In Japan, thousands of people “evaporate” without a trace each year, cutting off all social contact. The port city of Osaka is home to the infamous Kamagasaki slum, also known as Airin Chiku, where those who disappear without a trace can start anew by renting cheap houses and finding manual labor work.
The term “jouhatsu” emerged in the 1960s when people began to disappear to avoid complicated divorce proceedings. Over time, more and more individuals chose to “evaporate” in places like Kamagasaki, where they could start a new life by changing their names and cutting off all contact with their past lives.
Sociologist Hiroki Nakamori explains that Japanese people value privacy greatly, allowing “jouhatsu” to live hidden away without anyone finding out. When someone goes missing, the police do not provide information unless there is a crime or accident involved. Families are left to hire private detectives or wait for any news.
One such person, Masashi Tanaka, chose to disappear after serving a prison sentence for drug crimes. He went to the Kamagasaki slum to live alone after his mother disowned him. The phenomenon of “jouhatsu” reflects cultural norms, gender roles, and social expectations in Japan.
Many individuals choose to disappear due to debts, escaping from yakuza (Japanese mafia), or wanting to cut ties with abusive family members. Some escape due to failed exams, job losses, or financial troubles, highlighting the dark side of Japanese work culture notorious for “karoshi” – death from overwork.
Paul O’Shea, a Japan researcher, points out that many Japanese feel discriminated against for not being able to care for themselves. The concept of traditional gender roles in Japan may contribute to this discrimination, pushing individuals to seek “evaporation” measures.
While many “jouhatsu” remain unfound, some cases are eventually discovered by authorities. The search for missing loved ones can be tiring and painful, leaving many families in uncertainty. With current laws, they can only wait for answers and closure.
