Discourses on Lonely Death (Kodokushi) in Japan: Development of Community Discourse and Directions in Welfare for the Aging in Japan

Abstract

Lonely death (kodokushi) is not only difficult to define in a precise manner, but is a phenomenon that involves a variety of complexly interwoven aspects. As a result, the most essential element driving our understanding of lonely death as a problem and our response to it is how this event is spoken and written of. That is, lonely death is an exceedingly discursive phenomenon. This articles primary objective is to delineate the conditions that gave rise to the discourse that is observed when the phenomenon of lonely death is discussed in Japan. At the center of the discussion about lonely death in Japan is a community discourse that frames lonely death as an extreme case of solitude and isolation brought about by the breakdown of community and the rupture of interpersonal relations. This article argues that this community discourse became the prevailing discourse on lonely deaths in Japan within the wider discourse. Moreover, it explores this community discourses influence on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfares policy on lonely death established in 2007 and analyzes the case of the Tokiwadaira Danchi apartment complex in Chiba Prefecture, which had a central role in the formulation of the ministrys policy. This case analysis uncovers important implications for understanding the problems that can arise when community discourse becomes linked with policy. On the basis of this analysis, the article suggests the necessity to reconsider the community-oriented direction so apparent in Japans current welfare policy.