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Discourses on Lonely Death (Kodokushi) in Japan: Development of Community Discourse and Directions in Welfare for the Aging in Japan
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- Authors
- Issue Date
- 2023-10-31
- Citation
- Seoul Journal of Japanese Studies, Vol.9 No.1, pp.53-82
- 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.
- ISSN
- 2384-2849
- Language
- English
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