In Japan, a strange and intriguing practice known as johatsu, or „evaporated people,“ is gaining ground. This phenomenon involves individuals choosing to voluntarily disappear from public life, leaving no traces behind. According to French journalist Léna Mauger, nearly one hundred thousand Japanese people vanish every year, although the actual number may be higher due to underreporting. While the act of disappearing is not unique to Japan, it is more prevalent in this country than in others.
There are several reasons why people choose to „evaporate“ in Japan. Mauger suggests that for some individuals, johatsu is a way to escape issues such as depression, addiction, or sexual impropriety. In an interview with TIME, she explained that disappearing allows people to disconnect from their problems and enter a different, hidden society beneath Japan’s surface. One example she shares in her book is the story of Norihiro, who chose to vanish after losing his job and facing financial difficulties. By leaving his old life behind, he found solace in a new, nameless existence.
A documentary film titled Johatsu – Into Thin Air delves into the topic of disappearing in Japan. The film explores why individuals choose to abandon their lives and showcases the experiences of those who have been away from their families for years. It also sheds light on the role of „Night Movers,“ individuals who help people vanish from society by relocating their belongings to a safe place. These services come at a cost, with fees ranging from ¥50,000 to ¥300,000, depending on factors such as the client’s financial situation and the amount of possessions to be moved.
The trailer of the documentary features individuals who have chosen to disappear for various reasons, such as escaping debt collectors or avoiding shame brought upon their families. Night Movers offer these individuals a chance to start anew in a place where their past is unknown and their identity is irrelevant. Thanks to Japan’s strict privacy laws, people who go johatsu are rarely found once they have disappeared.
In conclusion, the practice of johatsu in Japan is a complex and intriguing phenomenon that offers individuals a way to escape their problems and start fresh in a hidden society. While the reasons for choosing to disappear may vary, the act of vanishing remains a mysterious and little-discussed topic in Japanese society. Through documentaries like Johatsu – Into Thin Air, the stories of those who have chosen to evaporate shed light on the hidden world of johatsu and the individuals who help them disappear.