Leiden University Student Repository

Tuinstra, Jeroen (2016)

Social Problems through Contemporary Culture: The Portrayal of Hikikomori in Japanese Anime

Master thesis | Asian Studies (120 EC) (MA)

In the recent decades Japan has experienced several social problems as the society is ajusting itself to the changing global climate. One of the main problems currently still persisting is the so-called hikikomori-state, in which young men and women seclude themselves in their homes and rooms, and refuse to interact with society. This thesis looks at this problem, which has been analysed on many fields through a new lens; how are these individuals and the problem as a whole portrayed through one of the most popular cultural export products of Japan; anime. This thesis will provide a comparison of scholarly research and an interpretation of two anime in particular: "No Game No Life" and "Welcome to the N.H.K.!"

Japan

Anime

Hikikomori

Social Problems

Author

Tuinstra, Jeroen

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Japan Studies

Supervisors

Smits, Ivo

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en