Study Estimates 350,000 in Japan Have Used Cocaine

An estimated 350,000 people in Japan between the ages of 15 and 64 have used cocaine, according to a government study released on July 2. This figure represents the largest estimate since the current research method was introduced in 2007. A nationwide survey conducted in 2025 revealed that 0.4% of respondents admitted to cocaine use, aligning with shifting drug trends observed in Europe and the United States.

The study, conducted by the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, highlights a growing concern as police crackdowns on cocaine cases hit a record high in 2025. Takuya Shimane, head researcher, noted the shift from stimulants to marijuana and cocaine, emphasizing the need for relapse prevention measures. The survey, which received 3,156 valid responses from 5,000 individuals, indicated that actual drug use might be higher due to self-reported usage history.

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Stimulants used to be mainstream, but the trend is shifting toward marijuana and cocaine, as in Europe and the United States.

Results showed that 0.5% of men and 0.3% of women reported past cocaine use, equating to approximately 210,000 men and 140,000 women. Individuals in their 40s constituted the largest age group with previous drug use at 0.7%, or about 130,000 people. The National Police Agency reported actions against 804 individuals for cocaine use in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year, with social media frequently cited as a means of obtaining the drug.

Respondents in their 20s were the most solicited group, with 1.2% reporting being approached for drugs, an estimated 140,000 people. While men were more likely to be offered marijuana and stimulants, women were more frequently approached for cocaine. Regarding fentanyl, only two respondents reported abusing prescribed medication, with Shimane noting its controlled distribution in Japan for medical treatments.

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(Fentanyl) is sometimes used for treatments in Japan, but its distribution has been properly controlled.