Japanese authorities investigated a record 7,120 people for cannabis-related offences in 2025, representing a 12 per cent increase from the previous year, according to government data released on Tuesday.
Young people continued to make up the majority of those investigated. Individuals under the age of 30 accounted for 5,151 cases, or 72 per cent of the total, marking an 11 per cent increase from 2024 and the highest figure on record.
Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno said the government would strengthen cooperation with international partners to combat the growing drug problem.
“To address the drug problem facing the international community, we want to work closely with relevant agencies overseas and promote comprehensive drug control measures through a united government approach,” he said at a press conference.
Overall, Japan recorded 15,186 drug-related investigations in 2025, an increase of 8 per cent compared with the previous year.
Cases involving stimulant drugs also rose by 4 per cent to 6,575. However, cannabis offences exceeded stimulant-related cases for the third consecutive year, highlighting a continued shift in drug enforcement trends.
Authorities also reported significant increases in the amount of illegal drugs seized during the year. Cannabis products, including dried marijuana, totalled 1,535.1 kilograms, a 239 per cent increase from 2024.
Seizures of stimulant drugs rose 14 per cent to 1,687.6 kilograms, while confiscated synthetic drugs such as MDMA reached 311,532 tablets, up 33 per cent. Meanwhile, cocaine seizures fell 17 per cent to 248.8 kilograms.
The data also showed a sharp rise in drug smuggling investigations, with authorities launching probes into 644 individuals, a 35 per cent increase from the previous year.
