Summary of the Key Points
This article discusses the phenomenon where characters created by Haruki Murakami, such as the geniuses with eccentricities like Shigeru Ishiguro and Yukio Tsukawa, are labeled as having Asperger's Syndrome by netizens. It explores the underlying issues with this "cyber-diagnosis": it stems from the public's fascination with these "genius oddities" but reinforces stereotypes about people with autism, while neglecting the diversity and needs of those who truly have the condition. The article also draws parallels with Japan's "hermitage" phenomenon (a trend where individuals withdraw from society), highlighting how the labeling of fictional characters reflects a broader misunderstanding of neurodiverse groups in reality. It calls on us to let go of these labels and focus on the real people.
I. Murakami's Geniuses with Eccentricities: Regular Patterns, but No Labels by the Author
Murakami has written about many characters who are both geniuses and socially withdrawn: Shigeru Ishiguro, a math genius who follows the same route every day and buys the same bento, using formulas to understand the world; Yukio Tsukawa, a physicist who dislikes social interactions and says, "I don't want to deal with things like human emotions that science can't explain"; and Saho Nogami, a math genius who, in the original novel, has "scholar syndrome" (superhuman abilities in a specific field but developmental delays), which was later changed to autism in adaptations.
These characters share common traits: a focus on a particular area, social isolation, and a rigid lifestyle. However, Murakami himself has never labeled them as having Asperger's or autism—only Saho Nogami's condition relates to the characteristics of scholar syndrome, and some autistic individuals may possess genius abilities. Murakami's ability to depict these characters realistically is due to his own experience as an engineer (he worked on electronic systems at a Toyota parts company), giving him a deep understanding of scientific thinking.
II. Netizens' Love for Diagnosing Characters with Asperger's: Fulfilling the Desire for "Fascinating Oddities"
Why do netizens label these characters with Asperger's? It's essentially a form of "cyber-diagnosis": amateurs use a limited understanding of certain traits (genius + social barriers + rigid behavior) to assign diagnoses to fictional characters.
The psychology behind this is that the image of "geniuses who don't understand human emotions" is very appealing—it feels both safe (since it's fictional) and intriguing (because they seem to possess extraordinary abilities). Labeling makes the characters more three-dimensional, but it doesn't reflect genuine concern for people with autism. For example, some think Shigeru Ishiguro doesn't understand love; in reality, he expresses his feelings in his own way (like solving math problems), though most people don't recognize it.
III. The Autism Community's Disapproval of "Cyber-Diagnosis": The Power of Stereotypes
The autism community dislikes this labeling for several reasons:
1. The Inequality of the "Observing Eye": It's like being judged from the side without the chance to speak back. Autistic author Katherine May points out that Asperger's Syndrome has become a preferred label for amateur diagnoses, with observers assuming authority while ignoring the feelings of those being observed.
2. A Problem with Empathy: People who are not autistic often say that autistics don't understand social cues, but both groups may have difficulty interpreting each other's signals—autistic individuals use different tones and body language, which go unnoticed to many neurotypical people. However, since the majority are neurotypical, the blame for these differences is placed on the minority.
3. Reinforcing the Stereotype that "Geniuses = Autistics": Only 10% of people with autism have scholar syndrome; the majority have average intelligence. Labeling focuses on the "genius" aspect, overshadowing the fact that most autistic individuals need support in their daily lives.
IV. The Film and Television Industry: Blurring the Lines, Making Real Patients Invisible
The film and television industry also contributes to this stereotype: Hollywood likes to create characters that appear autistic without explicitly stating it (e.g., "Sherlock"). Once the diagnosis is made, there's pressure to get it right, which can affect the plot.
The consequences of this ambiguity are negative:
- The public assumes all autistics are geniuses, ignoring the many who need help in real life.
- Some people who don't have a confirmed diagnosis are told they're just "like Sherlock" and avoid seeking a diagnosis.
- True autistic individuals become invisible in public perception, missing out on the attention they deserve.
V. Japan's "Hermitage" Phenomenon: A Reflection of Reality in Fiction
Murakami's characters who stay indoors (like Saho Nogami) are based on the real issue of "hermitage" in Japan, where people avoid social interactions and work for more than half a year at a time. A 2023 survey showed that over one million Japanese people experience this, with one in every 50 individuals affected.
Is there a connection between hermitage and autism? Yes, but hermitage does not equal autism: While autistic individuals are more likely to engage in hermitage, most do so due to complex reasons such as job failures, school bullying, or depression. Japan has only recently come to recognize this, with the 2005 "Support for People with Developmental Disabilities Act" acknowledging the rights of diverse brains. Today, there's a focus on building trust gradually rather than forcing individuals back into society.
Conclusion: Let Go of Labels and Focus on Real People
Labeling fictional characters as having Asperger's may seem like an act of understanding, but it actually distances us from reality. We are moved by characters like Ishiguro not because they "have Asperger's," but because they love the world in their own unique way, despite being misunderstood. Instead of diagnosing fictional characters, we should show patience towards those around us who think differently—what they need is understanding, not labels.