The number of people aged 15 to 64 who are “hikikomori,” or socially isolated, in Japan is estimated at 1.46 million, according to a government survey.
The survey was conducted in November by the Cabinet Office, targeting 30,000 people aged 10 to 69 nationwide.
Out of 13,769 respondents, more than 2 percent of people aged 15 to 64 said they have mostly stayed at home or only gone out for their hobbies for at least six months.
The percentage increased from previous surveys for both younger and older age groups.
The coronavirus pandemic seems to have contributed to the rise, as one in five people said it was a main reason for their social withdrawal.