The Ohitorisama Phenomenon in Japan as a Natural Shift Toward JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) - Exploratory Neuroscience Analysis
Yohanes Fenan
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) July 14, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21351179 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Conceptual neuropsychological analysis and exploratory literature review |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that Ohitorisama behavior is an adaptive neural strategy, not a pathology: it conserves mPFC metabolic energy, reduces amygdala hyperactivity via anonymity, shifts allostatic load from sympathetic to parasympathetic, and enables passive observational learning through the Mirror Neuron System, thereby avoiding a 'psychological tax' and restoring cognitive capacity. |
Abstract
Background: In digital and social ecosystems with a high degree of collectivism like Japan, user participation metrics and interpersonal interaction obligations often trigger massive cognitive and emotional pressure. The concept of Ohitorisama (the behavior of consciously celebrating solo activities) has emerged as an antithesis to these exhausting social obligations. This phenomenon indicates a large-scale psychological shift from Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) to Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). While solitary behavior is often associated with adaptive weakness or pathological withdrawal, current neuropsychological perspectives indicate that this behavior is part of a highly complex emotional regulation and self-preservation strategy.
Objective: This study aims to deconstruct the neurobiological and cognitive roots behind the Ohitorisama phenomenon, map how the shift towards JOMO functions as an emotional regulation strategy from a neuroscience perspective, and identify factors that inhibit forced interaction in a hyper-stimulating era.
Methods: This research uses a conceptual neuropsychological analysis approach and an exploratory literature review. The analysis focuses on synthesizing the Stressor-Strain-Outcome (SSO) framework, ego depletion theory, Default Mode Network (DMN) activation, neuroeconomic evaluation, and the mapping of the Mirror Neuron System (MNS) against seven main dimensions of proactive solitary behaviour.
Results: Ohitorisama behaviour is triggered by high-level adaptive neural mechanisms. These mechanisms include the conservation of metabolic energy by the medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC) when facing burdensome cultural demands, the reduction of amygdala hyperactivity through the avoidance of social anxiety via anonymity, the reduction of allostatic load from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system, and the fulfillment of observational learning in a simulative and passive manner via the MNS.
Conclusion: The Ohitorisama phenomenon is not a form of participative weakness, a failure of social adaptation, or a pathology of isolation; rather, it is an orchestration of high-level defence mechanisms by the human central nervous system. Its purpose is to avoid the "psychological tax" of an overly burdensome cultural and digital environment, allowing individuals to optimally restore their cognitive capacities.