Hikikomori describes individuals in Japan who isolate themselves from society for extended periods, often staying in their rooms and using the internet or video games as their primary form of social interaction. This condition often affects adolescents and young adults overwhelmed by societal expectations and school stress.

According to a 2023 survey by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, there are about 1.46 million people in Japan considered hikikomori, including one-third who are over 40 years old. A 2022 survey by the Ministry of Education found that about 2.3% of students in Japan, approximately 244,940 students, do not attend school regularly. Many of these students are hikikomori, often due to bullying and school stress, leading them to avoid negative social interactions. Mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression also contribute to hikikomori behavior, while excessive technology use exacerbates the social isolation of youth. The Ministry of Education has identified about 33,000 students between the ages of 7 and 17 as hikikomori, many of whom do not attend school regularly due to social anxiety or a strong aversion to school.

The Three Cranes Association supports the Fukura-an project, which offers opportunities for children and adolescents in Japan suffering from hikikomori to come out of their withdrawal and meet other children and adolescents to talk, play, or simply spend time together. The goal is to gradually regain and rediscover social contact and interaction to help them reintegrate.

Fukura-an is located in a small fishing village, 60 km from Tokyo. The house is situated on a hill, surrounded by large trees and small shrines, offering a wide view of the sea and Mount Fuji. It features a 300-year-old thatched roof (茅葺の屋根) and offers plenty of outdoor space, including a small pool that can be used in the summer.

In the Fukura-an project, the program is discussed in advance with caregivers, and various activities are offered according to the needs of the children and adolescents. These range from sports and crafts to group games and cooking. Lunch is prepared together using seasonal products from the region.

A central concern of the Fukura-an project is to provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to exchange problems and solutions with other adults in similar situations and build a network to support each other.

Fukura-an provides a safe space for children and adolescents with hikikomori to develop trust and social skills while rediscovering motivation, joy, and hope through direct social contact with others.

Hikikomori describes individuals in Japan who isolate themselves from society for extended periods, often staying in their rooms and using the internet or video games as their primary form of social interaction. This condition often affects adolescents and young adults overwhelmed by societal expectations and school stress.

According to a 2023 survey by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, there are about 1.46 million people in Japan considered hikikomori, including one-third who are over 40 years old. A 2022 survey by the Ministry of Education found that about 2.3% of students in Japan, approximately 244,940 students, do not attend school regularly. Many of these students are hikikomori, often due to bullying and school stress, leading them to avoid negative social interactions. Mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression also contribute to hikikomori behavior, while excessive technology use exacerbates the social isolation of youth. The Ministry of Education has identified about 33,000 students between the ages of 7 and 17 as hikikomori, many of whom do not attend school regularly due to social anxiety or a strong aversion to school.

The Three Cranes Association supports the Fukura-an project, which offers opportunities for children and adolescents in Japan suffering from hikikomori to come out of their withdrawal and meet other children and adolescents to talk, play, or simply spend time together. The goal is to gradually regain and rediscover social contact and interaction to help them reintegrate.

Fukura-an is located in a small fishing village, 60 km from Tokyo. The house is situated on a hill, surrounded by large trees and small shrines, offering a wide view of the sea and Mount Fuji. It features a 300-year-old thatched roof (茅葺の屋根) and offers plenty of outdoor space, including a small pool that can be used in the summer.

In the Fukura-an project, the program is discussed in advance with caregivers, and various activities are offered according to the needs of the children and adolescents. These range from sports and crafts to group games and cooking. Lunch is prepared together using seasonal products from the region.

A central concern of the Fukura-an project is to provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to exchange problems and solutions with other adults in similar situations and build a network to support each other.

Fukura-an provides a safe space for children and adolescents with hikikomori to develop trust and social skills while rediscovering motivation, joy, and hope through direct social contact with others.