A Study on Overcoming the Crisis of Regional Depopulation through the Rehabilitation of Hikikomori : Focusing on System Dynamics

(Purpose) The purpose of this study is to explore strategies to overcome the crisis of regional depopulation through the social reintegration of socially withdrawn individuals (Hikikomori), focusing on how rehabilitation programs can contribute to economic revival and prevent population decline. (Design/methodology/approach) This research applied a system dynamics model to analyze the impact of Hikikomori rehabilitation on regional economies. Using Vensim software, the study constructed a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) to simulate the relationship between social reintegration programs, economic growth, and population retention over a 25-year period (2025-2050). Various policy scenarios were modeled to assess the long-term effects of rehabilitation programs on regional sustainability. (Findings) The findings suggest that successful Hikikomori rehabilitation programs significantly contribute to regional economic revitalization by increasing labor participation and reducing population outflow. However, the effectiveness of these programs relies heavily on long-term policy support, as short-term interventions show limited results. A strong positive feedback loop was identified in areas where rehabilitation programs were fully supported. (Research implications or Originality) This study emphasizes the importance of long-term, multi-dimensional policies for Hikikomori rehabilitation, integrating psychological support, job training, and social reintegration. It offers a quantitative model linking individual welfare programs to regional economic outcomes, providing valuable insights for policymakers.