Japan’s ‘evaporated’ people: Inside an industry that helps people disappear

[@gdeelove21]

The last part made me tear up. The regret he feels and the longing for his mom. May he live a meaningful life from now on.

[@katiedotson704]

@gdeelove22, I too hope he has found or will find a path that enables him to have self-forgiveness for choices he made as a child. Facing abuse with no one to turn to, no guidance, and unable to see any other way out, he did what children do. There are many ways to run or hide from intolerable situations. If I could send this man just one message, it would be to tell him that his dignity and self-respect are there for the taking. Do not shoulder the blame for a poor decision that a child made. And above all, forgive that child that didn’t know how to properly care for himself when the adults in his life couldn’t or wouldn’t take care of him.

[@gdeelove21]

@@katiedotson704 Oh my, I pray your message finds him. Beautiful wisdom you got there :”>

[@mingyuhuang8944]

Modern Japan is a sad, depraved, depressed, hypocritical, and constantly self-conflicting cesspool with little to no resemblance of humanity left. It is a country which focuses on the microscopical details and rules instead of tackling the grand, overarching core issues which have been rotting away for decades. It's people lack any semblance of humanity, energy and warmth. They are apathetic to each other as they drown in their own misery.😢

[@justsaying9006]

I also felt like crying..😢 I don't understand this culture of talking about sth so depressing and keep on nodding and smiling in a nice way..the guy who was at jail probably experienced the worst things with abuse but it didn't sound like he blamed his Mom

[@t3ripley722]

I did quite a bit of research on this phenomenon back in my university days. If anyone is interested in learning more about people and places like this, I recommend Shirō Ōyama’s “A Man With No Talents” and Edward Fowler’s “San’ya Blues.” The former is an anonymous autobiography that won a prestigious literary prize in Japan, and the second is a more academic but still sensitive look at Japan’s unhoused population. Please remember, no matter what, we are all people. We are all someone’s child and are deserving of basic dignity.

[@viviensfilms3604]

Thank you kindly. Evaporation is a eart-broken phenomenal. I'd love to learn more.

[@XeLYoutube]

hikikomori

[@laukpauk6053]

I am at the lowest point of my life. No job, no money, just got divorced. I really wish I could start over and make my new life better by learning from past mistake. Thank you for the recommendation

[@arisraz]

Thanks for the recommendations. Sanya Blies interests me.

[@RealMeRM129]

Thanks for your recommendation

[@sawyerthestarling]

That is sad and relatable. I left home at 14 and have never been back. I'm 45 now and it was the best thing I could've done. I'm so fortunate my life didn't turn out like these two men. I live well, far better than I would've ever believed or deserve and that feeling just got deeper. I hope they find love.

[@lalithkumar2551]

What job to do when we leave and how u became big

[@mingyuhuang8944]

Modern Japan is a sad, depraved, depressed, hypocritical, and constantly self-conflicting cesspool with little to no resemblance of humanity left. It is a country which focuses on the microscopical details and rules instead of tackling the grand, overarching core issues which have been rotting away for decades. It's people lack any semblance of humanity, energy and warmth. They are apathetic to each other as they drown in their own misery.😢😢😢😢

[@ErickIsBeowulf]

@@lalithkumar2551 you don't just randomly become big, you find apprenticeship and depending on how skilled you are will determine where you end up. That will never change, starting from nothing to whatever you can personally achieve.

[@lalithkumar2551]

@@ErickIsBeowulf tell me what do you do

[@melchezi8818]

@@lalithkumar2551 Find Jesus

[@Sjalabais]

"I was sick of the world, but I didn't have the courage to die" Almost 40 years later, there's still no 2nd chance for this man, and many like him. Heartbreaking, with lives wasted.

[@lestercombs1871]

Takes so much to die

[@botezsimp5808]

​@@lestercombs1871 It does.. and it doesn't..

[@MiguelDLewis]

@@lestercombs1871 Not if you're born again.✝

[@krakenblast2]

@@MiguelDLewis You would have to go fight demon lords if you do

[@MiguelDLewis]

@@krakenblast2 There are no "demon lords". There is only one Lord. ✝

[@chengyiq3066]

"I'm sick of this world, but I didnt have the courage to die." This is deep..

[@q_q123]

To be able to establish an entire industry for runaway people is depressing...

[@jimmytimmy3680]

Capitalism for you.

[@SobaYatai]

@@jimmytimmy3680 would you rather live under Stalin or Kim Jong un.

[@azul1964]

Depressing but necessary. Similar to redlight districts. Similar to casinos. Similar to drugs

[@willisbronze9984]

@@jimmytimmy3680 At least it can partially solve the problem for you, on some of the other country, ur dead

[@goonhoongtatt1883]

I was sick of the world, but didn't have the courage to die. That's the saddest sentence I've heard in years.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

When I think about the family members and friends left behind without any word from the "evaporated" people, my hurt aches. But at the same time, I completely understand that in this difficult and overly complex world, sometimes, we just want to start fresh. If anyone is stressed to a point of ending it all, I'm happy to know that there are ways of "disappearing" from your community and starting a new chapter of your life without anyone knowing who you are or what hardships you went through.

