【こち亀】両津「なにぃ？オンラインゲーム中毒だと！？」
It's true! Even Ryotsu from "KochiKame" is utterly shocked by online game addiction!
Fans are buzzing online, saying "Ryotsu would master it in no time" and "his hobbies have always been addictive." Given his wild nature, everyone wonders what would happen if he really got hooked.
Is this "KochiKame's" comical take on a common gamer trope in modern society?
Related Keywords
Online Game Addiction (Gaming Disorder)
The term "online game addiction" is a common colloquialism, while medically it is referred to as "Gaming Disorder." The World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognized it as a disease in 2019 within its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). It is diagnosed when an individual loses control over gaming, prioritizes gaming over other life interests and daily activities, and this pattern persists for at least 12 months, resulting in significant distress or impairment. Specific consequences include impairment in academics or work, breakdown of relationships, sleep deprivation, and health problems due to reduced physical activity. Ryotsu Kankichi's "What?!" reflects the profound social problems and personal life impacts caused by this gaming disorder. Particularly, with the spread of free and easily accessible smartphone games and online games with social networking features, the risk of addiction is increasing across a wide range of age groups. Treatment typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, with approaches promoting behavioral change such as digital detox also considered important. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and and Welfare is also advancing research and awareness activities regarding gaming addiction countermeasures, underscoring the need for societal understanding and support for this issue.
KochiKame (This is the Police Box in Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward)
"KochiKame" (full title: "Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo") is a Japanese gag manga series by Osamu Akimoto. It was serialized for an unprecedented 40 years from 1976 to 2016 in "Weekly Shonen Jump," accumulating a record-breaking 200 volumes. The protagonist is Kankichi Ryotsu, a wild, money-loving police officer. The charm of the series lies in his outlandish actions and the hilarious antics he creates with his quirky colleagues and townspeople. Due to its exceptionally long run, "KochiKame" was characterized by its style of incorporating and satirizing contemporary social trends, cutting-edge technology, and popular culture. While early stories often revolved around home appliances, fashion, and the bubble economy, the series also depicted in real-time the proliferation of the internet, mobile phones, and online games into society. Many episodes show Ryotsu using these as business opportunities or getting tangled in trouble because of them. This current theme of "online game addiction" can be seen as an extension of "KochiKame's" consistent approach to tackling contemporary social issues from its unique perspective. Ryotsu's surprise is not merely about games, but can be interpreted as the series' humorous yet sharp critique of "addiction"—a modern problem these games can cause.
Digital Detox
Digital detox refers to a set of activities aimed at restoring mental and physical well-being by taking a break from digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets for a certain period. In modern society, digital devices are indispensable for work, communication, and entertainment, but excessive use can lead to sleep disorders, eye strain, decreased concentration, and even mental stress and anxiety. Especially when device use becomes central to one's life, hindering other activities, as in the case of online game addiction (gaming disorder), digital detox is considered an effective coping strategy. Specific methods include turning off smartphone notifications, avoiding device use during specific hours, leaving digital devices at home when going out on holidays, and increasing time spent in nature. This concept aims to re-evaluate the convenience offered by technology versus the importance of natural human life rhythms and face-to-face communication, which can often be lost. If Ryotsu were to fall into online game addiction, given his personality, he might be forced into a thorough digital detox or find his own unique ways to enjoy himself without digital devices. Digital detox is gaining attention as a modern self-care practice for maintaining mental and physical balance in a digital society.