Theatre project aims to ease isolation of Japan's social recluses

French visual artist and dancer Eric Minh Cuong Castaing (left) and co-director Anne-Sophie Turion chatting with the avatar robot of Seiji Yoshida. Photo: AFP

Disillusioned by work and tired of life, Seiji Yoshida withdrew from the world for seven years, but now he's taking part in a play about the experiences of Japan's "hikikomori", or social recluses.

The 42-year-old spent most of his 30s shut inside his home.