OSAKA - Young people continue to gather at "Gurishita" in Osaka's Minami entertainment district despite persistent risks of drug abuse, prostitution and violent crime, while a nearby support center is operating around the clock during the summer vacation period to help those with nowhere else to turn.
Gurishita, the area beneath the famous Glico sign in Osaka's Dotonbori district, began attracting young people struggling with difficult circumstances about five years ago and has since become both a gathering place and a source of growing concern.
Even after 9:30 p.m., the area remains crowded, particularly during the Obon holiday season when large numbers of tourists visit Osaka's Minami district.
Drug overdoses have become widespread among some of the young people gathering there. One person described taking drugs together with others as more enjoyable, saying the experience could make them "see space."
There have also been cases involving prostitution and compensated dating, known in Japan as papa-katsu.
More recently, disputes have increasingly been settled through threats and violence. A 17-year-old male was killed in an incident in February, underscoring concerns about young people becoming caught up in serious crime.
Yet interviews with those who spend time at Gurishita reveal another side to the area. For some, it has become a place where they can share problems involving their families, loneliness and other difficulties.
During the summer vacation period, many young people continue to gather regardless of the time of day. One said the area was enjoyable because many people who usually attend school come during the holiday period.
A new support center called Osaka Minami Kakekomidera opened in November last year in an effort to help young people in the area. It was established by an organization that has supported young people in Tokyo's Kabukicho district for more than 20 years.
The center is located about a five-minute walk from Gurishita and includes a consultation room where young people can seek help.
During the summer vacation period, the center is accepting consultations 24 hours a day.
Staff member Aoi Shimizu, who plays a central role in its activities, has personal experience of struggling with difficulties in her own family environment when she was younger.
"There are parts of what they are going through that I understand," Shimizu said. "I interact with them hoping that someday they can find dreams they want to pursue."
Relatively few young people currently visit the center on their own, prompting Shimizu and other staff members to regularly patrol Gurishita.
During the patrols, they distribute items such as makeup remover and tissues while speaking to young people in an effort to create opportunities for conversation and consultation.
Shimizu said it is important to keep returning even when young people initially reject their approaches, allowing them first to become familiar with the faces of support workers.
"I hope they will eventually feel that this is a place where they will be accepted no matter what situation they are in," Shimizu said.
With many of the young people gathering at Gurishita lacking another place where they feel they belong, support workers say the challenge is to build trust and connect them with appropriate assistance.
Source: KTV NEWS
