In Japan, where the term of ‘Hikikomori’ originated, it refers to either adults or teens who withdraw from society, and whose only purpose is to be alone by their own volition and live as post-modern hermits who are nevertheless still connected to their virtual lives. In this post COVID world, a chill chiptune compilation centered around isolation is just one of the ways in which our scene, which has been called “the most pandemic proof”, shows its resilience and its way to thrive within this new normal.
This brand new compilation, released on the month of April by Pterodactyl Squad, aptly named “ひきこもり・Hikikomori” has a total of 32 tracks. They are diverse sounding and super fun to listen to within the confines of your home, maybe even dance frantically to, all while basking in this brand new collective hikikomori pact we’ve established in the western civilization.
And I’m super happy to be here to review some of these amazing tracks, so let’s get started!

Album artwork by Bryony Hopkins.