Drugs and Alcohol in Japan (Julien)

              If you are coming to Japan you might be interested to know its stance on drugs and alcohol. Concerning drugs, Japan has one of the strictest policies in the world, excluding the Middle East. Basically, the rule of thumb is don’t do drugs in Japan. No matter if you’re accustomed to the occasional smoking of marijuana, which is a minor offence that is not strictly enforced in the US or Canada, or any other drug, it is huge faux pas in Japan. This notion is so strong that in the minds of most Japanese no real difference exists between smoking a joint of marijuana and shooting heroine. If you are caught with any type of drug, including a stick of marijuana, you will be kicked out or expelled from any institution and deported immediately without second opinion. Drug usage is such a serious offence that a son’s drugs usage can cost the loss of his father’s job.

 

That being said, you might be surprised to find that smoking is quite the norm in Japan. Akin to European countries, there are a number of bars, restaurants and clubs where smoking is permitted. In fact, the cost of cigarettes in Japan is one of the cheapest in the industrialized world. Though Japan is relatively expensive with other commodities, cigarettes hover close to 400 yen (about 5 dollars) a pack.

Concerning alcohol, you will be happy to know that restrictions on underage drinking are not as strictly enforced as in the US or Canada. Though the drinking age is 20, restaurant patrons rarely check ID. In fact, drinking is a huge facet of Japanese culture. If you don’t drink you might feel intimidated at the number of social gatherings that revolve around alcohol. There is even a special name for them: nomikai, meaning a drinking party. Whether you are working or studying in Japan, the chances of you being inviting to one of them is 100 percent. It is quite common for whole college classes to go out for beers together, including the professor! If you are working you will also probably find yourself drinking with your colleagues and even your boss. It is a highly important social event in both the realms of business and education, and may provide a sole opportunity to bond with your colleagues. Even if you don’t drink, it is still normal to go to such events. Though there is pressure to drink, it is not mandatory. I highly suggest, however, for you to nurse a beer in this case, as it shows solidarity and commitment to your colleagues. As mentioned above, this may be your only occasion to relax and talk about your personal life with Japanese colleagues, as many remain strictly professional in a more serious atmosphere.