Taboo Japanese Style -

The concept of Kegare (defilement or pollution) is an ancient current running through the modern psyche. Death, blood, and certain professions carry a weight of uncleanliness.

But within the rigid structures of the family lie the darkest taboos. The hikikomori (social recluses who withdraw from society) represent a failure of the system. They are the nails that refused to be hammered, so instead, they hid themselves away in the woodwork, invisible. The family often hides the existence of a hikikomori child out of shame, creating a secret life behind closed doors. The home becomes a sanctuary for the taboo. taboo japanese style

Living in Japan, you become hyper-aware of the invisible lines. You learn to walk just behind your boss. You learn to hand over money with two hands. You learn that saying "No" is rude, so you say, "It is a little difficult." The concept of Kegare (defilement or pollution) is

Many Japanese taboos are actually inadvertent imitations of funeral rites. Using "death style" in a daily setting is considered extremely unlucky. The hikikomori (social recluses who withdraw from society)

Let us move from the social to the physical. In the West, taboos are often moral (sins against God). In Japan, taboos are often ritualistic (impurity vs. purity).