[@condorX2]

My hurt aches 😂 ❤

[@oofwio]

​@@condorX2 I didn't even notice that My brain autocorrected what op said.

[@dodisatrio3017]

I think, "evaporated" is a much better option than suicide. At least one day, when you have the strength to solve the problem, you could come and try again living your rightful life.

[@Jayalen]

Coming from a toxic family who have destroyed my life progress, I would love to be 'evaporated'

[@babkeebabkus8177]

@@Jayalen it ain't so hard to do..find a place with a creek nearby and grow your own food (tomatoes..nettles...potatoes)... people have been choosing to disappear for many thousands of years...hermits..monks...yogis

[@iddop2330]

14:54 I was sick of the world but I didn’t have the courage to die… This very sad for me 😢

[@docaz9453]

that was very true , I was wondering those only one who didnt die yet their alot who like them end up killing themselves

[@POS36]

'evaporated' but appeared infront of cam again ??!

[@naitomea6150]

@@POS36 they probably paid him a few yen, and nobody's really looking for him so it should be ok for him appearing in front of camera to tell his story for us to take lessons from, or maybe for us to help him

[@spagmarco]

Oh. it is very human. Between suicide and starting anew on a very difficult road the latter is certainly the bravest one.

[@Bchulo88]

Especially with all the nervous/coping laughter

[@jemma-joon]

The guy who wanted to see his mum but couldn't really broke my heart 😢, you can see the sadness in his eyes and hear it in his voice😞🥺

[@Lucy-on1su]

I'm so glad there's people protecting victims of abuse and giving them a chance to live again ❤

[@Boudica234]

When the man was asked why he evaporated and he responded "I was sick of the world"....That hit me. I think a lot of us feel that way sometimes.

[@poiofrito4722]

@Cho Cho you sir are correct

[@deloresmeeks2301]

Very much so some feel like it now

[@tannhauser5399]

@Boudica - This is not surprising at all, looking at the way everything is going around the planet (including various corporations destroying the whole ecosystems in the name of profits, and dying of plankton which actually produces almost half oxygen on the planet). That is not even saying anything about constant increase in the cost of living, extending retirement age, and usual stuff such as rich getting richer, and poor getting poorer...

[@Boudica234]

@Tann Hauser Yup. I think it's beyond doubt that modern civilization is toxic to the human mind, body and emotional well being.

[@khorinis8161]

@@tannhauser5399 Get off social media and focus on what you can control. Polar ice is melting? Can I control it beyond reusing and recycling? No, so what's the point in worrying about it. It is the only way to be happy or at least to not stress yourself into the grave.

[@Shahawir]

An abused child feels trapped, and if there is a way to disappear they will, but when they grow old they regret it, as the old man in the video said. So basically, an abused child is in pain his whole life. He would escape from a trap to another. Even if the abused child did not disappear, he always carry the pain, mental problems for the rest of his life. Be nice to children, and help those children who are abused.

[@michaellawson6533]

Very true .

[@stickylizardbabyangel]

Absolutely. Beautiful words to live by. Be kind to children, always.

[@MiguelDLewis]

@@stickylizardbabyangel "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea." - Matthew 18:6 ✝

[@mikezhang6871]

I think Not just in Japan, every country has this similar group of people who have evaporated, especially in Asian culture which lack tolerance towards people who made mistakes and brought disgrace to their family. From this perspective, what Japan is doing is simply acknowledge this marginalized community and make their voice heard.

[@meralEdwtDawlatly]

Imagine the countries where a woman alone can't hustle to live because it's a man's country

[@satpurush2592]

Asians have no tolerance ? Americans have?

[@feruzadjuraeva1437]

Not really whole Asia has this kind of culture. We are also Asians. But we don't have such things.

[@knowledgeispower8625]

Speaking of which, may I remind you the fact that Asian nations like Japan, Singapore & Hong Kong sit on a tiny compact land with a mega huge population hanging around where people are bumping into one another day in day out. After some years no wonder some think of evaporating/johatsu. Colonialism & Colonization are evil things done and benefited by evildoers. Here in Singapore, a tiny island with 6 million souls lives like sardines in a can, where else in nearby vast bountiful Australia which is ten thousand times 10,000 bigger with a mere 27 million inhabitants.. A similar situation in tiny and packed Japan, which is running out of space and land. Do you know that their living room and bedroom are the same place, and that most Japanese people sleep in their living room.

[@711jastin]

@@knowledgeispower8625 japan isn't technically run out of land, it's just that the Greater Tokyo Area is getting crampier(it's a lot better since the pandemic), life is getting tougher for those living in but moving out of metro means derailing from almost ALL benefit of modern world in japan. singapore is a different case, you don't physically get a choice unless in an extreme way, you flee the country.

[@VeryMerryLou]

No judgment here, but I cannot blame them. They want to disappear but "not too brave to die". Kudos to the pastor and to the staff helping these people.

