Homelessness in Japan
Homelessness in Japan is not nearly as big of a problem as it is here in the US, but the problem manifests itself differently in Japan.
1. Based on what you observed in the series of videos on this topic, what does homelessness look like in Japan?
2. Based on what you know about the issue contributing factors in the US, how do you think its different in Japan and why? Explain in detail with examples
Hint: Think less about politics and more about cultural differences.
Sample Solution
The definition of a homeless person is not easy, given the varying criteria used to determine the condition depending on the different countries of the world. For some governments, homeless people are those who simply live and sleep on the street. For others, the definition also includes individuals who find themselves sleeping in shelters and care centers. However, what is certain is that Japan is the only country in the world with a homeless population rate of around 0%. At least that is what the 2022 statistical data indicate, which show an amazing drop that began in the preceding years. The closure of cybercafes in the country’s major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto imposed by the authorities, left homeless people without key areas in which to live their lives with a certain degree of comfort. Far from merely being places in which to connect to the internet, Japanese cybercafes tend to be open 24 hours a day and generally offer a wide range of services, including computer games, television, food and even showers.
