Abstract
This study explored the nature of peer support activities in Japan through the experiences of young Japanese peer supporters in a secondary school. Participants, aged 13 to 14 years, were drawn from a secondary school in Osaka, Japan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using thematic analysis, aiming to explore their lived experiences of being peer supporters. Four main themes emerged from the peer supporters’ lived experiences; 1) Perceived generation gap, 2) Disconnection between training and practice, 3) Self-improvement, and 4) Cultural mismatch. These specific themes greatly assisted to explore the unrevealed children’s views and some critical issues of peer support practices in Japan, and also confirmed the findings of quantitative studies (prior studies). In conclusion, some practical recommendations (e.g. “new classification for Japanese style peer support”) for the peer support activities were suggested in terms of the findings.
