A Japanese government study estimates that about 350,000 people aged 15 to 64 have used cocaine, marking the highest estimate since the current research methodology was adopted in 2007.
The nationwide survey was conducted in 2025 by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. It found that 0.4% of respondents admitted to having used cocaine. This increase aligns with data from the National Police Agency, which reported a record high of 804 cocaine-related prosecutions in 2025, up by 218 from the previous year.
When categorized by illegal drug type most commonly used in Japan, cannabis remains number one, with 1.6% of respondents admitting use, equating to about 1.41 million people.
Takuya Shimane, lead researcher from the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), commented, "In the past, stimulants like methamphetamine and crystal meth were the main drugs prevalent in Japan. However, current trends are shifting toward cannabis and cocaine, similar to patterns seen in Europe and the United States." He emphasized the urgent need for measures to prevent relapse among those in treatment.
This research involved sending questionnaires to 5,000 randomly selected individuals from the basic resident register between October and December 2025, with 3,156 valid responses received. However, the researchers noted that the actual number of drug users may be higher, as the data relies on self-reported honesty.
Survey statistics by demographic show that 0.5% of males, approximately 210,000 people, admitted to having used cocaine at least once, while 0.3% of females, about 140,000 people, reported the same.
The age group with the highest history of cocaine use is people in their 40s, at 0.7%, or about 130,000 individuals. The group most targeted with offers or sales is teenagers and young adults in their 20s, at 1.2%, or roughly 140,000 people. Men are more often offered cannabis and stimulants, whereas women are more frequently targeted with cocaine offers.
The report also noted that a key factor making drugs more accessible to young people today is the use of social media platforms for buying and selling.
Regarding fentanyl, an opioid painkiller currently causing a severe epidemic in the United States, the Japanese survey found only two respondents admitted to overdosing beyond prescribed doses.
Shimane explained that in Japan, fentanyl is used only medically in certain cases, with strict government control over distribution and drug records, preventing a severe epidemic.
Japan has conducted biennial surveys on illicit drug use since 1995 and has improved data analysis accuracy since 2007.