The concept of self-help groups is introduced into Japan. However, some professionals misunderstand the concept and give the name "self-help groups" to the groups of their clients. We discuss three qualities which Japanese self-help groups are required to maintain if they qualify as self-help groups. The qualities are personal interaction, individual independence, and development of a liberation movement. First, Japanese group-oriented culture tends to oppose individual freedom in groups. As a result, group members feel inhibited and miss opportunities for personal interaction with each other in groups. Second, some Japanese groups are too cohesive for individual members to maintain their independence. In addition, old Japanese tradition still makes people think that families ("ie") are the basic social units, not individuals. Japanese self-help groups should free individuals from their families ("ie"), and give them individual independence. Third, Japanese stigmatized persons such as mental patients are oppressed and discriminated against. Though some social workers regard self-help groups as a method ofphychological therapy, Japanese self-help groups should become a liberation movement against social oppression.

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