News & Announcements
Jun 12, 2026
- Reports
Professor Yasuyo Nomura Delivers Media Lecture on Leveraging Hikikomori Experiences in the Metaverse
On June 11, 2026, Professor Yasuyo Nomura of the Urban Resilience Research Center and the Graduate School of Sustainable System Sciences delivered a media lecture entitled “Creating Social Value from Hikikomori Experiences in the Metaverse” at the Open Innovation Lounge “Hotoride” in Joto Ward, Osaka.
The lecture introduced innovative efforts to reframe and utilize the experiences of individuals who have experienced Hikikomori (Prolonged social withdrawal) through participation in virtual communities and metaverse-based activities. The initiative aims to explore how digital spaces can foster social inclusion, personal empowerment, and new forms of community engagement.
The event attracted considerable media attention, and highlights of the lecture were featured on NHK’s regional news program Hotto Kansai on the evening of the same day.
Further information is available through the link below (in Japanese).