The estimated 1.46 million social recluses mean that about one in 50 Japanese rarely leaves home. [...] The study found that about 60 per cent of the social recluses were male. Asked to state what prompted them to become recluses, 21.5 per cent of respondents--the largest number among those aged between 15 and 39--quit their jobs as the reason. The study said 18.1 per cent cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the main cause. As for the duration of remaining home-bound, 21.5 per cent of those aged between 15 and 39 said between six and less than 12 months, while 17.4 per cent said between three and less than five years. The study defined a social recluse as someone who did not leave their room or home for over six months. Those who ventured only to neighbourhood convenience stores or left home purely to participate in hobby activities were also classified as social recluses.