Society

Marijuana Arrests Surpass Stimulants for First Time in Japan

TOKYO, Mar 22 (News On Japan) - For the first time since the 1950s, when statistics began to be collected, the number of people arrested in drug-related incidents involving marijuana has surpassed those involving stimulants, with 6,482 arrests for marijuana and 5,914 for stimulants last year, according to the National Police Agency.

In total, police made 13,330 drug-related arrests last year. Of these, marijuana arrests have shown an increasing trend, while stimulant arrests are on the decline. Nearly 90% of those arrested for marijuana were under 40 years old, with people in their 20s constituting half of the total, indicating a continued rise in use among younger demographics.

The distribution of concentrated cannabis liquids, gummies, chocolates, and other products with similar ingredients has expanded. Additionally, the spread of misinformation on social media, claiming these substances are "legal" and "not harmful," is believed to be a contributing factor to the trend.

Police departments nationwide continue to take measures against such sales and postings, including requests for removal, in response to this issue.

Year-End Chaos in Shibuya: Street Drinking, Brawls, and Ambulance Dispatches

The streets of Shibuya became a chaotic scene during the year-end party season, with excessive drinking leading to public disorder. People were found sleeping on the streets, fights broke out among groups of young revelers, and police and emergency services were frequently called to intervene.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

Future of Solar Power: Japan's Breakthrough Technology

The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

Record 7,000 Teachers in Japan on Leave Due to Mental Health

The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.

Japan Reports 60% Rise in Non-Consensual Intercourse Cases

Japan's Ministry of Justice has released this year’s crime white paper, revealing that the number of recognized penal code offenses increased for the second consecutive year.

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