From what I heard, the problems with Hikikomori often start in late teenage years. At first the person closes the room doors and refuses to leave. I guess this is the diverge point between Japan and western societies. I in the west no sane parent would allow child to stay in their room without leaving for a week. Be it breaking the doors but no way, I would allow my children's to do that. In Japan looks like the parents allow it, and what's worse it can continue for years. One thing that I learned is that the faster psychological problem is addressed the better. Otherwise something quite small can snowball into life damaging persistent disorder.<p>The other thing that I heard is prevalence of bullying in Japan, not only in school but in work live too. I was never in Japan so I cannot verify these claims. But in one book I read that this is the cause for most of the hikikomori cases, bullying either by their classmates or by their coworkers in early 20s.<p>As for this guy, he get a free marketing from this article, so I hope his game will sell well for the time being. But I hope he will try therapy, as I don't see how this could work in the long term...