@article{ART003374739},
author={Gwan-ja Jo},
title={From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan},
journal={Asia Review},
issn={2234-0386},
year={2026},
volume={16},
number={2},
pages={43-68}
TY - JOUR
AU - Gwan-ja Jo
TI - From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan
JO - Asia Review
PY - 2026
VL - 16
IS - 2
PB - 아시아연구소
SP - 43
EP - 68
SN - 2234-0386
AB - This study examines the problem of powerlessness and social isolation among Japan’s younger generation. First, it reviews the current state of youth labor and isolation―including NEETs, the “8050 problem,” rising job turnover rates, and the emergence of resignation agencies―along with the theoretical debates in Japanese youth sociology surrounding these issues.
It then traces how the Japanese government’s youth consciousness surveys have shifted their focus from “employment” (就労) to “relationships and ibasho” (居場所), diagnosing changes in youth consciousness that corroborate the conditions identified above. The study analyzes the Japanese govern- ment’s policy responses―epitomized by “work-style reform” and the Freelancer Protection Act―and their limitations, examining the limits of the state-led model with particular attention paid to the development of mental health policies and the constraints faced by frontline youth-support institutions such as Regional Youth Support Stations and Hikikomori Regional Support Centers. Finally, it examines cases of Japanese youth and stakeholders who have independently created social value without relying solely on government support. In doing so, the study argues that solutions to youth issues can move beyond the mere distribution of jobs toward relational autonomy grounded in youth agency, the revitalization of ibasho’ s functions, and the creation of social value.
KW - Lethargy;Isolation;Ibasho (Place of Belonging);Youth Consciousness Surveys;Work-Style Reform;Freelancer Protection Act
DO -
UR -
ER -
Gwan-ja Jo. (2026). From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan. Asia Review, 16(2), 43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo. 2026, "From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan", Asia Review, vol.16, no.2 pp.43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo "From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan" Asia Review 16.2 pp.43-68 (2026) : 43.
Gwan-ja Jo. From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan. 2026; 16(2), 43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo. "From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan" Asia Review 16, no.2 (2026) : 43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo. From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan. Asia Review, 16(2), 43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo. From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan. Asia Review. 2026; 16(2) 43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo. From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan. 2026; 16(2), 43-68.
Gwan-ja Jo. "From Social Isolation to Relational Autonomy: Youth Agency and Changing Support Policies in Japan" Asia Review 16, no.2 (2026) : 43-68.
