I don’t like when people say the following about Japan, though I get the meaning sometimes.

Japanese are not comfortable in social situations they are not familiar with.

Who is for that matter? But, the Japanese as a rule see more so out of place.

It comes with thousands of years of isolation, being an island country and removed from interaction with peoples of other countries….maybe.

Since 2002, someone in Japan has been taking a survey of the age of the socially withdrawn in the country. This year, the University of Tokushima.

The average age of people who isolate themselves socially in Japan has climbed to 30.12. Males 30.35, females 28.87. Ages ranged from 13 to 52.

In 2002, the average age was 26.6, 2006, 29.6. Last year, over 30. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s pretty much the same group of people and they are just getting older.

The average time members of the group (total number unknown) isolated themselves from society - 8.95 years. The survey results were based on responses from 331 people.

So, what about this shimaguni - island country mentality? That seems like a topic worth delving in to.

what do you think?