Video game hub Japan confronts problem of addiction

Parents and experts say gaming can tip into obsessive behaviour in children because of other problems, including Covid-related stress or bullying. — AFP

TOKYO: From Super Mario to Final Fantasy, Japan has long been synonymous with gaming, but some experts and parents fear a growing addiction problem is going unaddressed.

While nearby nations like China and South Korea have imposed drastic restrictions on youth gaming in recent years – with mixed results – some Japanese families feel they are being left to deal with the issue on their own.