Support Policies for Vulnerable Young adults in Japan: A Focus on NEETs and Hikikomori

Abstract

This article surveys policy measures taken in Japan for socially vulnerable youth, with special reference to two key support projects that the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has embarked on targeting “hikikomori” and community youth. These projects shift away from transitional employment-focused approaches to the youth problem to customized support aimed at recovery and independent living, delivering a wide range of services through the network of responsible agencies, local governments, and private-sector organizations. However, they face challenges that stem from the absence of a connection between the support for hikikomori and that for NEET youth. We draw from these findings implications for developing a comprehensive welfare policy scheme for socially vulnerable youth in Korea.