TOKYO: A government study in Japan estimates that around 350,000 people aged 15 to 64 have used cocaine, marking the highest level recorded since the current survey method was introduced in 2007.

The findings are based on a nationwide survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2025, which gathered responses from over 3,000 participants selected across the country.

The study found that 0.4 percent of respondents reported lifetime cocaine use, while cannabis remained the most commonly used illicit drug at 1.6 percent, equivalent to about 1.41 million people.

Researchers noted that drug use patterns appear to be shifting, with increased exposure among younger age groups and growing links to online networks.

Authorities have also reported a rise in enforcement actions related to cocaine cases in recent years, suggesting increased availability despite strict controls. Officials caution that actual usage may be higher due to the self-reported nature of the survey data.