“I thought graduating from a correspondence high school would finally open doors for my child…”

For many parents in Japan, the reality of seeing their child sink deeper into isolation (Hikikomori) after high school graduation is heartbreaking.
Failing university entrance exams, only leaving the house for convenience store trips, and growing tension within the family—this is a situation we see all too often.

My name is Takanori Sugiura. For over 40 years, I have supported over 10,000 students struggling with social withdrawal. From my experience, I can tell you: this state is not “laziness”—it is a state of “mental shipwreck” where the child has run out of psychological energy.

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1. The Pitfall of the Japanese Correspondence High School System

In the Japanese education system, when a student falls into school refusal (Futo-ko) at a standard full-time high school, the most common advice is to transfer to a Correspondence High School (Tsushin-sei). While this is intended as a safety net, it often becomes a hidden trap for long-term social withdrawal.

The “No-Commute” Downside

Correspondence schools allow students to graduate with minimal physical attendance. However, for a student who has already lost their social rhythm, this “flexibility” becomes a justification to stay home 24/7. Without a clear goal, the student loses the habit of going outside, and “school refusal” subtly evolves into chronic Hikikomori.

The Paradox of the “Easy Hurdle”

Graduating from these schools is often relatively easy. This creates a psychological vacuum:
“I graduated without attending school, so this diploma doesn’t prove I can survive in the real world.”

Because the hurdle was low, the child fails to gain genuine self-confidence. They feel like they have cheated the system rather than overcoming their struggles.

Case Study: “Student A” Lost in the Void
After transferring to a correspondence school at age 16, Student A successfully graduated. However, the day after graduation, he locked himself in his room. For him, graduation was just a way to escape the “shame” of not being in school. Once the diploma was in hand, he had no energy left to face society. The thin thread connecting him to the outside world had finally snapped.

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2. From Zero Confidence to “Negative” Confidence

The Failed “One-Shot” University Gamble

To compensate for their lack of confidence, many isolated students bet everything on passing a prestigious university entrance exam. They believe a “brand-name” university will instantly erase their years of isolation.

The Reality of Academic Depletion

However, after years of withdrawal, these students lack the “foundational academic knowledge” and the “mental stamina” required for high-level exams. When they fail every exam—an outcome we call “Zen-ochi” (total failure)—their confidence doesn’t just hit zero; it becomes negative. They feel rejected by society and retreat even further, often only leaving the house for late-night convenience store runs.

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3. JADA’s Strategy: The 3-Step Route to Autonomy

When a child is in a “Negative Confidence” state, family pressure only makes things worse. Our organization, the Future Autonomy Support Organization, utilizes a proven 3-step intervention:

Step 1: JPC (Japan Parents Coach) Coaching

The first step isn’t working with the child; it’s coaching the parents. We help fathers move away from “harsh logic” and mothers move away from “smothering anxiety.” Transforming the home into a “Secure Base” is the essential first step to recovery.

Step 2: Home Visitation and Trust Building

Next, a professional third party (our staff) enters the home. A neutral figure who does not judge or pressure the child can often melt a frozen heart in a way parents cannot. We build a relationship over several months until the child feels safe enough to look outward again.

Step 3: The Goal of “Part-Time Employment”

We do not push for university re-entry immediately. Our first major goal is part-time work. Earning a small wage and being thanked by others provides a sense of “Self-Efficacy” that academic study cannot. It is the most effective form of social rehabilitation.

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4. Diverse Paths to a Future

Instead of fixating on “Full-Time Employment” or “Top-Tier Universities,” we prioritize staying connected to society.

Option	Expected Benefit
Part-Time Work	Recovery of self-efficacy through real-world social interaction.
Study Abroad	Pressing the “reset button” in a culture where no one knows your past.
Vocational Training	Shifting focus from abstract study to tangible, marketable skills.

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Summary: You Are Not Alone

Graduating from a correspondence school and falling back into isolation is not the “end.” It is a sign that your child’s heart needs a new type of support. Through JPC coaching and professional intervention, we can guide your family toward a future of independence.

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Future Autonomy Support Organization (Formerly School Refusal and Hikikomori Prevention Association)
Representative: Takanori Sugiura