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As far as I remember, the term "Net-cafe Refugee" was already common in early 2000s, but I feel that Japan hasn't done much to reduce the number of them (in a g

by euske 12y ago

As far as I remember, the term "Net-cafe Refugee" was already common in early 2000s, but I feel that Japan hasn't done much to reduce the number of them (in a good way). And we were too busy paying attention to more sensational things. As a Japanese citizen, I welcome these reports. It's repeatedly shown that we have no self-correction ability, and I think being exposed and embarrassed in front of the world is one of few effective ways to change this society. We need more of this.

busterarm 12y ago
Forgive me if I'm simply being ignorant in my questioning here. As a foreigner with interest in your country but an obviously limited perspective, I have noticed what seems to be a growing trend there in willingness to publicly challenge traditions and institutions and to draw attention to societal problems. This strikes me as being very "unjapanese". While I can see evidence of it going back to the '50s, it seems to be an attitude that has become much more common in the last 10 years or so. Am I totally misunderstanding this, and if not, do you have a positive outlook on some large cultural shift fixing many of these problems in the near-future? "Revolution happens in the mind" and all... As a side note, from the little bit that I've seen, the amount of attention that the hikikomori phenomenon has received seems to have resulted in some positive steps to dealing with mental health issues like that and it looks like Japan is ahead of other countries that have and don't admit to the same problem.
- gkanai 12y ago
  There were arguably more challenges to traditions and institutions in decades past than in today's Japan. Student anti-war riots in the late 60s, etc. Today there are limited protests, especially strong after Fukushima, but none as strong as what happened in 1969.
  - busterarm 12y ago
    Hmm, a very good point and counterargument. I've come across this once or twice before but I realize I know frustratingly little about the student protests there in '69. Thanks @gen! (Been to your blog before for motorcycle reasons. Big fan!)

by euske 12y ago

busterarm 12y ago

Forgive me if I'm simply being ignorant in my questioning here. As a foreigner with interest in your country but an obviously limited perspective, I have noticed what seems to be a growing trend there in willingness to publicly challenge traditions and institutions and to draw attention to societal problems. This strikes me as being very "unjapanese". While I can see evidence of it going back to the '50s, it seems to be an attitude that has become much more common in the last 10 years or so. Am I totally misunderstanding this, and if not, do you have a positive outlook on some large cultural shift fixing many of these problems in the near-future? "Revolution happens in the mind" and all... As a side note, from the little bit that I've seen, the amount of attention that the hikikomori phenomenon has received seems to have resulted in some positive steps to dealing with mental health issues like that and it looks like Japan is ahead of other countries that have and don't admit to the same problem.

gkanai 12y ago
There were arguably more challenges to traditions and institutions in decades past than in today's Japan. Student anti-war riots in the late 60s, etc. Today there are limited protests, especially strong after Fukushima, but none as strong as what happened in 1969.
- busterarm 12y ago
  Hmm, a very good point and counterargument. I've come across this once or twice before but I realize I know frustratingly little about the student protests there in '69. Thanks @gen! (Been to your blog before for motorcycle reasons. Big fan!)