Japan Faces Growing Alcohol Problems

In hopes of reducing a suspected increase in alcoholism in Japan, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is conducting the country's first nationwide study on the hazards of alcohol consumption on health and human relations.

A worsening economic slump in Japan is believed to be on factor in an increase of cases of drunk driving, more people going to the hospital with alcohol-related complaints, and an increase of violence related to binge drinking.

"People who repeatedly drive drunk are likely to be alcoholics," Susumu Higuchi, head of clinical studies at the government-run Kurihama Hospital and leader of the research team, told The Japan Times. "Education and treatment are necessary, instead of just imposing criminal penalties. I believe this survey will show the public the negative side of alcohol and also serve as the basic data for policymaking."

A national survey on nutrition the ministry conducted in 2001 estimated there were over 2 million alcoholics in Japan. In 2001, 13,000 people were taken to hospitals in ambulances for severe drunkenness.