On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, our representative, Noriko Tanaka, and a member of our Peer Support Division spoke at the Kinki District Student Guidance Training Seminar, “Forum on Various Forms of Addiction Affecting Student Life,” held at Shiga University.

During the seminar, Representative Tanaka discussed the risks associated with university students beginning to gamble, as well as the importance of prevention and awareness-raising efforts targeting younger generations. A member of our Peer Support Division also shared their personal experience of beginning to gamble at a young age, providing participants with an opportunity to consider gambling and other forms of addiction as issues that can affect people in their own communities and lives.

We also emphasized that measures to prevent and address gambling and other forms of addiction among young people, including university students, are becoming increasingly important, particularly in light of the planned opening of an IR (Integrated Resort) in the Kansai region in 2030.
As opportunities for younger people to encounter gambling continue to increase, it is extremely important to focus on prevention and awareness-raising from an early stage. Rather than waiting until problems become serious before connecting individuals with support services, early intervention is essential.

The seminar provided a valuable opportunity for participants to consider the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and relevant organizations in areas such as preventive education and awareness raising at universities. It also highlighted the need to develop effective consultation and support systems.

Through initiatives such as this, our organization will continue to promote prevention and awareness among younger generations and foster a better understanding of gambling and other forms of addiction.