OSAKA –
Young individuals proceed to assemble at “Gurishita” in Osaka’s Minami leisure district regardless of persistent dangers of drug abuse, prostitution and violent crime, whereas a close-by help middle is working across the clock throughout the summer season trip interval to assist these with nowhere else to show.
Gurishita, the world beneath the well-known Glico register Osaka’s Dotonbori district, started attracting younger individuals scuffling with tough circumstances about 5 years in the past and has since develop into each a gathering place and a supply of rising concern.
Even after 9:30 p.m., the world stays crowded, significantly throughout the Obon vacation season when giant numbers of vacationers go to Osaka’s Minami district.
Drug overdoses have develop into widespread amongst among the younger individuals gathering there. One particular person described taking medication along with others as extra pleasant, saying the expertise might make them “see space.”
There have additionally been circumstances involving prostitution and compensated relationship, recognized in Japan as papa-katsu.
More lately, disputes have more and more been settled by means of threats and violence. A 17-year-old male was killed in an incident in February, underscoring issues about younger individuals turning into caught up in critical crime.
Yet interviews with those that spend time at Gurishita reveal one other aspect to the world. For some, it has develop into a spot the place they’ll share issues involving their households, loneliness and different difficulties.
During the summer season trip interval, many younger individuals proceed to assemble whatever the time of day. One mentioned the world was pleasant as a result of many individuals who normally attend college come throughout the vacation interval.
A brand new help middle known as Osaka Minami Kakekomidera opened in November final 12 months in an effort to assist younger individuals within the space. It was established by a company that has supported younger individuals in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district for greater than 20 years.
The middle is situated a couple of five-minute stroll from Gurishita and features a session room the place younger individuals can search assist.
During the summer season trip interval, the middle is accepting consultations 24 hours a day.
Staff member Aoi Shimizu, who performs a central position in its actions, has private expertise of scuffling with difficulties in her circle of relatives atmosphere when she was youthful.
“There are parts of what they are going through that I understand,” Shimizu mentioned. “I interact with them hoping that someday they can find dreams they want to pursue.”
Relatively few younger individuals at the moment go to the middle on their very own, prompting Shimizu and different employees members to usually patrol Gurishita.
During the patrols, they distribute gadgets similar to make-up remover and tissues whereas chatting with younger individuals in an effort to create alternatives for dialog and session.
Shimizu mentioned you will need to hold returning even when younger individuals initially reject their approaches, permitting them first to develop into aware of the faces of help staff.
“I hope they will eventually feel that this is a place where they will be accepted no matter what situation they are in,” Shimizu mentioned.
With most of the younger individuals gathering at Gurishita missing one other place the place they really feel they belong, help staff say the problem is to construct belief and join them with applicable help.
Source: KTV NEWS