A recent survey reveals that approximately 10% of Japanese youngsters are struggling with 'Gaming Disorder’. This is a condition officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) linked to excessive gaming impacting daily life activities. The affected demographic includes youth who spend an unhealthy amount of time with video games, suffer from impaired control over gaming, and show increasing priority to gaming over daily activities and interests.

Japan, the birthplace of many world-renowned video gaming companies, has a deep-rooted gaming culture that cuts across various generations. While gaming is celebrated, addiction to it is a growing concern especially among parents and educators who consider it detrimental to the holistic development of young people. There are calls within the society for preventive measures, better awareness, and support services for those affected.

The US and EU also register notable cases of gaming disorder, reflecting a global trend. However, some western countries have more robust frameworks for addressing the issue such as age restrictions on certain games, limiting game time for minors, and providing designated health services for gaming-related disorders.