FEATURE: Japan's "hikikomori" finding voice through self-determination

Japan is home to some 1.5 million "hikikomori," the Japanese term for individuals who withdraw from society and self-isolate, often in their elderly parents' homes.A new quarterly Japanese magazine, called "SHIP!" -- planned, edited and published by people who have experience either as or with hikikomori -- was launched in April. The publication seeks to shake up society to allow social recluses to live happily, by giving voice to those who have previously suffered in silence.The national government, meanwhile, has also established new support guidelines that emphasize the "autonomy" of hik…READ FULL ARTICLE