Just heard about this group from Lateline. The Listening Well Club or kiki jōzu kurabu [聞き上手クラブ] in Japan. The article describes it as a line for lonely people to call in and talk to someone, but I don’t think it’s meant to just be for the lonely.
In a place where open expressions of emotion or opinions can be construed as crass or impolite, it makes sense that a service where people are invited to vent and say what they think or feel to a complete stranger would be a beneficial service (albeit a commercial one).
I suppose it’s a notch down from Lifeline here in Australia. While the Listening Well Club isn’t a suicide prevention line, it does seem to catch that area of emotion that could build up to stress and depression, so I guess it could be considered preventative prevention?
Either way, such a wonderful idea to fill a niche market.
