J-Lens series: Perspectives of Japan Vol. 2

“The State of Social Connections in Japan:

A Focus on Loneliness and Social Isolation”

by Professor Ishida Mitsunori

1. Ho Chi Minh City

2. Hanoi

* Lecture in Japanese with Vietnamese interpretation

Recommended for audiences over 13 years old, as the lecture includes academic content

[J-Lens series: Perspectives of Japan – Vol. 2]

From Strong Ties to Lonely Deaths: What Japan’s Experience Tells Us 

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam is pleased to present the lecture “The State of Social Connections in Japan: A Focus on Loneliness and Social Isolation” by Professor Ishida Mitsunori of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University.

For many years, Japan has often been perceived as a tightly knit society, where families, communities, and social networks maintain relatively stable relationships. However, amid rapid modernization, an aging population, and an increasingly strong emphasis on individual freedom, the ways in which people connect with one another are undergoing significant change. As individuals gain greater personal choice and view independence as a safer way to structure their lives, concerns about loneliness “Kodoku” and social isolation “Koritsu” have gradually become more visible within Japanese society.

From a sociological perspective, rather than treating loneliness simply as a personal feeling, Professor Ishida asks a broader question: what changes in the structure of society have made loneliness and isolation increasingly visible in contemporary Japan? He traces transformations in social connections from the postwar period to the present, examining shifts in the relationships between individuals, families, and society.

In the lecture, Professor Ishida will explore how Japan, once widely described as a “collectivist society” with strong social ties, gradually came to view loneliness and isolation as major social concerns. Drawing on datasets and social indicators, including trends in non-marriage and single-person households, he will examine the realities of loneliness and social isolation in Japan. The lecture will also address challenges such as “lonely deaths” (Kodokushi) among the elderly and the growing risks of isolation among younger and middle-aged generations, while considering possible future scenarios for Japanese society.

While these issues are often discussed in the context of Japan, they are by no means unique to it. Vietnam, too, is experiencing rapid urbanization, shifts in family structures, and increasingly fast-paced lifestyles – factors that may profoundly shape how people build and sustain relationships. In this sense, looking at the Japanese case also offers an opportunity to reflect on the trajectory of our own society.

What is the “J-Lens: Perspective of Japan” series?

J-Lens explores Japan through diverse intellectual “lenses,” offering new ways to understand its culture, society, and history.

Rather than presenting facts alone, each session shows how scholars ask questions and conduct research within their fields. Through these perspectives, audiences are invited to rethink culture, society, and humanity in fresh and engaging ways.

■ For inquiries on the lecture and speaker interview, please contact:

The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam

27 Quang Trung, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam

Ms. Ánh 024-3944-7419 (136) / Mr. Kaneko 024-3944-7419 (127)

https://www.facebook.com/japanfoundation.vietnam/                  https://hn.jpf.go.jp/

(for lecture in HCM city)

VNU-HCM, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, Sai Gon Ward, HCM city

https://hcmussh.edu.vn/                                                             hcth@hcmussh.edu.vn

(for lecture in Hanoi)

VNU-HN, Vietnam Japan University, My Dinh Campus

Luu Huu Phuoc Street, Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi

https://vju.vnu.edu.vn/                                                               info@vju.ac.vn

■ Credit

Oganizer: The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam

In collaboration with: VNU-HCM, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (for lecture in HCM), VNU-HN, Vietnam Japan University (for lecture in Hanoi)

■ Speaker’s information　　　

Professor ISHIDA Mitsunori

Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University

Academic Background

He completed the required coursework for the doctoral program at the Graduate School of Social Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, and holds a Ph.D. in Sociology.

After serving as Lecturer and later Associate Professor at Otsuma Women’s University, and subsequently as Associate Professor at the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, he has held his current position since 2016.

His research focuses on human relationships in contemporary society, particularly issues of social isolation and the formation of social connections.

Main publications

“The Pitfalls of Self-Determination” (Chikuma Shobo, 2025)

“A Book to Ease the Strain of Friendship” (Kodansha, 2024)

“When ‘Ordinary’ Parenting Feels Overwhelming” (Koyo Shobo, 2023, edited volume)

“Freeing Ourselves from ‘Friendship’” (Kobunsha, 2022)

“The Loneliness of ‘Everyone Is Different’” (Chikuma Shobo, 2022)

“A Social History of Friendship” (Koyo Shobo, 2021)

“The Society of Isolation Anxiety” (Keiso Shobo, 20)

“The Bottlenecks of Building Social Connections” (Keiso Shobo, 2015),

among many others.

Policy Advisory Activities

Since November 2021, he has served as a Member of the Office for the Advancement of Measures to Address Loneliness and Isolation under the Cabinet Office of Japan.