At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are committed to the healthy development of our PlayStation community and continue to advocate for the importance of mental health among our players. While Mental Health Awareness Month is observed annually in May in the United States, to increase awareness globally, we are excited to expand our mental health support resources through a new partnership with Anata no Ibasho, a non-profit organization in Japan.

What is Anata no Ibasho? 

Anata no Ibasho which translates to “A Place for You” offers a chat consultation service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, free of charge, and anonymously to anyone in Japanese. Even in times when you may feel isolated and alone, their chat service Ibasho Chat, translated as “Your Place” can provide a helping hand.

How does it work? 

Through the designated Ibasho Chat page, you will be asked a series of questions before a counseling session. Post questionnaire, you will be connected with a professional and trained counselor who can provide free and anonymous support.

Ibasho Chat consultation support is available free of charge to our PlayStation community that speaks Japanese living in Japan or overseas. If our team of human moderators receives a report that a player might be struggling, we will send the player a message or email providing action-oriented support resources. Even without this message from our PlayStation Safety team, in times of need or distress, you can still receive counseling from local counseling centers by Anata no Ibasho at any time. We also encourage you to share this with those who may be struggling, to know about the Ibasho Chat consultation support since their service is available to anybody who needs help. By helping each other as a community, we can encourage healthy communication about mental health and provide support when and if, it is needed. 

For residents of Japan who would like to seek other support, please visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s page, Mamorou yo Kokoro. You can also visit Find a Helpline for a list of local helplines offering free and anonymous support via phone, email, or web chat. Many of these helplines are available 24 hours a day.

Are my consultations or conversations private?

Yes. Any conversations you have with a counselor will remain between you and the counselor, unless sharing it with emergency services is absolutely necessary for your safety or the safety of others. Be assured that Anata no Ibasho will not share any personal information or conversation content with Sony Interactive Entertainment. You can find more information on Anata no Ibasho and their privacy policy here (Japanese only). 

Efforts to protect our community

Mental health is an important topic. We’re pleased to encourage conversations during Mental Health Awareness Month and continue our efforts to support our player community with resources, after similar announcements with organizations in the US and UK. 

Providing a positive and welcoming player experience is a priority for us and we do this by constantly reviewing our policies including our Code of Conduct, providing innovative, easy-to-use solutions such as our ‘blocking’, ‘muting’, and ‘reporting’ features, or collaborating with partners that have a shared vision. 

Lastly, I want to emphasize that even when you feel like you are struggling, you are never alone. As a community, we can support and look out for one another. If you or someone close to you is struggling, know that your local counselors are ready to listen and support you in difficult moments. Even in the most challenging times, know that resources are available.