UK and US charity, BetBlocker, is dedicated to providing its free and entirely anonymous blocking software in as many languages as possible.  The addition of a Japanese language variant takes the charity closer to its goal of catering to all users in their native tongues.

The team at BetBlocker are thrilled that they have been able to develop several new language versions of their tool in the early part of 2025. Understanding how vital it is to the prevention of gambling harms that users are able to exert control over their gambling habits, BetBlocker fully recognises the need to offer services in its users’ native languages.  To this end, the team will continue to strive to add further language versions in 2025.  In 2020, the figure for native Japanese language speakers amounted to around 123 million people. In 2024, the journal BMC Public Health published the results of a study into the national burden of gambling in Japan and concluded that of 126.8 million Japanese citizens, 39 million had gambled in 2019.  Of that 39 million it was extrapolated that 4.4 million experienced financial harm as a result of gambling. It is, therefore, of vital import that BetBlocker’s gambling management tools be made available in Japanese.

The release of the Japanese version of BetBlocker’s software has only been possible due to the support of Kenta Shintani.  BetBlocker is indebted to Mr. Shintani for taking on this translation project pro bono and thanks him profusely for his philanthropy. There is no doubt that his work will benefit the lives of many Japanese nationals.

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Founder and Trustee for BetBlocker, Duncan Garvie, was approached for a comment on this latest language release and he was effusive in his thanks of Mr. Shintani: “BetBlocker has managed to translate its services into many languages and has significantly accelerated the rollout of new language support over the last 6 months. However, the vast majority of our support has been focused on languages originating in Europe.

Being able to extend the service to an important Asian community is a significant milestone for BetBlocker, helping us move towards the truly international ethos that the service has always wanted. We’re very honoured to have the support of civic minded citizens like Mr. Shintani. Their support invariably has a positive impact on hundreds of lives every single day, ensuring that the people of Japan can access the support that blocking software offers.”