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The youth in Japan has been experiencing mental health struggles due to academic pressure, social norms, bullying, and a lack of independence. Moreover, Japan also faces a concerning trend with increasing suicide rates among those under 20. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health in Japan and a cultural reluctance to seek help only exacerbate the problem. "
"In
Japan, children are generally encouraged to excel in school, but the resulting pressure is taking a toll on their
emotional well-being. Despite having a below-average
poverty rate and one of the strongest economies in the world, Japanese children suffer from low self-confidence, with education experts attributing this to
bullying and intense competition to enter college.
Many children lack independence because their parents discourage them from engaging in playful activities due to academic pressure to perform well in school. For example, in
Japan, parents often accompany their 18-year-old children to college due to concerns about safety and
well-being. This might be one of the reasons why 90% of 15-year-old children in
the Netherlands rated their life satisfaction as 6 out of 10 or higher, while only 62% of
Japanese children scored similarly (Hori T, 2022).
Like many other developed countries and high-income societies,
Japan has also experienced social withdrawal among its youth. The term ‘hikikomori’ is used to describe individuals who prioritize virtual worlds over real life and remain confined to their homes for prolonged periods. Psychologists believe that youth social withdrawal is often linked to insecure attachment, which suggests that these youths may not have felt secure during their early years. While parental support is essential for a secure attachment, excessive protection can limit children’s autonomy."
