That's a really interesting article. I think the phenomenon is probably not confined to just Japan, either, considering the state of the world. People just seem not as nice anymore, and even in small towns, there are so many of them everywhere you go, it's easy to just want to stay home. I could almost be considered one of these. I don't remember when the last time was I left the house, but it's been a couple of weeks at least. I'm not sure if I've left it this month at all. I get everything delivered I can, even groceries. I do have to make a long drive across the state Saturday, and it's freaking me out a little bit, to be honest, because I've gotten comfortable in my "zone." Of course, part of the reason I like to stay home now is because it's so hot, humid, and miserable outside this time of year, I don't even like to go outside to the laundry room or to put out the recycling. I tend to be more motivated to go places when it's cooler and nice outside. When you stay home a long time, though, it makes it harder to go out. Thank goodness for the internet, where there are a million and one ways to make a full-time income without leaving home if you don't want to.