Hikikomori : adolescence without end /

Readers fascinated by the social phenomenon of hikikomori (youths retreating into their homes for months or years to escape from society) will find Tamaki's (psychiatrist & director of medical services, Sofukai Sasaki Hosp., Funabashi, Japan; Beautiful Fighting Girl) book entertaining and the case studies engaging. However, characterizing hikikomori from a psychiatric perspective proves difficult ,and Tamaki describes the problem vaguely; aside from their youth, it is unclear how hikikomori differ from other socially anxious recluses. Originally intended for a Japanese audience, this volume pays understandably little attention to the cultural differences between Americans and Japanese. Similarly, the proposed treatments discussed in the latter half of the book are written with Japanese families in mind. Translator Angles's notes minimally assist English readers, but describing more of the traditional Japanese family structure and education system would have put the social problem in greater context. Verdict Though geared toward Japanese readers, this study should inspire further research in the area of social withdrawal; psychologists will enjoy learning about a phenomenon largely unknown in the United States. Fans and students of Japanese culture will appreciate this insight into Japan's hidden youth.-Chrissy Spallone, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Lib. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.