Forced hikikomori.

"Japan faces a daunting demographic challenge," as "In a nation of 123.9 million, a mere 727,277 births were recorded last year," with a fertility rate "now standing at 1.20, down from 1.26." TOI. "In 2023, the country recorded 1.57 million deaths, according to the Health Ministry - more than double the number of births." And, "The number of marriages fell by 30,000 last year, while the number of divorces rose." The government has launched "initiatives such as expanding child care facilities, offering housing subsidies to parents, and in some towns, even paying couples to have children." The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced an AI-based matchmaking app. CNN. "China's population fell for a second consecutive year in 2023," as "The National Bureau of Statistics said the total number of people in China dropped by 2.08 million, or 0.15%, to 1,409 billion in 2023." The birth rate was at a record low of 6.39 births per 1,000 people, while "Japan's birth rate was 6.3 per 1,000 people in 2022, while South Korea's rate was 4.9." Reuters. 'Hikikomori' is "a Japanese term for people who cut themselves off from society, sometimes for months or years - often Gen Z and Millennials in the prime of their youth. The phenomenon first emerged in Asia, and is particularly well-documented in Japan - but similar stories are surfacing in other parts of the world including the United States, Spain and France." "It's not clear how many hikikomori there are worldwide, but more than 1.5 million are estimated to live in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea." CNN. In India, the massive rise in the number of tourists in the Himalayas is causing traffic jams. "The region's delicate ecosystem is under threat due to increased pollution and waste management challenges as heaps of plastic garbage can be seen at every nook and corner of all the hill stations. We are aware that even organic waste cannot be recycled naturally due to weather conditions." Ten million pilgrims visited the holy temple of Kedarnath on 10 May. "This surge led not only to severe logistical strain but also raised raised health and safety concerns." News18. India's "Real GDP has been estimated to grow by 8.2% in FY 2023-24 as compared to the growth rate of 7.0% in FY2022-23." pib.gov.in. "Over half of India's 1.4 billion people are aged under 30, according to government health figures." "The International Labour Organization estimates 29% of India's young university graduates were unemployed in 2022. The rate is nearly nine times higher than for those without a diploma, who typically find work in low-paid service or construction jobs." ET. "Unemployment is not a new story." "But in village unto village across Maharashtra's countryside, a supposedly prosperous state, unemployment and agrarian crisis are spurring a ravaging, if unacknowledged and far-reaching, social consequence. Educated and jobless men with family farms their only source of income are unable to find suitable brides for themselves," wrote Jaideep Hardikar. No jobs, no brides, ashamed of going to parties - the Indian version of hikikomori. The only difference is it is forced. So, no escape.