Lesson: Pronounced Social Reclusiveness
According to a Japan Times article, there are about 613,000 hikikomori or recluses aged 40 to 64 living in Japan. Of that number, 76% are men, and more than 46% of all recluses in Japan have been that way for more than seven years. What the heck is going on? I enjoy a quiet day inside as much as the next person, but to spend seven years without going outside is a bit much. The Hikikomori phenomenon, or pronounced social reclusiveness as it’s called in English, is becoming well-known worldwide. It’s so recognized that the word is beginning to enter the English lexicon. Japan does not have a monopoly on recluses. Every culture has them. That’s why I included an article from the States too.
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Example Article
Each conversation topic is based on a theme. In order to help students acquire a basic understanding of that topic, four media articles are provided for them to read. I will never test you on the articles, but I strongly suggest you book lessons far enough in advance to give yourself enough time to properly prepare. The better prepared you are, the more benefit you will receive from our conversations.
Below is an example article for this conversation topic.