Japan Struggles with Soaring Incidence of Intoxicated Roadside Sleepers

Unseen Japan
7 min readFeb 28, 2024

Japanese authorities are stepping up road safety warnings. The reason? People sleeping on the streets after drinking.

Picture: 梅藤えりか / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

Japan knows how to throw a party. As the sun sets, cities light up with the cozy glow of izakaya, where laughter and lively chatter fill the air. Sharing drinks is deeply rooted in the culture, offering a much-needed break from the day’s hustle and a chance to bond with coworkers.

But, as with any good time, there’s a fine line. Sometimes, that festive vibe can lead to some less-than-safe choices.

Turns out, in Japan, partying comes with its own set of risks. You join a gathering, indulge a bit too much, and before you know exhaustion hits, leaving you yearning for a moment to just lie down. This situation is pretty common after celebrations, where a brief rest can easily spiral into falling asleep wherever your foggy mind deems comfortable.

But what if that cozy spot happens to be right in the middle of the road?

Just a moment: Time for a quick nap!

In Japan, drinking gatherings sprinkle the calendar, from casual weekly post-work drinks to grand annual celebrations. As March rolls in, marking the end of the fiscal year, the parties ramp up, often with no…

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