Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Loneliness is becoming one of the most serious social issues in Japan. Nearly 40% of people in Japan report feeling lonely, and over 1 million individuals live in severe social isolation, known as hikikomori. Among the elderly, kodokushi—dying alone without anyone noticing—continues to rise, with over 22,000 cases reported in just the first three months of 2024.
So, we hit the streets of Tokyo to better understand what loneliness looks like in Japan today.
If you're based in Asia and interested in becoming a freelance reporter or videographer, use this form to apply: tinyurl.com/3w67nev3
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this video do not represent that of Asian Boss or the general Japanese public.
00:00 How often do you feel lonely?
05:03 How do you usually deal with loneliness?
08:23 What is “tatemae,” and when do people use it?
10:35 Do you feel pressured, as a man, to stay silent and act tough?
12:25 How do you think social media affects feelings of loneliness?
16:15 What do you think can be done to reduce loneliness in Japanese society?
Follow us on social media:
TikTok ► tiktok.com/@asianbossmedia
Instagram ► instagram.com/asianbossmedia
Facebook ► facebook.com/asianboss
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Loneliness is becoming one of the most serious social issues in Japan. Nearly 40% of people in Japan report feeling lonely, and over 1 million individuals live in severe social isolation, known as hikikomori. Among the elderly, kodokushi—dying alone without anyone noticing—continues to rise, with over 22,000 cases reported in just the first three months of 2024.
So, we hit the streets of Tokyo to better understand what loneliness looks like in Japan today.
If you're based in Asia and interested in becoming a freelance reporter or videographer, use this form to apply: tinyurl.com/3w67nev3
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this video do not represent that of Asian Boss or the general Japanese public.
00:00 How often do you feel lonely?
05:03 How do you usually deal with loneliness?
08:23 What is “tatemae,” and when do people use it?
10:35 Do you feel pressured, as a man, to stay silent and act tough?
12:25 How do you think social media affects feelings of loneliness?
16:15 What do you think can be done to reduce loneliness in Japanese society?
Follow us on social media:
TikTok ► tiktok.com/@asianbossmedia
Instagram ► instagram.com/asianbossmedia
Facebook ► facebook.com/asianboss
X ► https://x.com/asianbossmedia
