Photo/Illutration “Gurishita,” where young people gather in Osaka’s Minami entertainment district, means under the Glico signboard. Photo taken in Osaka’s Chuo Ward on Nov. 1 (Akina Nishi)

OSAKA--One in three young people between the ages of 13 and 25 has borrowed money from financial institutions, relatives or friends, usually to cover living expenses, a survey shows.

The finding was made by DxP, a certified nonprofit organization based in the city's Chuo Ward that works to support young people.

DxP is active in spots like “Gurishita,” meaning under the Glico signboard, where young people gather at night in Osaka’s Minami entertainment district.

The NPO offers a consultation service called Yukisaki Chat through social media for young people who are isolated due to truancy or family discord.

More than 15,000 people have registered for the service.

The survey among registered users was carried out from September to October and received responses from 420 individuals. The youngest person to respond was 13 years old and the oldest was 25.

When asked if they had borrowed money from financial institutions, relatives or friends, 37.1 percent responded “yes.” The percentage rose to 47.0 percent among those aged 18 and older.

The most common reasons for borrowing money were: “My parents or relatives are on welfare, and I cannot rely on them,” 23.7 percent; “Single-parent families,” 35.3 percent; and “My own income went down,” 48.7 percent.

The survey revealed the harsh circumstances and living conditions facing many borrowers.

The most common use of borrowed money (multiple responses) was for living expenses such as rent, utilities and food (77.6 percent).

This was followed by communications charges, such as cellphones and Wi-Fi (32.7 percent) and school expenses (25.0 percent).

The survey revealed heartbreaking situations.

“I have no choice but to cut back on food expenses due to rising prices, so I’m living on rice, bean sprouts and tofu,” said one person.

Another wrote, “My parents take the money from my part-time job.”

Noriaki Imai, who chairs DxP and held a news conference to announce the survey findings, said telling young people with multiple problems to take responsibility for their own actions is “too harsh.”

DxP also provides food assistance to people up to the age of 25 who register at the counseling service.

In late November, more than 3,600 meals were served, the largest number ever for a single day, Imai said.

Usually, around 2,000 meals are served at this time of year.

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