Cocaine usage and possession arrests in Japan have reached record highs, according to a recent government study and police data.

The surge indicates a shift in the country's drug landscape, challenging long-standing perceptions of Japan as a nation with low stimulant abuse. This trend suggests a growing accessibility of the drug across different demographics.

An estimated 350,000 people between the ages of 15 and 64 in Japan are believed to have used cocaine [1]. The findings come from a study utilizing research methods that were first introduced in 2007 [2].

Law enforcement data mirrors these findings. Those found in possession of the drug hit a record high of 804 arrests in 2025, according to the National Police Agency [3].

The National Police Agency said the number of arrests reflects a heightened prevalence of the substance within the population [3]. While the specific drivers of the increase were not detailed in the reports, the data points to a steady climb in both experimental use and criminal possession.

Government officials said the study provides a critical look at the 15-to-64 age bracket, which remains the primary focus for public health and law enforcement interventions [1].

“Approximately 350,000 people in Japan between 15 to 64 are believed to have used cocaine”

The rise in cocaine usage and arrests suggests that Japan's stringent drug laws and social stigmas may no longer be sufficient deterrents. The record number of arrests in 2025, combined with the high estimate of users, indicates that the drug is penetrating wider segments of the adult population, potentially necessitating a shift in how the government approaches drug prevention and rehabilitation.