(1) Read the story. (2) Tell the story in your own words. (3) Ask the questions.
| Evaporated People |
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Around 100,000 people disappear in Japan every year, but these are not people who have gone missing under suspicious circumstances. Instead, they are part of “johatsu”, which literally translates to the evaporated. These are individuals who voluntarily slip away, often in the middle of the night, leaving behind jobs, debts, relationships, or shame. They pack only what they can carry and vanish into Japan’s dense urban landscape, becoming anonymous in a society where privacy is easy to maintain and questions are rarely asked. Some even hire secret “night movers” who help them leave without being noticed.
Johatsu isn’t just something a few people do—it’s a steady, hidden part of Japanese society. For many, disappearing is a way to escape problems and regain a sense of control when everything else feels overwhelming. |
| Comprehension Questions |
- What does “johatsu” translate to in English?
- How many people disappear in Japan every year?
- Why do people want to disappear?
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| Discussion Questions |
- Does the idea of disappearing sound appealing or frightening to you?
- What are the pros and cons of disappearing?
- Do you think this is common in other countries too?
- What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
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