Horiguchi: Towards a Renewed Sense of Sociality

Special Issue: Pandemic Asia. 2020 July.
The Asia-Pacific Journal | Japan Focus Volume 18 | Issue 14 | Number 14 | Article ID 5419 | Jul 11, 2020
Mit freundlicher Erlaubnis von Japan Focus. 


Towards a Renewed Sense of Sociality in the Pandemic Age

Horiguchi, Sachiko

Abstract:
This short essay is a personal reflection by a socio-cultural/medical anthropologist of Japan with a long-standing research interest in hikikomori (social withdrawal). I re-examine the notions and the roles of so-called “experts.” Then, I will situate the “new normal” under the pandemic in relation to definitions of hikikomori. I conclude by sharing my hopes for a renewed sense of sociality in and beyond the pandemic age.

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