Linking to a past Trope Repair Shop thread that dealt with this page: Universal Concept, Non-Universal Description
, started by Worldmaker on Apr 5th 2011 at 5:18:34 PM
Previous Trope Repair Shop thread: Misused, started by ALibrarianofBabel on Apr 20th 2012 at 3:54:42 PM
The trope name should probably be changed. Just because theres a Japanese word for it doesn't mean that should be the trope name, especially if it's not a mostly anime/manga-exclusive trope. We're not all japanese, japanophiles or otherwise familiar with Japanese colloquialisms and words, so the trope name is unintuitive, and it's not as omnipresent as terms like Tsundere to be justified in this case.
Something like "Extreme Shut-In" could work. If you want something a bit more flowery, "Self-Imposed House Arrest" or "Social Hibernator" could make for an interesting trope name while still getting the point across instantaneously.
You can't escape this monster
Can we change the picture with Hikikomori/Hidabat from "Yo-kai Watch" since his name is literally this trope?
I'm mainly a fan of underrated media. Hide / Show Replies
To change the image you start a thread in the Image Pickin forum
Working on cleaning up List of Shows That Need Summary
I tried to start one but let's see if it will be open. Thanks for help, anyway
I'm mainly a fan of underrated media.
Not trying to troll or anyting but this sounds more like an excuse to be an internet based shut-in than a disease.
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Well, it could be that, but of course there are some people who are extremely uncomfortable around others and therefore are happiest being inside and/or alone.
No.
I can't say I know anything really about Japanese cultural pressure. But it isn't some stupid excuse to sit on your ass and fap all day. Generally one in this situation goes to the internet as a vital source of much needed social interaction. Granted it can become an enabler. But it isn't the initial excuse unless the person or character in question is a huge lazy bastard. HUGE.
It isn't a "disease" either. It's more like a disorder.
And I wouldn't put it as "happier alone." I'd phrase it as "less mortally terrified."
This disorder is real High Octane Nightmare Fuel, I think.
He who has a why to live can bear almost any how -Neitzsche (I know)
While it could certainly be used as an excuse, there can be far more to it than that. I used to be terrified of other people, so much so that I quit going to a public high school and continued my studies at home. When I'd end up in crowds, my palms would get clammy, I couldn't breathe right, my pulse would sky rocket, and I'd get the worst vertigo. Talking to people I didn't know well made me feel like passing out, but at the same time, I wished I could, because I was so pitifully lonely. It sounds stupid, right? Like I should just get over and talk to people then, go out and live my life? The only problem was that I physically couldn't, not without feeling like most people would when they're experiencing extreme terror.
I got better, yeah, but it's still something that changed my life deeply.
Sorry to revive an old conversation, but functionally this really seems to be just a cultural variant on agoraphobic behavior(such as how depression takes a different form depending on where you live). I would actually move to rename the primary Trope page to Agoraphobia/ic or Shut In. Hikikomori is a very specific "trend" in one place, while either of the other terms is more inclusive and not culturally-locked.
The page should also be more inclusive and describe Agoraphobia and the behaviors often linked. The hikikomori-specific parts should be pared down a bit, but can probably remain as a culture-specific note.
Edited by IMpish
The Infinitely Curious
I wish we all had a Misaki-chan or a Laugh Maker in our lives, huh?
"Hell exists not to punish sinners, but to ensure that nobody sins in the first place." - Eikishiki Yamaxanadu (Touhou)
{{Planescape}} Hijack
Moved some discussion from under the pokemon example:
- (Alternatively, Hahakomori is described as a supportive, parental Pokémon, meaning it could also be a reference to Stepford Smiler parents who enable hikikomori children.)
- Wow. Actually, you get Leavanny by being close. You're convincing it to come out of its shell with love and friendship.
For reference, I want to add ONE from One-Punch Man here, but since we know so little about the guy, it's impossible to tell if he actually is a Hikikomori or he just hates the limelight. Since he technically works, it's hard to tell. Though his character Saitama IS a pseudo-Hikikomori. Again, it doesn't quite fit because Saitama does go out and work despite being an anti-social shut-in.
The real problem with the Trope might be the overly strict definition. Hikikomori refers to someone who stays voluntarily homebound except for maybe quick trips to get food and drink. It doesn't account for people who work at home or who work isolated jobs while keeping personal interactions to a minimum.
In these days of COVID, I feel like this phenomenon has probably grown as people isolate themselves away from society and work from home.
Edited by Thecommander236 Don't make me destroy you. @ Castle Series