[@docaz9453]

if they really wanted to help them they could teach them some working skills so they can help themselves , rather then sing riduclous songs on sundays

[@Maya-sv1pz]

dying is not brave.

[@Pheelyp]

Indeed, the pastor and staff deserve much credit for helping provide the compassion and support that these people people so sorely lacked in their previous lives. ❤

[@GDName]

Japan has a suicide forest. Everything is organized and thought of in Japan.

[@VeryMerryLou]

@@docaz9453 help comes in many ways and forms. Emotional support is one. Spiritual is another.

[@avpr1574]

Japan is a very complex society. If you disrespect your family or social acquaintances you are almost banished for life. That includes financial and criminal trouble. These situations are more acceptable in the west. The impression I got when I lived in Japan that nobody had deep friendships with each other, more on a superficial level. It is rare and not expected to show emotion. When teaching in a high school, I could never understand of "job rotation". The system is almost designed for you not to forge relationships with your co workers or peers. Maybe a confucist thing. Not sure.

[@grouchypatch9185]

Definitely not Confucius path when it preaches deep understanding with relationship and connection. Japan is the least East Asian country to follow and observe Confucius teaching.

[@nknown3982]

It's culturally engraved in the society, like you can't call someone by their given name cuz they'll find it rude and the whole formality thing is taken too far, people are bound to get burnt out mentally

[@kingofthejungle2012]

teachers rotate to ensure that all public schools are roughly equal in terms of teacher quality. private school teachers don't rotate though. china is trying to copy that system.

[@earlysda]

@@nknown3982 People call others by the given names fairly frequently in Japan, but yes, that person must be on their "close group" list.

[@knowledgeispower8625]

Japan is a very compact country. The fact that Asian nations such as Japan, Singapore & Hong Kong sit on a tiny compact land with a mega huge population hanging around where people are bumping into one another day in day out. After some years no wonder some think of evaporating/johatsu. Colonialism & Colonization are evil things done and benefited by evildoers. Here in Singapore, a tiny island with 6 million souls lives like sardines in a can, where else in nearby vast bountiful Australia which is ten thousand times 10,000 bigger with a mere 27 million inhabitants.. A similar situation in tiny and packed Japan, which is running out of space and land. Do you know that their living room and bedroom are the same place, and that most Japanese people sleep in their living room.

[@WillyChan-h8k]

This is largely down to Japan's unique culture. People never talk about their problems, not even to their parents, family or best friends. It is very difficult for depressed people to seek help and support, or to release their stress. That's why many people end up as hikikomori (socially withdrawn). More serious ones would choose to jouhatsu (disappear). The worst would be committing suicide. Arguably having the option to jouhatsu is not so bad -- those people are at least giving themselves another chance to restart a new life somewhere else rather than to end their lives.

[@philtwowheels]

So they're all the same as western men then, we never tell anyone our problems or call someone when we feel depressed. We just hold it inside and hope for the best. This is why men suicide in far greater numbers in the West than women.

[@mythtree6348]

thats why these few seem to be such real and genuine people .. sigh.

[@luluah1198]

@w this is exactly what I think the problem stems from

[@stephanieyee9784]

As the lady said, There are no second chances in Japan.

[@TCJones]

@@philtwowheels Maybe 70s men, but my male friends all talk about their issues, but maybe that's just me people have all ways felt they could tell me anything, even random people in bus stops. If people are really your friends they will listen as much as you want to talk and help as much as you will let them, but they will never know if you dont tell them, and just think that sociality has decided that you can not.

[@ycube3791]

this video really led me to think... my heart goes out to the elders who evaporated, but especially the one who was abused and evaporated at the age of 16 and regrets doing so -- evaporating was worse than the abuse... its really saddening to think about, and i feel that more support should be given to all these people

[@mingyuhuang8944]

Modern Japan is a sad, depraved, depressed, hypocritical, and constantly self-conflicting cesspool with little to no resemblance of humanity left. It is a country which focuses on the microscopical details and rules instead of tackling the grand, overarching core issues which have been rotting away for decades. It's people lack any semblance of humanity, energy and warmth. They are apathetic to each other as they drown in their own misery.,,...

[@_KITE]

The power of forgiveness and redemption is so immense So many people’s lives would change with a second chance

[@justanothermortal1373]

It's so dystopian; people from outside Japan would see this country as a modern paradise but in reality some of its citizens are dealing with some serious mental distress. Edit: I know every country has its problems, guys. But by generalising every country's struggles as the same, you are dismissing the specific problems that are unique to one country.

[@roroellies8188]

Any sane person will never see any country as a paradise

[@ShinmegamiPersona]

Who thinks it’s a paradise? But I rather be there than in the USA where I get shot at from being not white.

[@spooknut8625]

​@@roroellies8188 Least anarchist person with a animals pfp.

[@ChocoMilk.o_o]

As a japanese, you've got the wrong image. This is a small percentage of japan so you judging the minority and calling it the whole country. That's a misjudgement. Almost all of it is lovely, the culture, the food everything. Every country has issues and this is one of japans.

