Alcoholism In Japan

One of the most alcohol friendly countries in the world, Japan has a strong drinking culture, ranking 6th in the World for the largest consumption of beer after China, the U.S., Germany, Brazil and Russia. From 'Settais' (business dinners) to 'Bounenkais' (end of year parties-or literally 'forget the year' parties), all social occasions in Japan require a large consumption of alcohol to fit in with your peers.. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) survey in 2002, nearly 50% of men habitually consume alcohol (http://www.who.or.jp/AHP/docs/WHOReport_Vol6.pdf).

So it wouldn't be surprising to hear that alcoholism is on the rise in Japan. The latest statistics show that the problem drinking rate in Japan currently stands at 2.4 million according to the National Hospital Organization, Kurihama Alcoholism Center. Even Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, the 61-year old cousin of Emperor Akihito, has admitted that he suffers from alcoholism after repeated hospitalization for the problem. 'I am Prince Tomohito, dependent on alcohol," he said at a speech in July. He went on to say that 'I have been drinking alcohol since my days in university and am dependent on it, so I find it rather surprising that I am seen to have been hit by it now.'
Read the whole story here.....