Objective: This study explores the experiences of hikikomori youth in Japan. One of the most talked-about social issues in Japan in recent years has been the problem of the nation’s purportedly one million ‘hidden’ or socially withdrawn youths, known as hikikomori. Method: A total of 6 hikikomori men living in Japan were selected for in-depth interview. This study utilizes Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, with data analysis based on the 6 steps presented by Colaizzi (1978). Results: Results of this study are as follows: the participants provided 13 themes on the essential structure of experience and 6 theme clusters. The final 6 theme clusters that were: anxiety and helplessness, fear of the world, ambivalence of death, cut-off of relationships in life, dissociation of self, emotional support to connect the relationships and self. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, discussions about the experiences of young Japanese hikikomori are offered, and implications for subsequent studies and consultation are presented.