News Osaka's Glico Man redesigned to provide more safety

[thomas]

Osaka's iconic Glico sign, showing a triumphant runner in red, white, and blue, was briefly replaced by a giant QR code in July. This unexpected change was part of an effort to reach out to young at-risk people who often gather beneath the sign, in an area known locally as "Guri-shita" (under the Glico sign). The QR code is connected to the Osaka Prefectural Police's LINE-based consultation service, which offers teenagers a quiet and convenient way to ask for help through their phones. Rather than focusing on enforcement, the move signals a growing push by local authorities to provide emotional and social support to struggling young people.

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While the Glico sign in Minami is a major sightseeing landmark, it has also become a magnet for teenagers, some of whom are dealing with isolation, unstable family situations, or other difficulties. In recent years, the spot has seen a worrying rise in underage drinking, drug misuse—including abuse of non-prescription medicines, often referred to as "obado" (オーバードーズ)—and incidents of juvenile crime and exploitation.

In response, Osaka City installed a wall under the sign in March to prevent loitering. But many young people saw the move as disruptive. One teen said, "If they build a wall, we'll just move somewhere else." As expected, groups of teens have since relocated roughly 300 meters away to a different area referred to as "Uki". On the night of the report, police officers were patrolling the area. Teens interviewed expressed a mix of fear, mistrust, and ambivalence about adult intervention. "When you're alone, it's hard to go home. But it's dangerous here too," one said. Many admitted feeling safer with their peers despite the risks. Recognizing the need for more accessible support, the police teamed up with local high school students from Kojima Technical High School to develop the QR system. Scanning the code activates an AI chatbot that responds to questions and, if needed, provides the phone number for the Green Line, a direct counseling hotline. Since the QR code went live on July 7th, the number of consultations has more than doubled, rising from 7 to 16 compared to the same period last year. Police officers expressed gratitude to the students at a ceremony, acknowledging their role in creating a solution that teens might actually use.

Drinking, Drugs and Despair Under Glico Sign

Osaka's iconic Glico sign, known for its triumphant runner against a backdrop of blue, red, and white, has taken on a new design this month. On July 18th, the display briefly transformed into a massive QR code—an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable youth who gather beneath the sign, an...

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