People become jouhatsu for a number of reasons, including depression, addiction, sexual impropriety, and desire for isolation.[1] Sometimes, it is used to escape domestic violence, gambling debt, religious cults, stalkers, employers, and difficult family situations.[2][2] The shame of job loss, divorce, and even failing an exam can also motivate people to disappear.[4][5] In some cases, becoming jouhatsu is a way to just have a fresh start.[2] When they disappear, they can abandon their former residences, jobs, families, names, and even appearances.[2]