Japan now has a loneliness minister, but how will solitude be measured?
April 3, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
Minister for Promoting Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens Tetsushi Sakamoto, second from right, is seen holding a sign for the office of the minister for loneliness, in Tokyo s Chiyoda Ward on Feb. 19, 2021. (Pool photo) TOKYO While the Japanese government has established the new role of a minister for loneliness, and set about tackling isolation issues, setting up a standard for measuring individuals levels of solitude is at the center of discussion. Although creating a scale of loneliness is directly linked with achieving the government s goals, many challenges exist, such as the question of how to measure such a subjective feeling. An expert said that a consciousness unique to Japanese society has also been presenting further challenges.