QUO VADIS? JAPANESE YOUTH AND THE BURDEN OF LIVING
QUO VADIS? JAPANESE YOUTH AND THE BURDEN OF LIVING

Summary/Abstract: The present paper attempts to shed light on some of the causes of Japanese youth’s social anxiety, or ikizurasa, which is a recurrent theme when discussing social phenomena such as hikikomori (social withdrawal), NEETs, futoko (refusal to attend school) and so on. The author argues that Japan’s transition from an industrial economy towards a service-centered economy by juxtaposing new values upon traditional cultural practices to protect its elites has led to the marginalization and pauperization of a considerable portion of the society, and has deepened the sense of alienation and pessimism of the younger generation.

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