OSAKA - Osaka's iconic Glico sign, known for its triumphant runner against a backdrop of blue, red, and white, has taken on a new design this month. On July 18th, the display briefly transformed into a massive QR code—an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable youth who gather beneath the sign, an area commonly known as "Guri-shita" (under the Glico sign).
The QR code links directly to the Osaka Prefectural Police’s LINE consultation service, allowing young people to seek advice or help discreetly via smartphone. This marks part of a broader effort to not only crack down on illegal activity but also provide emotional and social support.
Minami's Glico sign is more than a tourist attraction—it has become an informal gathering spot for teens, some grappling with isolation and troubled home lives. However, the site has also seen an increase in underage drinking, drug misuse including over-the-counter abuse (known as "overdosing" or "obado"), and cases of juvenile crime and exploitation.
In response, Osaka City installed a wall under the sign in March to prevent loitering. But many young people saw the move as disruptive. One teen said, "If they build a wall, we’ll just move somewhere else." As expected, groups of teens have since relocated roughly 300 meters away to a different area referred to as "Uki".
On the night of the report, police officers were patrolling the area. Teens interviewed expressed a mix of fear, mistrust, and ambivalence about adult intervention. "When you're alone, it's hard to go home. But it's dangerous here too," one said. Many admitted feeling safer with their peers despite the risks.
Recognizing the need for more accessible support, the police teamed up with local high school students from Kojima Technical High School to develop the QR system. Scanning the code activates an AI chatbot that responds to questions and, if needed, provides the phone number for the Green Line, a direct counseling hotline.
Since the QR code went live on July 7th, the number of consultations has more than doubled, rising from 7 to 16 compared to the same period last year. Police officers expressed gratitude to the students at a ceremony, acknowledging their role in creating a solution that teens might actually use.
Teens on the street responded with amazement upon seeing the Glico sign transformed. "No way. That's crazy," one said. "This is the Glico sign… on the river in Osaka. That’s wild."
Yet despite some optimism, others voiced skepticism about the adults behind the initiative. "It's like all the adults are doing different things that don't connect," a student remarked. "To be honest, I don’t know what they’re trying to achieve."
The initiative underscores the growing demand for trust-based outreach efforts. As one official noted, "Coming here isn't inherently bad. If you’re struggling, talk to us."
Source: KTV NEWS
