The Japan Reporter covers topics related to Japan’s social issues and recent developments in the country. This is an interview with a Japanese idol who shares her experiences of being homeless and growing up in an abusive household. She explains that she survived winter on the streets with the help of kind girls who gave her clothes and a place to stay. She feels lucky to have received so much help to stay alive because she had no knowledge or skills to survive on her own.
She argues that Japan should provide funds to help children who are victims of abuse, since many of them remain silent about it. She recounts her own experiences of enduring mistreatment from her family without understanding why. Japanese law enforcement does not take action against harassment or domestic violence perpetrated by a relative, so many kids still go through hardships without any legal support.
The idol explains that she sought help from the police when she was being choked by her brother, but they did not believe her and turned her away. She states that it is easy for abusive parents to keep their actions secret inside the house, and children feel pressured not to tell anyone about the abuse. The idol hopes to one day perform live and hold events to interact with her fans but cannot because of the fear of her family causing trouble.