Here are several reent articles on the phenomenon of hikikomori:

1. “Permissive, Overbearing Parenting Is Connected to Hikikomori,” published in Psychology Today. The article premise is that hikikomori children are created by “parents who displayed some combination of being overbearing (helicoptering) and/or overly indulgent, which includes the sort of permissive parenting bereft of rules, structure, expectations, and consequences.” The article, however, does not address child psychology, neurological factors, or societal context.
   URLL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liftoff/202404/permissive-overbearing-parenting-is-connected-to-hikikomori.
   
2. “The Concerning Global Rise in Hikikomori Syndrome, Explained,” puiblished in Psychology Today . The article maintains that “Hikikomori syndrome is an extreme form of social withdrawa influenced by psychiatric conditions, personality traits, family dynamics, and other factors.” The artivle notes that ‘”family support, mental health support, and starting with small steps can help hikikomori re-enter society.” In supporting the premise of global rise, reference is made to an article that quantifies the growth of the population of identifiable hikikomori. For this article, see note 3.
   URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202404/the-concerning-global-rise-in-hikikomori-syndrome-explained

3. The review article referred to by the above article 2. was recently published by International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and is freely available via open access. Title: “Hikikomori: A Scientometric Review of 20 Years of Research.”
URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/9/5657

4. An article from OHSU News (Oregon Health & Science University News) titled “New tool will help to diagnose form of extreme social isolation,” describes a proposed new diagnoistic tool for identifying the hikikomori patient, The tool is HiDE (Hikikomori Diagnostic Evaluation.
URL: https://news.ohsu.edu/2023/09/19/new-tool-will-help-to-diagnose-form-of-extreme-social-isolation

Psychology Today offers several articles; one from The Daily Mail and one from Neuroscience News.

“What an introvert learned when researhing human connection.”
URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-case-for-connection/202402/what-an-introvert-learned-when-researching-human-connection

“On solitude: why we need it.”
URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rethinking-men/202401/on-solitude-why-we-need-it

“The cure for loneliness is solitude.”
URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/202401/the-cure-for-loneliness-is-solitude

from the Daily Mail (UK)”Spending time ALONE is good for you: Scientists say solitude can help relieve pressure of modern life.”
URL: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12828431/Spending-time-good-Scientists-say-solitude-help-relieve-pressure-modern-life.html

from Neuroscience News: “Balancing Act: The Mixed Blessings of Solitude on Mental Health.”
Summary: A new study examines the nuanced impact of solitude on mental health among adults aged 35 and older in the UK and US. Tracking 178 participants over 21 days, the research found no definitive optimal balance between solitude and social interaction. While increased hours alone correlated with reduced stress and a sense of autonomy, it also led to feelings of loneliness and reduced life satisfaction, indicating the complex effects of solitude.
URL: https://neurosciencenews.com/solitude-stress-mental-health-23530/

From the website of YES! magazine comes this reflective piece titled, “Murmurations: Loneliness As Fermentation.” The essay addresses the epidemic of loneliness that followed the Covid pandemic but especially affected the disabled. Here the author focuses interest on Julian (a)of Norwich, the 14th-century Engish anchorite, and how her deliberate isolation summoned a sense of spirituality into a bleek setting.

URL: https://www.yesmagazine.org/opinion/2023/09/28/murmurations-loneliness-fermentation

Three articles from Psychology Today:

“The Art of Loneliness,” with the byline “Striking the balance between solitude and isolation.” The article develops several themes: understanding the benefits of solitude, distinguishing isoltion from solitude, paying attention to the benefits of silence, and relieving stress.

URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/duty-to-self/202309/the-art-of-aloneness

“Lessons on Facing Loneliness From Philosophy,” with the byline “Wisdom traditions teach the value of solitude for clarity and peace.” The article develops several themes: solitude as opportunity for reflection and growth, that our moods carry formsof wisdom, and that loneliness, however painful, teaches us about ourselves.

URL: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-in-the-internet-age/202309/lessons-on-facing-loneliness-from-philosophy

A 2012 article titled “Taking refuge from modernity: 21st century hermits” in the Journal of the Rpyal Society of Medicine compares contemporary “hermits” seeking solitary places due to concerns about “electro-hypersensitivity” and “multiple chemical sensitivities” with the motives of historical hermits. Among the former are people fleeing electromagnetic radiation through cell towers and other technology devices. The behaviors and motives are compared to specific historical hermits: Noah John Rondeau, Roger Crab, St. Simeon Stylites, and St, Anthony the Great. The number of historical hermits is small, limited, and perhaps not representative.

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3536505/