This research has the following two goals: first is to clarify how a concept of “ibasho” (a place where one feels at home) that has been used for educational policies and the study of youth is used in society at large; second is to clarify how “a lack of ibasho”(having no place to stay) has become a social problem. The conclusions of this study are: the “ibasho” discourse can be divided into three periods; the three periods: after the late 1990's, “ibasho” discourse was connected with the discourse on juvenile delinquency; since the 2000s, “ibasho” became synonymous with support for children and youth and the provision of free spaces. Changes in the concept of “ibasho” gave young people a safety net or words that could be used to explain their difficulties. At the same time it became a cultural goal for young people.