Shutting Out the Sun: How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation by Michael Zielenziger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book touched on nearly every Japanese socio-cultural ill that has plagued my mind since I began living here . Scathing in every dimension, often backed by insightful research and careful observations, the author paints a truer picture of Japan than most books. While much of the book delves into the Hikikomori phenomenon (shut ins, those who seclude themselves from society for a variety of reasons), many elements of social interaction in modern Japanese life are discussed. It makes for an enthralling read, even frightening in its portrayal of the levels of dysfunction that follow each Japanese person from the cradle to the grave.
One of the more interesting points made, and one central to its thesis, is the idea of “social trust”. Essentially, Zielenziger argues that because of Japan’s rather agnostic sense of spirituality(Shinto with accents of Buddhism), modern Japanese are extremely hesitant to reach out to “the other”; whether that be those in different social circles or the neighbor next door. This isolating pattern is seen everywhere, from the groups that are formed in school, to the workplace, and the family. Breaking free of these imposed group relationships is nearly impossible to do, and dangerous for those who try.
Most of these “shut-ins” who stay locked in their rooms sometimes for several decades, find this psychic break from the group to be the root of their troubles. Many of these Hikikomori stories begin with the person being dubbed an outcast in their schooling days, bullied for being different. Although such ostracism exists in all societies, in many other cultures the young person finds a way to prevail, remaining eccentric, and develop into interesting, creative adults. (albeit with some mental scars) However, the chains of group dynamics in Japan are just too strong to overcome and those who try to break free are rejected by society as a whole. It is a sad state of affairs and leads one to question how many interesting, eclectic, creative individuals are locked away in Japan’s back closets.
Altogether this is a fascinating book that gets to the heart of many issues. If read in conjunction with Alex Kerr’s Dogs and Demons, those interested in modern Japanese society without wearing rose-tinted glasses can obtain a truer picture of this complicated nation.