What is "hikikomori"

n. 1 (context uncountable English) The phenomenon whereby an individual becomes a recluse from society, typically confine him- or herself to the house or a single room for a very long period. 2 (context countable English) A reclusive person of this kind.

is a Japanese term to refer to the phenomenon of reclusive adolescents or adults who withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of isolation and confinement. The term hikikomori refers to both the sociological phenomenon in general and the people belonging to this societal group. Hikikomori have been described as recluses, loners, or "modern-day hermits."