Catharina Klein
Research expert covering Japan
Substance use and addiction in Japan - statistics & facts
In Japan, habitually used substances and drugs primarily include legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco, but also, to a lesser extent, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication such as painkillers, sedatives, and stimulants. Illicit drug use is generally low in Japan, with marijuana, inhalants, and methamphetamine being the most common ones used. As drug crimes in Japan are taken very seriously, possession, trafficking, or use of illegal substances can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences of up to ten years and hefty fines of up to five million Japanese yen.
The smoking rate among adults has seen a decline in recent years; nonetheless, the share of smokers remains much higher among men compared to women. The rising awareness of smoking-associated health risks has led to stricter regulations, including smoking bans in indoor public places since 2020. However, small pubs and smoking spaces are exempt.
Drug laws in Japan remain strict, which is mainly why the drug crime rate and the use of illegal drugs remain relatively low. However, other substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are widely used, but regulations are also tightened here as the awareness of health risks rises.
Alcohol consumption and smoking
Alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, with drinking often associated with socializing and business networking. In 2022, the national tax agency launched the campaign “Sake Viva!” to promote drinking alcohol, especially among younger generations, to counteract the decline in alcohol sales. The reactions were mixed, with several criticizing the promotion of unhealthy habits. However, in 2023, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) released its first official alcohol consumption guidelines. These guidelines aimed to reduce unhealthy drinking behaviors and raise awareness for alcohol-related diseases.The smoking rate among adults has seen a decline in recent years; nonetheless, the share of smokers remains much higher among men compared to women. The rising awareness of smoking-associated health risks has led to stricter regulations, including smoking bans in indoor public places since 2020. However, small pubs and smoking spaces are exempt.
Japan tightened its cannabis ban
In Japan, the number of reported drug crime cases is comparatively low, remaining at around 18,000 cases per year. Marijuana represents the most used illegal drug, with people in their twenties being the age group with the highest arrest rate for cannabis-related crimes. While other countries are slowly legalizing marijuana, Japan tightened its cannabis ban laws in 2023, making cannabis possession and consumption illegal with a prison penalty of up to seven years. However, the implementation poses logistical challenges, as the police would need more personnel and equipment to conduct drug tests. The new law also sparked a debate about whether rehabilitation should be the priority rather than punishment.Drug laws in Japan remain strict, which is mainly why the drug crime rate and the use of illegal drugs remain relatively low. However, other substances, such as alcohol and tobacco, are widely used, but regulations are also tightened here as the awareness of health risks rises.
