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 thirties shut inside his home.

"I was going through the motions of life, but lying to myself. Apart from work, I had nothing. I'd just had enough," he told AFP at a workshop for the international production.

Yoshida was among more than a million Japanese aged 15 to 64 who lead highly reclusive lives, withdrawing from all social contact for at least six months, according to a 2020 government estimate.

Through an experimental theater project, two French artists are hoping to offer hikikomori — or "shut-ins" as they are often referred to in English — a chance to express themselves and regain self-confidence.

Their play "Hiku" — to be shown next year in France, Belgium, and elsewhere in Europe — aims to give hikikomori a platform for self-expression, while respecting their desire for isolation.

It features robots controlled by participants at home in Japan and voice recordings of conversations held through bedroom doors.

It also includes footage from small but noisy street demonstrations staged by hikikomori who are taking steps toward leaving their confinement — but who feel oppressed by Japan's demanding work culture.

"We don't want to be forced to work! Stop oppressing us!" participants chanted at one demonstration filmed in the city of Takatsuki in western Japan.

Yoshida, who took part in the protest, told AFP he was "very proud" to be part of the theater production.

Robot 'avatars'

The producers are working in Takatsuki with a local organization, New Start Kansai, which provides support and company for hikikomori to help them gradually readjust to life in society.