On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, our organization hosted the “Japan-UK International Conference on Gambling Addiction Countermeasures in Osaka” at the Senri Life Science Center in Osaka Prefecture. The event concluded successfully with a full house, drawing 420 participants.

At this conference, experts from various fields presented reports and exchanged opinions on measures to combat gambling addiction in both Japan and the UK. From the UK, speakers included Charles Richie and Liz Richie, co-founders of the MBE-awarded charity Gambling with Lives, and Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder and director of Gamban. They presented evidence demonstrating that gambling-related deaths and harm are societal issues, emphasizing the importance of interventions that go beyond placing responsibility solely on the individual.

From Japan, Senator Fusao Izumi took the stage. Drawing on his experience tackling gambling addiction during his tenure as Mayor of Akashi City, he expressed his determination to provide the utmost support as a member of the Diet. Dr. Nozomi Hashimoto, a psychiatrist at the Okayama Prefectural Psychiatric Medical Center, provided a clear explanation of specific support measures and prevention strategies based on insights gained during his studies in the UK. Furthermore, our association’s representative, Noriko Tanaka, also took the stage and gave a presentation on the challenges and necessity of support seen from the front lines of assisting individuals with addiction and their families.

Participants expressed surprise and learned from the specific examples of the UK’s initiatives, while also being deeply moved by the shared feelings of families affected by addiction and suicide. Councilor Izumi proposed, “Using the term ‘addiction’ risks framing it as solely a medical or personal issue. Wouldn’t ‘gambling harm prevention measures’ be a more appropriate expression?” This suggestion deepened the discussion.

This conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn about the UK’s advanced initiatives and served as an excellent chance to gain a proper understanding of addiction and learn about support measures. Moving forward, our association will work to strengthen prevention and support measures while also actively engaging in advocacy efforts directed at the national government.