[@KingstonTiger]

​@@ChocoMilk.o_oYou are right. This is not one of Japan's major problem, people will adapt to it eventually and some will challenge it for the better or worst. It's in our human blood. But what's really troubling is Japan's sinking population and to make it worse ,it's rapid decline in fertility rate . At some point it's exquisite beauty might suddenly disappear if proper steps are not taken by your Govt.

[@love_a_hater]

I want them all to find peace, and to let them know they are not alone.

[@JasonB808]

The last mans words, just shows how bad their situation is. He rather put up with abuse he was suffering as a teenager, than live the way he is now. 😢

[@ddlcp]

Its more he could've done something different "evaporate" as such case's simple yet complex & highly situational

[@theemotionalremix]

I think he's trying to say that he wishes he tried things differently. That's the pain of regret. But regrets are worthless because life has no instruction manual, it just happens to us.

[@JiasenLiu]

Thanks. I feel related to these people and now I'm less lonely.

[@KS-xz2rq]

Heart breaking documentary.Nobody in this world deserves to be unhappy.

[@probe1]

Absolutely sad. The whole thing is so messed up. the pure pain & emotion in his eyes, I'm sorry man.

[@ria8576]

This is just so sad. Whatever their reasons maybe, you can see it in their eyes that they somehow regretted evaporating. I hope they find some peace in the end...

[@zitronentee]

It's probably not regret. More like 'This is better than before, but I'm still unhappy.' They can escape society, but they can't escape from themselves.

[@xPhantomxify]

Because despite the abuse they suffered from their family, they at least had a place to go home to and family to talk to. Now they are alone. These people probably feel nothing at all now. Even the abuse was a form of affection for them they most likely even miss...

[@larajones175]

Believe me "Disappearing" and taking off Is negligence. The loved ones and friends suffer not knowing what became of their family member. Running away is not the answer. Confronting the problem and asking for help is necessary. It should be irresponsible people not evaporating people.

[@Girvo747]

@@larajones175 Excuse me, but confronting your abusers doesn’t lead to abusers suddenly deciding to not abuse you. You’re selfish for demanding an abused person stay because you as a family member might feel bad.

[@t4d0W]

@@larajones175 How is it negligence when the common theme these people who 'evaporated' is that they want to avoid that 'awkward' situation if they were to meet their loved ones again? Clearly there was no compromise for which led these folks to evaporate from the people that knew them. You make it sound like everyone wants to solve their problems head on when even with relationships in the West, this isn't the case.

[@msjennylife]

For some reason my heart breaks to hear their stories. I want to hug them to give a little comfort. Thank you for sharing.

[@roroellies8188]

I too sometimes want to evaporate, but I still have my mom who love me and will be sad if I disappear, so I try to hold on.

[@thatshe808]

This takes a bunch of courage.Just thinking about leaving your current life and your family behind is what makes these people so brave.They have to start with nothing in their hands but braveness in their heart.

[@philipnp8615]

Awesome job with this mini documentary!

[@xxFireaxx]

Its tough that I relate to all these individuals one way or another. I too yearn to drive endlessly south and see where my car takes me to escape life. But I still fight through that for the health of my parents, brother, uncle and friends. I'm sick of the world, but don't want to die either, and just wish I had less pressure and responsibility. These are free spirits and I hope they find solace in life.

[@ΜαρίαΣτρατάκη-γ4λ]

They don't disappear just from the family but from the whole system. Don't compare them with you, us. Their culture is way too different and harsher ad no second chances are given. Many Japanese also immigrate to get away for the stressful lifestyle and cultural expectations, long work shifts etc.

[@KatherineUribe-1]

This breaks my heart. These people are trying to survive horrible trauma in the best way they know how. There's so much guilt and shame. I wish they could drop that but they live in a very judgemental society. Bless each of them. I wish them peace.

[@kennethhong6686]

Dang man, that dude is over 60 years old! To be born and hate the world your whole life… why is life so hard?

[@-HolySpiritDove-]

Everything is temporary, it's all a testing ground.

[@nknown3982]

​@@-HolySpiritDove- testing ground till the day you die

[@tishreni5183]

Live long enough young man and you'll see.

[@michaellawson6533]

I doubt he hates the world , just the path he followed in his youth and no means to escape except by evaporating.

[@kennethhong6686]

@@michaellawson6533 I guess. Maybe there’s stuff that happened that he didn’t share. I don’t know, maybe I’m pessimistic, because I naturally believe that things don’t always work out the way you hoped. Hope for the best, live to survive the test.

[@langamasi]

This is the most fascinating thing I’ve come across in a while. Would love to see a part 2, where you interview the loved ones of evaporated people…the people they leave behind

[@ashwinjai1793]

Truly touched by pastor words ‘ I believe that’s our calling’. It shows pastor and church staff humble attitude toward serving the maligned community and not outcast them as per specific standards. It hurts to see many people not only in Japan but whole Asia are victim of domestic violence and mental illness specially when someone bring shame or humiliation to the family, they are being Banished from the society so they choose to evaporate. Simply world needs a heart ❤ and empathy for others.

