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Japan Sees Record Cocaine Use Rise
2 Jul
Summary
- Estimated 350,000 adults used cocaine, highest since 2007.
- Marijuana is the most used illegal drug, used by 1.41 million.
- Cocaine access is increasingly through social media platforms.
A 2025 nationwide survey indicates that approximately 350,000 people in Japan, aged 15 to 64, have used cocaine. This represents the largest estimate since the current research methodology was implemented in 2007. The study found that 0.4 percent of respondents admitted to cocaine use. Police actions related to cocaine hit a record high in 2025.
Marijuana was identified as the most frequently used illicit substance, with 1.6 percent reporting usage, translating to an estimated 1.41 million individuals. Researchers observed a significant shift in drug trends, moving from stimulants towards marijuana and cocaine, aligning with patterns in Europe and the United States. This highlights the growing necessity for effective relapse prevention strategies.
The survey, conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, involved over 3,156 valid responses from a basic resident register. Results showed that 0.5 percent of men and 0.3 percent of women reported past cocaine use. Those in their 40s represented the largest age group with previous drug use at 0.7 percent.
Police reported 804 individuals were apprehended for cocaine use in 2025, an increase from the previous year. Social media is identified as a common channel for acquiring the drug. Additionally, respondents in their 20s were most frequently solicited for drugs at 1.2 percent.
