Health Concern’. Meanwhile, Gen Zs are emerging as the loneliest generation ever.

Japan has a reputation as a lonely country, but here, there are more lonely people in their 20s and 30s than any other age group. An extreme expression of loneliness are the infamous “hikikomoris” – shutins who have isolated themselves from society. More join their ranks each year.

But apart from this group, there are millions of other youths who experience alienation and loneliness. And with it comes a slew of social ills – from greater rates of depression, to falling marriage rates, to lower productivity. Social anxiety, the suffocating rat race and cultural stigma Insight explores what is driving solitude in the Land of the Rising Sun.

00:00 Introduction
01:20 How loneliness is growing in Japan.
06:59 Why rigid Japanese society is at the root of loneliness.
11:22 Japan’s “Department of Loneliness”?
14:15 How does Japan’s work culture lead to loneliness?
19:22 Life gets in the way of companionship.
22:59 The cost of loneliness
27:31 Hikikomori, the growing trend of social reclusiveness.
33:46 Why are Japanese youth returning to rural life?
38:04 Is community building the answer to loneliness?
43:26 Modern society may be driving up loneliness.

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ABOUT THE SHOW: Insight investigates and analyses topical issues that impact Asia and the rest of the world.
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