[@BEN_DOVERCERTIFIED]

As an asian, that was so deep and accurate I'm about to cry.

[@sabatheus]

I used to live in Japan in the 90s, when I was in the Air Force. As much as I love Japan, I know it has a dark side. I can't help but watch this and feel really grateful for everything I have in my life.

[@misteryummyearth1055]

What dark life airman? Say more

[@holliswilliams8426]

@@misteryummyearth1055 Yes, Japan has a dark side, look up Unit 731.

[@misterlianghui]

When you disappear, everyone looks for you .... But when you're alive, you are invisible. 😔😔😔

[@knowledgeispower8625]

So true.

[@spagmarco]

That's right. I am sort of runaway for 25 years and started a new life abroad. They feel sorry, they found they way to track me, you reluctantly accept the contacts, for some time is ok, Then they start as long time ago and you cut it again for ever. You cannot go back waht you run away from.

[@daiishi_kinyoubi]

This a reminder to be kind and look around for those who sorround you. You never know who is acking to feel loved and appreciated in this cold society (not only Japan of course)

[@doseoftarot]

My heart cannot handle this. I am so saddened by this and many other things happening in the world and I still sit here and try to educate myself on the proplems and misfortunes of the world so I have some level of awareness and it is so heartbreaking I just wish I could help everyone. So much mental health issues and not many seem to care. Is tough to watch content like this but it is necessary. Thank you for this video ❤

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I ran a homeless ministry out of a church for a decade. We had regulars who dropped out of life like many of these people. As I got to know our guests, they would tell me their stories. Many of them were married with children and just dropped out of life. I found out later that the stories that they were telling me was when they left their families. It was as if time had stopped. They were not the street for a decade or more, and yet, their stories were from their old life.

[@KeanKennedy]

That's really interesting - I noticed at 4:22 the old boy said "So I'm going to leave and live on my own" as if it was present tense. It gave me the feeling he was stuck in that moment, but I thought it might just be a quirk of translation. Perhaps it's just as it sounds though.

[@Pixiefairy783]

@@KeanKennedy i have heard that spirits and souls dont know time, they dont realise that they are dead and everyone has moved on..its like the same for these guys, they have stopped moving forward from the time they decided to evaporate..its like they are dead, like the spirits and souls, but dead, without having to go through the physical pain

[@procrastination_r3igns]

It just feels so right to disappear from the world sometimes. Not death, nor kidnap, just vanish. Without a trace. Like that feeling where you want to leave behind all the problems in your life. I myself have thought of disappearing. Yet I know that deep inside, you're more determined to live for the people who make your life worth it, than just leave them behind without consideration. Stay strong y'all. ❤

[@SpiritsAndDemons]

Same here. ❤

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

As Indonesian, I feel like some of my fellow country men would gladly use this kind of service. To hide from Debt Collector 😂

[@roroellies8188]

True that 😅

[@michaelandrew4812]

One of the best short films/docos I have seen this year,very sad for those who have evaporated and their families and friends.

[@OffGridInvestor]

I must admit, as someone who was almost a hermit, and with THE KNOWLEDGE I have, I've OFTEN thought of being in the business of helping people vanish. Whether like a voluntary witness protection scheme type thing where we help you disappear without a trace which IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK in this country, especially knowing who and what I know of certainly areas. But I wouldn't want people running from their responsibilities to leave other people burnt. And A BIG ONE is that I have found some people are running FROM THEMSELVES. I've seen that. While in Japan people are RUNNING FROM FAMILY pressure and due to the EXTREME hierarchical structure of society, essentially UNABLE TO get ahead, WHILE ALSO facing pressure from family to do the impossible.

[@rachelleallen-sherwood8527]

This needs to be seen by wider audiences. Award winning stuff.

[@CMarkem]

Every culture faces crsis when it comes to doing what you have to to pay your bills. The problem arises with Japanese work culture. Or better described, Japanese over-work culture.

[@ChocoMilk.o_o]

Nope!

[@GDName]

Overwork culture is everywhere. In the US there is no maternity leave for new moms. France just raised their retirement age from 65 to 67.

[@xhisex9860]

​@@GDName over work culture in Japan is on another level to the point where you'll see people in suits sleeping in the streets because they work over time and they miss the last train.

[@earlysda]

@@xhisex9860 Some Japanese kids will answer the English question "Do you like your father?" with "I don't know".

[@TheRandomINFJ]

The man whose mom rejected him and he longed for her and then she died, thats a tough pill to swallow! He lived with regret and continues to live without closure. So very sad, it makes my heart ache.

[@ladymissgd]

@14:56 is just like me. I'm an evaporated person. I changed my numbers, blocked everyone I knew, deleted my social medias and it's been about 5 years now. Haven't ever received a letter from anyone. It's what I wanted but at the same time the loneliness aches. But tomorrow comes and it's all okay and I start my day again. I won't ever go back.

