Johatsu: the Japanese phenomenon that mirrors unemployment’s isolation

Japanese metropolises like Tokyo are often painted as lonely, soul-destroying places —a theme echoed in novels like Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman and films like Lost in Translation. These stories highlight how, even in the heart of a bustling city, it’s easy to feel invisible.

Unemployment can trigger a similar kind of isolation, making you feel disconnected from the world around you, even when you're surrounded by people.

I recently came across the term johatsu, which refers to people in Japan who "evaporate" from their lives — cutting ties with family, friends, and work without so much as a goodbye. French journalist, Léna Mauger, explores this in her book The Vanished: The ‘Evaporated People’ of Japan, shedding light on the people who disappear for many reasons — from financial struggles and personal pressures to feeling trapped in corporate life or out of work.

Even salarymen, once loyal and committed to their companies, sometimes reach a breaking point where the only escape is to cut and run...for good.

While johatsu may feel like a uniquely Japanese phenomenon, the emotional urge to withdraw isn’t. Financial struggles, personal pressures, professional burnout or job loss. But I found its emotional parallels to unemployment particularly interesting — how both can lead to a quiet withdrawal from the world.

In western cultures, we might not physically disappear, but lay offs, quiet quitting, or feeling that we have to hide or mask who we are — can make us fade into the background, both emotionally and socially. This kind of withdrawal isn’t just isolating; it can also be dangerous. Losing a job, or feeling like your identity was tied to work, can trigger anxiety, depression, and a deeper sense of disconnection from the world around you.

I've personally felt some glimpses of this pull to retreat recently. But I’ve learned that small, intentional actions can help keep us connected and grounded.

Five ways to offer support

Here are five simple ways to support yourself — or someone you know — who is going through this right now:

1. Stay connected

Regular coffee catch-ups and networking conversations aren’t just about job leads — they remind you that you’re part of a community.

2. Create for yourself

Channeling energy into a project, such as writing, painting or any creative outlet, helps maintain a sense of purpose, progress and fun!

3. Set small, achievable goals

Whether it’s a daily walk, a workout, or learning a new skill, small wins build momentum and confidence.

4. Find ways to contribute

Volunteering, donating blood (as I did last week), or helping a friend with a project reinforces your sense of value and connection to the world.

5. Prioritise joy

After my cat passed away in December, I've visited a cat cafe here in Stockholm. It's helped me in my grief and I've met some nice people. Maybe I’ll also find my next fur companion in the process!

Escape isn’t the only option

While johatsu in Japan represents a literal escape from overwhelming pressures, it also leaves behind unresolved struggles.

In contrast, staying engaged during difficult times — whether through connection, creativity, or small acts of contribution — can help us face challenges head-on and become more resilient without losing ourselves in the process.

?? Have you heard about johatsu? Have you felt the urge to retreat during a challenging time professionally? What helped you most?

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash