Survey and Analysis of the Social Recognition of Japanese Game Centers

Centering on the Proceedings of Local Prefectural Assemblies

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the social recognition of game culture in Japan and to consider the nature of social control in Japan. Based on this, this presentation aims to consider the social recognition of game centers by surveying and analyzing the discourse on game centers in the proceedings of each prefectural council in Japan. The study analyzed the discourse on "game centers" and its surrounding social context using the search system for each assembly, which exists on the official website of each prefectural assembly. As a result, it is clear that Japanese game centers are considered, as far as this survey is concerned, to be "facilities where young people tend to gather and where problems can easily occur," similar to convenience stores and karaoke clubs. In addition, there was no awareness of "gambling," and based on the awareness of the relaxation of some laws and regulations, it became clear that there may be room for reconsideration of the current laws and regulations, which are mainly focused on "gambling" and "youth protection.