[@uncaringbear]

In a society that is relentlessly rigid and ultimately hollow in its values, it's little wonder that people fall between the cracks and choose to remove themselves from their former lives. It's only going to get worse because, as a country, Japan is unwilling to recognize that it's moving in a direction that is unsustainable to its future. With people choosing not to have children and people rejecting the values of modern society and culture, the outlook is grim.

[@jeffreyzain]

JAPAN has created specific terms for things we know exist but need to be explained in lengthy words: 1-Kodokushi - Dying alone and remaining undiscovered for months and years 2-Karoshi - Overwork death 3-Johatsu - Vanishing purposely without a trace Are these red flag signs of a mentally ill society?

[@supernova7966]

Japan needs Islam.

[@roroellies8188]

​@@supernova7966 overproud much? Or having an acute hero-complex?

[@roroellies8188]

Agree, just like USA with all those public shootings. A true sign of mentally ill society 😢 too many repressed feelings in Japan and too many angry feelings in USA

[@r0land4323501]

Also hikokomori

[@jeffreyzain]

@@r0land4323501 - Thanks. I knew I had forgotten something 😅

[@AhJodie]

Love to these people. Many people have done this sort of thing all over. I find it sad that there is so many ways to track people that it is getting harder and harder to evaporate, if one chooses to.

[@spagmarco]

I do agree. I run away from Italy 25 years ago for a new start, went to work/live in Asia but somehow my family members always found the way to track me down even changing my phone numbers etc.

[@AhJodie]

@@spagmarco Is it a bad thing that they find you?

[@solamano7239]

In Japan, according to the video, the authorities do not give out information.

[@AhJodie]

@@solamano7239 Oh... that is interesting!

[@glenyoung1809]

@@AhJodie It depends on his reasons, sometimes you have to disappear to survive, sometimes family is so toxic that once they come back into your life you find yourself back in the same situation. It's especially dangerous for women if they've escaped from an abusive situation, in some cases the abuser ends upnot only continuing the abuse but actually killing the victim out of a sense of rage and anger they couldn't completely control that person and were publicly embarrassed as an abuser. This happens all too commonly in most Western countries.

[@codenamekeepscrolling758]

Some of the people in the comments have never been in an abusive situation, and for those who have, like myself, I can feel your pain

[@Indrakusuma_a]

Again and again, we outsiders mostly only think of the beauty of Japan, but in reality they are one of the harshest and unforgiving environment and society to live on Earth.

[@jupitermoon8671]

Heart breaking what happens when we don’t have compassion in society

[@marcusyeo7630]

I won't pretend to be able to understand their plight but I wish them well. It's disheartening to see so many people longing for acceptance & to be loved 😭 We can't do anything to help but pray for the best for them I hope they find solace & comfort through avenues like the church featured in this documentary

[@longlost8424]

the phenomena of human "evaporation" happens all over the world. once we humans determine that there's no reason to continue to be involved in whatever situation we've found ourselves in (and like this man says "don't have the courage to die") we often walk away.... it just seems easier to leave a bad situation rather than attempt to rectify, or otherwise dig out of the hole we're in.....

[@javierpacheco8234]

Life is so cruel sometimes to people who are different, we just gotta accept that we are not the same but we can still love each other and be respectful and kind. Hope a little progress can come to fruition as the days pass.

[@joshuabuchanan1141]

No one has to be different, we can all be the same, I'm telling you

[@mochacup1868]

​@@joshuabuchanan1141Humans don't work like that

[@misteryummyearth1055]

Saddest most heart rending story ive ever heard, moved to tears

[@urbankoto]

Nice documentary. The social network looks so blown out 😢

[@zahidakhalid4834]

This is heart breaking. It is so sad to see people in these circumstances.

[@Listener970]

Their stories hurt so much. There is so much polarity in Japan. It seems so bright and innovative, yet here are these people in there. The evaporated ones.

[@ginia33782]

Bless their souls. If love could be sent I would send love.❤

[@rainbowstar2775]

you can send money throuugh paypal or bankwire

[@soni8995]

Love is energy. Just feel it in the space in your chest and think of them. It's real.

[@riseevolution]

this could be a movie , specially that part night moving. so sad documentary

[@othang7210]

I don't know how this elder feels when he said:" my parents are deceased ". It's a meltdown moment inside his soul deeply.

[@noexcuses5524]

It was also his mother who said to him "you're dead to me, don't write me"

[@sandrapena9824]

This is better than suicidal thought

[@majidb6266]

I was sick of the world, i feel you 😔

[@BEN_DOVERCERTIFIED]

I feel so bad for these people. If only this cruel world was better....

[@creativepicnl]

It’s very sad but also quite fascinating. The reasons behind evaporating appear to be understandable but it’s strange when hearing the actual story. Also, the image as a an outsider about specifically Tokyo and Osaka for instance are extremely one-sided and romanticized. I heard about Nishinari just last week from a KZbinr and it kind of bursted a bubble for me. Ofcourse, there are different financial layers in all societies but when realizing that people actively evaporate makes me feel unsettling. It shows the cold hard fact that not everyone is built for participating in certain societies even though you’re born there.

[@hainiok7915]

What's so special about Nishinari?

[@creativepicnl]

@@hainiok7915 How do you mean exactly?

[@hainiok7915]

@@creativepicnl You said it bursted a bubble for you.

[@creativepicnl]

@@hainiok7915 Ah, yes I can explain that. When seeing a piece on that particular area on youtube, i’d never expect a situation like that in a thriving city as Osaka. I assumed that there would be low income areas but the image we usually get to see on most platforms are mostly prosperous and it gave a broader perspective on societies and these not being all that it’s portrayed to be. Hence the bubble.

[@hainiok7915]

@@creativepicnl So was this poor area particularly large?

[@JakeLOL1111]

This was a really interesting piece SCMP 🍻 I had started to get a bit bored with these 15 minute documentaries from newspapers, but this one was genuinely interesting

[@haikaikokoni369_]

Because of something as mundane as loosing a job, people literally drop out of their identity and flee their lives. Let that sink in hard about the insane pressure a person faces to the point they prefer to administratively “die” from the system rather than face their responsibilities, resolve them and thrive.

[@mikicerise6250]

​@@kyokokirigiri100 Japan is not working so well anymore. It's so/so.

[@vicvic2081]

Japan is literally dying .

[@theoutsider8745]

@@kyokokirigiri100 Yeah and that pressure from work is why people are projecting the Japanese are going to be extinct in several generations. Because of pressure from work means that people are starting less families and living life and stuff. What's the point in being a cog in the machine if it is going to lead to nowhere.

[@glenyoung1809]

​@@theoutsider8745 Japan is a corporate machine, a social maze of obligations on top of obligations. Individuality is a crime and conformity is the law. Of all the East Asian nations it has the most rigid and unforgiving code of social conduct. I compare them to Star Trek's Vulcans where there is little expression of personal emotion. On the surface Japan has a pristine look to it, ultra clean, efficient, orderly and disciplined at all levels of society, all of which came out of the historical traditions of living in a military dictatorship where warrior-like discipline was expected of all members of society, from the lowest class to the Emperor. Where failure for any reason is viewed a crime and there is little in the way of public forgiveness, family honor is the one biggest area where you don't transgress, followed by the honor of your extended family and your company. Being laid off is a massive social stigma in Japan, because it's implied that your employer found you less than worthy to work at that company and meant there was something wrong with you. Even after WW2 and the reformation of the military ruled culture it didn't change who the Japanese were deep down. This as you've said is leading them towards extinction in a couple of centuries.

[@Mabelliot]

this is just so heartbreaking.... depressing... but thank you for shedding a light on this problem

[@rays7437]

I would like to see the other side of this situation. I bet that there are just as many, maybe even more, who are now feeling relieved and happier than they were before.

[@williamsaloka9043]

So very well done. So bitter-sweet.

[@Gabriel-tg2ob]

This is so sad. They don’t want to end their life but start a new chapter.

[@rainbowstar2775]

I can relate

[@strivingtobalance]

Incredibly moving piece of work.

[@intreoo]

From people living in cyber-cafes and their bedrooms to rented boyfriends and listeners, to this... if sociologists need to study the effects of a dying society; Japan is the place to go..

[@GDName]

Japan's version of "homeless" people that which they call evaporated people definitely live more dignified lives than in America... they dont do drugs, they dont commit crimes... they maintain a dignified appearance and demeanor... they attend church services.

[@Vary180]

@@GDName there was literally a guy in the video talking about how he just got out of jail for drug related crimes xd

[@mayl4152]

@@GDName maybe learn a bit about their gang and underworld crimes. Ain’t much better than America lol

[@GDName]

@@Vary180 learn about Japan being ranked the top 10 safest country in the world for 14 years straight. US is numbet one for having the biggest prison population in the world and is ranked 129th spot for being the safest.

[@GDName]

@@mayl4152 @Vary learn about Japan being ranked the top 10 safest country in the world for 14 years straight. US is number one for having the biggest prison population in the world and is ranked 129th spot for being the safest.

[@suyahatesntr]

This kind of stuff is a blessing for people who wants a restart, a reset of their own life.

[@joaniesoprano]

I just wanted to hug Kodama who says towards the end "I was sick of the world but I didn't have the courage to die"😢

[@blockawocka4026]

Wow, it would be nice if this industry existed where I live.. I’d certainly use it because I have so many issues now..

[@v.m.8472]

You might end up breaking your mother’s heart. Try to meet on some small plane so you can continue to have a family to help you.

[@zebragiraffe1]

What a polite, sweet person. So sad that he ended up like that.

[@teaanjay]

This is so sad. I hope that everyone evaporated and not will find their own place where they belong.

[@antonythomas7574]

The music is unbelievable.

[@CMDRSweeper]

This made me so understand a scene in Wangan Midnight regarding the Flat Racing story arc where one of the characters does "evaporate" as his company had imploded with debt. Never really understood what was meant by that until this video came along.

[@Salena905]

This is terribly sad to think you have to disappear and not get a second chance. I can understand wanting to evaporate completely if you're being abused and your partner or parent won't leave you alone. But many have just made mistakes and are being shunned by their own family or society. Thanks for sharing this video. 😥

[@jedics1]

While I am close to my mum I can still really relate to this desire to evaporate, I reject the rat race rent slavery life. Its my time and I will spend it on things of my choosing rather than another's choosing for another's gain. The phrase "The less you want the more you have" really rings true for me and our modern life isn't all it was cracked up to be that's for sure, unless your one of the privileged few of course.

[@kaelthunderhoof5619]

I'm also trying to evaporate, I already have no friends no families. Just going to work and blend in the crowds. No need to form any connections

[@margaretzee8504]

Is there a way to support the ministry in the video? Please let us know.

[@lenag3329]

so much pain in Masachi Tanaka's face... I wish he could feel the warmth and care i feel for him... can't stop crying

[@justinzhou4871]

This man looks mentally and physically healthy. Allow me to say, in the old Japan (before it was industrialized), a man like him could still produce enough food for himself and his family by working in the rice field. I'm no Japan expert, but I know that a significant percentage of Japan's land today are for recreational purpose. This could be the reason for many problems of today's Japanese society.

[@propertisyariahsemarang8142]

Thank you SCMP for making this video available free on KZbin. Youre world class...❤❤❤

[@MrSprikiting]

Brought tears to my eyes while imagining a family member doing this or worse, me doing this to my family. It's just outright heartbreaking - heartbreaking imagining it from both sides. 😭😭

[@ひろみキビナゴ]

小さい時から人に迷惑をかけてはいけないように育てられていて周りと同じことをするように求められるし本当に言われたことしかできなくなってみんなの言う普通の道から外れたらどうしたらいいかわからなくなって蒸発したり自殺する人もたくさんいるだから失敗してもいいという雰囲気や教育が大事だと思う　本当に損得なしで自分の居場所と感じれるところがあればなぁ

[@jojoberry6320]

The fact that there is even an industry like this, it's mindboggling. Japan is a beautiful country and has a wonderful culture as well as their subculture. But ever since I've discovered what the government and some of it's locals can do, it lifted the rose tinted glasses from my eyes. The country was not the fun place I thought it would be. Regardless, I would love to visit it someday in my lifetime but I've learned to be cautious about it.

[@earlysda]

Jojo, yes, Japan is a wonderful country to visit, but the welcome mat is only out for foreigners for a while.

[@stevenbeck5746]

Japanese Culture is not wonderful. Bushido is like a vine that wraps itself around you and slowly chokes you to death. Sure some types of people can thrive in it but for most it becomes a system of slavery. That first guy who lost his job, why did he 'runaway'? He lost his honour and his standing in front of his family and any friends he had. In that sort of situation you either commit suicide or run.

[@spagmarco]

In the history, people who run away for a new start are also part of other cultures and countries. The fact that Japan acknowledge and even protect them is another sign of the Japanese culture's uniqueness and greatness.

[@theoutsider8745]

Yeah I can relate to this outlook. No matter how great something looks from the outside, there's always going to be a dark underbelly to it.

[@holliswilliams8426]

Japan's history is very dark, look up Unit 731 if you don't believe me, but you've been warned.

[@maryargueta5607]

As for me, I am still looking for my brother Philip. He is 10 years older than me. I 🙏 he is ok.❤

[@3-sys62]

It is true that second chances are hard to come by in Japan. In my case, I didn't cause any particular problem, but the company I was working for was on the verge of tipping over, so when I was fired in my 50s, I had to go to nearly 20 interviews after that, and not a single company would hire me, so I had no choice but to become a freelancer. I have no guarantees, and I make do with a day job that is about the same as a part-time job at Costco. I am able to get by because of my English skills.

[@somebody8972]

Watching many elder people working in cafe, "till dying time" they say. It is a norm now to work till dying time in developed places. This posting turns out to be religious christian cult. The fact religious places are not better than others,when they run out of savings, or , they think they dont need you anymore as their churchgoers, they just throw you back on the street.we watch it by ourselves.

[@danestihastin4980]

This is heartbreaking 💔

[@wabisabi7755]

I just finished listening to the podcast Evaporated. Now I wanna learn more about this hidden industry.

[@StopListenThink]

Do you like vampire movies?

[@juststardust8103]

The most complete doc I've ever seen about this subject. Very interesting.

[@桜井龍太郎]

Japan looks a prosperous country, but in real people are not necessarily more happy than those in "undeveloped" country.

[@lindae7013]

There are lost souls everywhere, I pray they get the peace they desire.

[@january5741]

i always fantasized about those old western books and movies where you can just literally disappear and start a new life in a different state... employers wouldn't pry too much and the government simply didn't care as long as your hands were clean.