In Japan, a strange custom is spreading: people disappearing on their own. This phenomenon is known as “vaporizers.” Vaporizers are people who voluntarily disappear from public life and leave no trace behind. French journalist Rena Mauger has investigated this custom and in her book, she states that nearly 100,000 Japanese people disappear every year.
Reports suggest that the number of people seeking rehabilitation is much higher and goes unreported. In Japan, it is unacceptable to talk openly about rehabilitation. While people disappearing is not unique to Japan, the phenomenon is much more prevalent here.
Why do people choose to “evaporate”?
There are a number of reasons why people choose rehabilitation in Japan. Mauger said that for some, rehabilitation is the best way to combat issues like depression, addiction or sexual misconduct. “This is something we don't talk about a lot, but sometimes people disappear because there is another society underneath Japanese society,” she said in an interview with TIME.
In her book, she tells the story of a man named Norihiro. After he was fired from his job, he continued to leave his house with the clothes on his back, spending his days in his car. But then he stopped receiving a paycheck and decided to abandon his current life and disappear into a quaint place where only the “nameless” venture.
By withdrawing from society, people are able to separate themselves from their problems. A documentary film called “The Passion” is due to be released this year. It explores this issue and talks about why people run away from their lives. The trailer shows people who have been away from their families for years to build a new life. It also talks about “night movers” who help such people disappear from society.
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In the film's trailer, a woman recalls how she disappeared – after searching “how to escape the mafia” on her phone, she came across Night Movers' services, who offered her a “place to live and work at the same time”.
Another man tells of his father's company going bankrupt after he took it over. He blames himself for bringing shame to the family and then “disappearing.” Night movers move their clients' belongings secretly to safety. They move to areas where no one cares who they are.
Prices for these services vary depending on a variety of factors. Costs can range from 50,000 yen ($338) to 300,000 yen ($2,030) – people fleeing debt collectors will likely pay more – and also depend on how much belongings they have, whether other family members are coming along, etc.
Japan's strict privacy laws mean few people are seen having affairs.
