Rising Cannabis Arrests Among Japanese Youth Linked to Despair and Celebrity Influence

In Japan, a concerning trend has emerged as record numbers of individuals under the age of 20 were apprehended for cannabis-related offenses last year. Experts attribute this alarming increase to a mix of social despair and the impact of celebrity culture promoting drug use.

Statistics Highlight a Growing Concern

Data from the National Police Agency (NPA) reveals that in 2025, a staggering 1,373 young people were arrested for cannabis offenses—marking a significant rise of over 20% compared to the previous year. This figure sets a new high since the NPA began tracking age-specific drug offenses in 1990, with a mere 210 arrests recorded in 2016 for this same age group.

Among these arrests, the number of high school students surged by more than half, totaling 313 last year. Additionally, arrests of university students increased to 62, while junior high school students faced 28

Underlying Issues Beyond Curiosity

The NPA report suggests that youth are often drawn to cannabis out of curiosity. However, social and cultural analysts point out that there are deeper challenges at work. Izumi Tsuji, a professor of cultural sociology at Tokyo’s Chuo University and a key member of the Japan Youth Study Group, expressed concern about this troubling trend. “The increases that we are seeing in illegal drug consumption among young people are a serious and growing problem,” she stated, highlighting the need for urgent attention to the underlying causes.

Conclusion

The rise in cannabis arrests among Japan’s youth underscores a complex interplay between societal stressors and cultural influences. As these numbers continue to climb, it is imperative for stakeholders to address the contributing factors and mitigate the factors leading to this troubling trend.