What is Johatsu? The dark Japanese secret behind thousands disappearing every year

Representative Image (Source: Canva)

Every year, thousands of people in Japan disappear without a trace, leaving behind their families, careers, and identities. Known as Johatsu (蒸発), or "evaporated people," these individuals choose to vanish, often due to overwhelming societal pressures, personal failures, or the desire for a fresh start.

Unlike missing persons cases in other countries, Johatsu is a deliberate act of self-erasure, facilitated by secretive "night moving" services that help people slip away unnoticed. This phenomenon reveals a darker side of Japan's collectivist culture, where shame and social stigma drive people to extreme measures.

What is Johatsu?

The term Johatsu (literally meaning "evaporation") originated in post-war Japan, describing those who disappeared during the country's difficult economic periods. Today, it refers to individuals who intentionally abandon their lives to escape debt, family pressures, professional failures, or even abusive relationships.

According to The Japan Times, the concept gained prominence during Japan's economic crisis in the 1960s and 1990s, when many facing bankruptcy or unemployment chose disappearance over societal judgment. According to a report, Japan recorded 84,910 missing person cases in 2022.

Why do people become Johatsu?

Japan's rigid societal expectations play a major role in this phenomenon. Unlike Western cultures, where people may openly seek help or start anew, Japanese society often views failure as a deep personal and familial shame. Common reasons for disappearing include:

• Financial ruin (job loss, bankruptcy, overwhelming debt)
• Family or marital breakdown (divorce, domestic abuse, estrangement)
• Academic failure (especially students unable to meet exam pressures)
• Mental health struggles (lack of support, societal stigma)
• Escaping organized crime (yakuza involvement or debt collectors)

Japan has one of the world's most advanced surveillance and identification systems, making it difficult to vanish. Yet, specialized agencies called "yonige-ya" (夜逃げ屋, or "night moving companies") help people disappear discreetly.

A 2017 TIME report found that these services charge between ¥50,000 to ¥300,000 (approx. $400–$2,500), depending on the complexity of the case. Some Johatsu resurface in marginalized districts like Sanya (Tokyo) or Kamagasaki (Osaka), where day labor jobs are available without strict background checks.

While Johatsu finds escape, their loved ones are often left in anguish. Without legal closure, families struggle with unanswered questions, unable to declare missing relatives dead or resolve financial and emotional burdens.