
While some may find the idea of locking themselves in their room for months or even years at a time horrifying, for some that’s just their daily life. And if you’re one of those people who much prefer their bed to the sun, this special competition sponsored by DMM may be just what you’re looking for. If you’re chosen, you’ll get free room-and-board for a week, along with all-you-can-play games — but you won’t be allowed to go outside even once.
If that sounds like a great summer vacation to you, read on to find out more.
No doubt you’ve heard of “hikikomori” before — acute social withdrawal that sees many young people retreat into their bedrooms and hide from the world for long periods of time. In Japan, the number of hikikomori (also the term for those engaging in the practice) was estimated at around 1,600,000 in 2005, though the word is used today to refer to even just the act of staying home all day on the weekend. It seems like a weird (if not distasteful) theme for a contest, but DMM won’t let that stop them from torturing one lucky winner!
DMM is a popular Japanese Internet retailer that also provides a variety of streaming services as well as 3-D printing. They may not exactly be the best friend to hikikomori, but they seem to be trying. And the Internet retailer is gearing up to win the love of shut-ins everywhere with a new competition!
▼ The only website you’ll get to visit for one week.
The one lucky winner will, for roughly one week from 10 a.m. on July 30 to 1 p.m. on August 5, “get” to spend all day every day locked inside with free room and board. In addition to the food and what we hope is a comfy bed, you’ll also get unlimited access to DMM.com and all the videos, books, and games they have available. They don’t specifically mention whether or not you’ll get access to their “adults only” section, but you would get to play all the Kantai Collection and Touken Ranbu you want!
You may have noticed that the winner — and there can only be one — will start their austere staycation next Thursday. But fear not, the application period is still open! In fact, you have until midnight July 27 to apply for a full week locked inside. And we are serious about that being locked inside! You won’t be allowed to leave even once and you won’t be able to see anyone either. We’re not sure if this is a human right violation or not, but we assume their legal department has looked into it.
▼ And, hey, the guy in the photo looks happy!
Your room will be simply furnished, with a bed, chair, table, and a computer that can only be used to view DMM.com. Yes, that’s right, your only entertainment option will be DMM.com. As for food, the company will apparently send sushi, steak, onigiri, and other food to your room. They’ll even include a hand-written note “like your mother,” so you won’t forget that she’s concerned about you.
Nevermind. This is definitely a human rights violation.
▼ “See? He’s smiling!” says the public relations department.
▼ “Oh. Oh, no. Oh, nonononono!”
Once you’ve been released from your entertainment cocoon, you’ll have to “make a report” on the experience. We doubt it will be a twenty-page research paper with at least ten sources, but who knows what DMM is looking for! Fortunately, you can rest easy knowing there aren’t any hidden cameras — or at least that’s what they say.
▼ You’ll have to pay for your own counselling afterwards though.
The contest is open to everyone in good health between 18 and 60 years old who “can be a hikikomori” for the full week. The winner will “receive” their “prize” in Tokyo.
If you’re interested in participating, go this website and fill out the form. You just need to give them your address, age, what prefecture you’re currently living in (you’ll need to be in Japan already), and your email address, and then explain why you’re so eager to participate.
Sources/images: DMM.com via Inside Games







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