Social Withdrawal in Japan vs. the West: Hikikomori and Incels

Why are so many young men around the world choosing to withdraw from society? In Japan, they’re called hikikomori—reclusive individuals who shut themselves away, sometimes for years. In the West, we see a similar phenomenon with incels, men who feel rejected and isolated, often turning to online communities that reinforce their loneliness and anger.

In this video, we explore the cultural roots and psychological factors behind these two growing social crises. What makes a hikikomori in Japan different from an incel in America? How are they the same? And what does this tell us about modern life, masculinity, and the pressures facing young people everywhere?

This is a deep dive into the global epidemic of social withdrawal—one that crosses cultural boundaries and challenges how we think about connection, purpose, and belonging.