A growing movement among young adults in Japan is encouraging people to limit their daily smartphone use to just two hours, with participants reporting unexpected benefits from the digital detox.
The initiative comes as concerns mount about excessive screen time’s impact on sleep patterns and personal relationships. While not enforced by penalties, the concept has sparked national conversation about digital consumption habits.
Shoki Moriyama, a 25-year-old Tokyo professional, typically spends eight hours daily on his device but managed to reduce this to under two hours during the experiment. “The change forced me to find other activities,” he noted. “I used the extra time for reading, studying, and exercise, which made my day feel more productive.”
His colleague Tomomi Hanaoka echoed this sentiment, explaining that limiting her usual three to seven hours of phone time created space for other pursuits. “The constraint made me more intentional about how I spend my time,” she said.
University student Akari Saito found the challenge particularly difficult during commutes but acknowledged the potential benefits. “Reducing phone use might make the day feel longer and allow for more meaningful activities,” she observed.
The concept has drawn both support and criticism, with some participants questioning whether the focus should be on screen time quality rather than quantity. Yet many found value in the self-imposed limitation, with one student reporting a 60% reduction in her typical usage.
“Being conscious of the challenge made a significant difference,” noted Aya, a university student who typically spends eight hours daily on her device. “I spent more time having actual conversations and noticing my surroundings, which made my day feel more meaningful.”
Proponents argue that even without enforcement, the two-hour benchmark encourages people to examine their digital habits. The initiative appears to be achieving its primary goal: prompting individuals to reconsider their relationship with technology and rediscover the value of offline engagement.
