Reminds me of Bartleby the Scriviner. I'd guess that the widespread "major depression" aspect may be based in an acute perception (may or not be accurate or ac

Reminds me of Bartleby the Scriviner. I'd guess that the widespread "major depression" aspect may be based in an acute perception (may or not be accurate or accurately portrayed) of what life is like for many Nippon men. Thankless and sweatshop-like work, heavy drinking, the high value of socialization and lack of individuation. Not a surprise, then if "most men lead lives of quiet desperation" as they did when Thoreau recognized the fact. If this is happening to young teens (sad) maybe they cannot see a "road less travelled". Homogenization of options is not good for everyone's mental health.