Hikikomori Not Just for Youth: Two-Thirds of Communication-Impaired Individuals Experience Social Withdrawal; Reality of Social Isolation Spreads to 40s-60s.
A survey by A-Link Inc. revealed that two-thirds of individuals who have experienced mobile phone service suspension also experienced social withdrawal ('hikikomori'), with this reality increasingly affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals in their 40s to 60s. The loss of communication means is suggested to be a factor deepening social isolation.
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- 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 11:00
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A-Link Inc. (Headquarters: Toshima-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Tsubasa Takahashi), which operates 'DareDemo Sumaho' to support the independence of individuals facing communication poverty, conducted a survey on the loss of communication means and social withdrawal among 367 individuals who have experienced their mobile phone service being suspended.
In recent years, social withdrawal, exemplified by the '8050 problem,' has been recognized as a societal issue that is not limited to young people but also affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. This survey revealed the reality that the loss of communication means and social withdrawal often occur concurrently.
40.1% Experienced 'Social Withdrawal' During Mobile Phone Suspension Period.
In modern society, mobile phones are becoming an indispensable infrastructure, extending beyond mere communication to include job searching activities and consultations with administrative services.
When asked, "Did the period when your mobile phone was suspended overlap with the period you were socially withdrawn?" 147 respondents (40.1%) answered "Yes (the periods overlapped)." Furthermore, regardless of whether the suspension period overlapped with the withdrawal period, a total of 67.6% (248 individuals) answered that they had experienced social withdrawal.
This result suggests a close relationship between the timing of losing communication means and the timing of becoming socially isolated. The loss of communication is thought to be a factor that physically and psychologically severs connections with others, deepening isolation.
Definitely Not Just 'Youth': The Reality of Isolation Across Age Groups, Experienced by the Majority in their 40s-60s.
While social withdrawal is generally perceived as an issue specific to young people, looking at the survey results by age group reveals a different reality.
When the "social withdrawal experience rate" was calculated by age group, it was confirmed that the majority of middle-aged and elderly individuals experienced social withdrawal: 64.6% in their 40s, 67.9% in their 50s, and 55.7% in their 60s.
'Losing Contact Information' as a Trigger for Isolation; Even Among Those Without Social Withdrawal Experience, 76.5% Reduced Outings and Social Interaction.
Even among those who answered "I have no experience of social withdrawal," 76.5% reduced their social connections, with 50.4% stating their outings and social interactions "greatly decreased" and 26.1% stating they "slightly decreased" during the mobile phone suspension period.
Free-response comments included the following:
- "I became mentally unwell because I couldn't contact anyone" (40s, Female)
- "Due to financial hardship, I hesitated to invite friends, lost opportunities to go out, and felt extremely lonely." (50s, Female)
- "In a state where I couldn't talk to anyone or even see anyone's face, I lost my appetite, and I was struggling, not knowing what to do." (60s, Male)
According to the Cabinet Office's "Basic Survey on People's Connections (Reiwa 6)," the proportion of people who answered that they "often" or "always" feel lonely is 4.3%. However, this figure jumps to approximately three times higher, 12.0%, when narrowed down to those who feel "very financially distressed."
As supported by the voices of those affected, losing one's mobile phone or experiencing financial hardship appears to be a factor that dampens people's willingness to go out and creates isolation.
Importance of 'Securing Communication Means' in Measures Against Social Withdrawal and Isolation.
The results of this survey have revealed the reality that the suspension of mobile phone service is not merely a "discontinuation of service" but a serious factor that deprives people of social connections and pushes them into a state of isolation.
The background of social withdrawal, which extends to middle-aged and elderly individuals, is suggested to be related to the "loss of communication" due to financial hardship. Losing a mobile phone can lead to being excluded from the social safety net.
'Securing Communication' to enable everyone to maintain social connections and prevent isolation is a crucial theme that cannot be overlooked in future measures against loneliness and isolation.
■ Survey Overview
Survey Period: May 29 - June 2, 2026
Survey Method: Questionnaire Survey
Survey Organization: DareDemo Sumaho Research Center
Valid Responses: 367
Survey Target: Men and women who have experienced their mobile phone service being suspended.
● Request for Credit Notation Upon Citation/Reprint
*When citing or reprinting this press release, please be sure to clearly indicate the credit.
(Example: "According to a survey conducted by DareDemo Sumaho Research Center...")
This survey revealed a tendency for social withdrawal periods to overlap with the loss of communication means among middle-aged and elderly individuals in their 40s to 60s. We consider this reality a challenge that must be addressed with sincerity.
We believe that securing communication infrastructure can serve as an important safety net not only for maintaining communication but also for preventing social isolation.
We will continue to strive to help individuals facing difficulties reconnect with society and contribute to the realization of a society where no one is easily isolated.
'DareDemo Sumaho,' offered by A-Link Inc., is a service that allows individuals who have difficulty contracting for a mobile phone due to past payment history or other reasons to sign up with identification documents. By employing a unique screening process, it quickly provides the lifeline of communication and prevents social isolation. To date, it has supported a cumulative total of 110,000 people, supporting the first step towards employment and social reintegration for many.
【 Company Profile 】
Company Name
A-Link Inc. (Main Service: DareDemo Sumaho)
Headquarters
NTT Shin-Ikebukuro Building 9F, 3-21-14 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Representative Director
Tsubasa Takahashi
Business Activities
1. Telecommunications Business
2. Leasing or sale of telecommunications equipment
3. Planning, development, sales, leasing, operation, and maintenance of communication devices and peripheral equipment
4. All business incidental and related to the preceding items
URL
https://www.a-sas.ne.jp/feature/
In recent years, social withdrawal, exemplified by the '8050 problem,' has been recognized as a societal issue that is not limited to young people but also affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. This survey revealed the reality that the loss of communication means and social withdrawal often occur concurrently.
