Pachinko addiction enquiries rise in Japan

The Japanese Recovery Support Network (RSN) registered a rise in the number of telephone consultations during October.

Japan.- Consultations about pachinko addiction have increased in Japan, according to a report from the Recovery Support Network (RSN).

The RSN is a counselling agency specialising in pachinko addiction issues. It reported 319 telephone consultations in October, up from 294 in September.

Of the 319 calls, 171 were first-time consultations. There were 150 consultations from the individuals themselves and 21 from family and friends.

Of the consultations from individuals, 69 got in contact from a hall, 48 while online, while 22 were defined as unknown or declined to say.

RSN is operated through membership fees and donations from pachinko industry groups, hall operators and members.