The actual situation and the possibility of making ibasho for supporting people who have difficulty with socializing

Abstract

In recent years, it is pointed out the importance to provide a place (ibasho) for supporting people with mental difficulties. The number of informal ibasho is increasing. These locations are not based on the public systems. The previous research does not uncover the framework and details for its support, thus this research focuses on them to understand the current situation and its possibility. The results present that the nature of ibasho differs depending on the purpose, and there are characteristics for each form. The participatory observation at Ibasho X make us discover that active engagement of people leads to self-identification through "speaking", especially for elderly hikikomori who have been delayed in support. These findings help the practitioners and stakeholders for making a better plan and its effective strategies for improving the ibasho for people with mental difficulties.