40.1% Experienced 'Social Withdrawal' During Mobile Phone Suspension Period.
In modern society, mobile phones are becoming an indispensable infrastructure, extending beyond mere communication to include job searching activities and consultations with administrative services.
When asked, "Did the period when your mobile phone was suspended overlap with the period you were socially withdrawn?" 147 respondents (40.1%) answered "Yes (the periods overlapped)." Furthermore, regardless of whether the suspension period overlapped with the withdrawal period, a total of 67.6% (248 individuals) answered that they had experienced social withdrawal.
This result suggests a close relationship between the timing of losing communication means and the timing of becoming socially isolated. The loss of communication is thought to be a factor that physically and psychologically severs connections with others, deepening isolation.
Definitely Not Just 'Youth': The Reality of Isolation Across Age Groups, Experienced by the Majority in their 40s-60s.
While social withdrawal is generally perceived as an issue specific to young people, looking at the survey results by age group reveals a different reality.
When the "social withdrawal experience rate" was calculated by age group, it was confirmed that the majority of middle-aged and elderly individuals experienced social withdrawal: 64.6% in their 40s, 67.9% in their 50s, and 55.7% in their 60s.
'Losing Contact Information' as a Trigger for Isolation; Even Among Those Without Social Withdrawal Experience, 76.5% Reduced Outings and Social Interaction.
Even among those who answered "I have no experience of social withdrawal," 76.5% reduced their social connections, with 50.4% stating their outings and social interactions "greatly decreased" and 26.1% stating they "slightly decreased" during the mobile phone suspension period.
Free-response comments included the following:
- "I became mentally unwell because I couldn't contact anyone" (40s, Female)
- "Due to financial hardship, I hesitated to invite friends, lost opportunities to go out, and felt extremely lonely." (50s, Female)
- "In a state where I couldn't talk to anyone or even see anyone's face, I lost my appetite, and I was struggling, not knowing what to do." (60s, Male)
According to the Cabinet Office's "Basic Survey on People's Connections (Reiwa 6)," the proportion of people who answered that they "often" or "always" feel lonely is 4.3%. However, this figure jumps to approximately three times higher, 12.0%, when narrowed down to those who feel "very financially distressed."
As supported by the voices of those affected, losing one's mobile phone or experiencing financial hardship appears to be a factor that dampens people's willingness to go out and creates isolation.
Importance of 'Securing Communication Means' in Measures Against Social Withdrawal and Isolation.
The results of this survey have revealed the reality that the suspension of mobile phone service is not merely a "discontinuation of service" but a serious factor that deprives people of social connections and pushes them into a state of isolation.
The background of social withdrawal, which extends to middle-aged and elderly individuals, is suggested to be related to the "loss of communication" due to financial hardship. Losing a mobile phone can lead to being excluded from the social safety net.
'Securing Communication' to enable everyone to maintain social connections and prevent isolation is a crucial theme that cannot be overlooked in future measures against loneliness and isolation.
■ Survey Overview
Survey Period: May 29 - June 2, 2026
Survey Method: Questionnaire Survey
Survey Organization: DareDemo Sumaho Research Center
Valid Responses: 367
Survey Target: Men and women who have experienced their mobile phone service being suspended.
● Request for Credit Notation Upon Citation/Reprint
*When citing or reprinting this press release, please be sure to clearly indicate the credit.
(Example: "According to a survey conducted by DareDemo Sumaho Research Center...")
This survey revealed a tendency for social withdrawal periods to overlap with the loss of communication means among middle-aged and elderly individuals in their 40s to 60s. We consider this reality a challenge that must be addressed with sincerity.
We believe that securing communication infrastructure can serve as an important safety net not only for maintaining communication but also for preventing social isolation.
We will continue to strive to help individuals facing difficulties reconnect with society and contribute to the realization of a society where no one is easily isolated.
'DareDemo Sumaho,' offered by A-Link Inc., is a service that allows individuals who have difficulty contracting for a mobile phone due to past payment history or other reasons to sign up with identification documents. By employing a unique screening process, it quickly provides the lifeline of communication and prevents social isolation. To date, it has supported a cumulative total of 110,000 people, supporting the first step towards employment and social reintegration for many.
【 Company Profile 】
Company Name
A-Link Inc. (Main Service: DareDemo Sumaho)
Headquarters
NTT Shin-Ikebukuro Building 9F, 3-21-14 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
Representative Director
Tsubasa Takahashi
Business Activities
1. Telecommunications Business
2. Leasing or sale of telecommunications equipment
3. Planning, development, sales, leasing, operation, and maintenance of communication devices and peripheral equipment
4. All business incidental and related to the preceding items
URL
https://www.a-sas.ne.jp/feature/
FAQ
Why does losing mobile phone service lead to isolation?
Mobile phones are essential for job searching, administrative procedures, and contacting family and friends. Losing them severs social connections, making isolation more likely.
What demographic was targeted in this survey?
The survey targeted 367 individuals experiencing financial hardship who had their mobile phone service suspended.
What is the hikikomori experience rate among middle-aged and elderly individuals?
It is 64.6% for those in their 40s, 67.9% for those in their 50s, and 55.7% for those in their 60s, indicating a majority have experienced it.
What kind of service is 'DareDemo Sumaho'?
It is a mobile phone service provided by A-Link that allows individuals with past payment history issues to contract.
Based on these findings, what measures are considered important?
Measures to ensure everyone can secure communication means are considered important to prevent social isolation.