How Has the Support Called “Ibasho” been Discussed?

抄録

This study focuses on ibasho in Japan in the sense of free spaces for people with a history of hikikomori (social withdrawal) who have trouble in finding employment. The paper reviews previous literature on ibasho, and attempts to clarify the role that ibasho are expected to play in supporting these people. As a result of the analysis, six functions of ibasho were extracted. Specifically, (1) shelter and asylum, (2) interpersonal relations, (3) ibasho as a safe and secure place, (4) bridge to social independence, (5) resistance to dominant values, and (6) dilemmas with ibasho. In conclusion, we noted that ibasho is a concept that has immense possibilities in practice, although it needs to be refined before it can be used as an academic concept as it is.