The “Gambling Addiction Seminar & Consultation Meeting in Saitama” was successfully held on Saturday, November 15th, in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, attracting a full house of attendees.

The event started with moving testimonials from members of our Peer Support Division and the National Gambling Addiciton Family Association. Following this, Dr. Nobuya Naruse, Vice Director of the Saitama Prefectural Psychiatric Medical Center, delivered a lecture. He spoke about the necessity of appropriate treatment and support, stressing that addiction should be understood as a common illness. He strongly emphasized the need to change slogans like “Dame, Zettai.” (No, Never), noting that they reinforce stigma, isolate individuals, and ultimately hinder the path to recovery.

Subsequently, during the lecture by our representative, Noriko Tanaka, members of our Peer Support Division and the Family Association also took the stage. The session strongly highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation with administrative bodies to broaden the understanding of this growing illness and facilitate successful recovery.

Finally, a highly anticipated talk show featuring special guests Noboru Takachi, Noriko Tanaka, and Dr. Naruse gave the audience a truly meaningful experience, combining deep insights into addiction with humor and warmth that energized the venue.

We were also honored by the attendance of several distinguished politicians, including Mr. Takashi Takai (House of Representatives, Reiwa Shinsengumi), Ms. Tomoko Ichiki (House of Representatives, Constitutional Democratic Party), Mr. Nobuaki Sekine (Saitama Prefectural Assembly, Liberal Democratic Party), Mr. Yukio Gonmori (Saitama Prefectural Assembly, Komeito), Mr. Katsumi Komori (Saitama Prefectural Assembly, Constitutional Democratic Party), and Mr. Kenichi Saito (Saitama City Assembly, Komeito). Furthermore, we received a supportive message from Ms. Yasuko Komiyama (House of Representatives, Constitutional Democratic Party), to whom we express our deepest gratitude.