Beyond the doorstep

2026-07-22

Among youngsters, in particular teenagers, in Japan and in recent times also in Western countries, we assist an increasing number of people who voluntarily decide to withdraw from society, cutting their relationships and social interests, a phenomenon known internationally as Hikikomori (from the Japanese “self-isolation”). The analysis on needs and level of awareness of the phenomenon among countries highlighted various issues, from a lack of reseach to a misleading representation on media, which often flatten the phenomenon to a mere addiction to internet and videogames. “Beyond the doorstep” intends to raise awareness and work on prevention on the topic of Hikikomori in the 4 countries involved (IT, TR, AL, BA). Through non formal methods in international workshops, local labs in schools and local Training of Trainers with educators, teachers, youth workers, the Consortium aims to work on prevention and awareness raising and on the correct representation and narrative of Hikikomori. Stakeholders, associations and institutions working on the topic will enrich the discussion and bring real cases and practices, which will be collected in an open access Toolkit and an OER traslated in all languages. Specifically, the partnership will work towards the following objectives: - Raising awareness on the phenomenon of Hikikomori among youngsters, families, youth associations, schools and institutions, conveying a correct narrative of the phenomenon, its possible causes and dynamics; - Training youth workers, educators and teachers to work on prevention and identify the signals of social withdrawal, providing with knowledge, techniques and materials for their local action; - Creating a network at local and international level to foster the recognition of Hikikomori and its integration among local and national priorities; - Contributing to the implementation of EU Youth Strategy and Youth goals, and supporting the development of youth work, especially in partner countries.

Italy, Albania, Türkiye, Bosnia and Herzegovina

2025-12-15