Episode 420 - A History of Drugs in Japan | History of Japan

The podcast explores the history of illegal drugs in Japan, highlighting how drug usage and laws reflect historical context and national self-image. Opium was the primary recreational drug in pre-modern Japan, with strict regulations and a state monopoly implemented to avoid China's post-Opium War fate. In the post-World War II era, methamphetamine became a significant issue due to wartime production and stockpiles, leading to a surge in addiction and crime. Despite strict drug laws and social campaigns, Japan has experienced multiple drug epidemics, influenced by economic conditions and societal attitudes.

Outlines

Part 1: Definitions, Opium, and Early Control

Part 2: Expansion, War, and State Involvement

Part 3: Post-War Crisis and Organized Crime

Part 4: Historical Context and Conclusion

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Episode 420 - A History of Drugs in Japan

History of Japan

Part 1: Definitions, Opium, and Early Control

Defining Drugs and the Complexities of Legal and Social Acceptance

Opium's Introduction to Japan and the Impact of the First Opium War

Meiji Era Opium Control and Colonial Policies in Taiwan and Korea

Part 2: Expansion, War, and State Involvement

The Introduction of New Drugs and the Japanese Army's Opium Monopoly in Manchuria

Escalation of Drug Trade in Japan During the 1930s and 40s

Part 3: Post-War Crisis and Organized Crime

Post-War Methamphetamine Epidemic and the Yakuza's Involvement in the Drug Trade

Media Frenzy Around Meth, Strict Drug Laws, and Modern Drug Trends in Japan

Part 4: Historical Context and Conclusion

Conclusion and Next Week's Episode

Episode 420 - A History of Drugs in Japan

History of Japan

Part 1: Definitions, Opium, and Early Control

00:14Defining Drugs and the Complexities of Legal and Social Acceptance

Defining Drugs and the Complexities of Legal and Social Acceptance

02:39Opium's Introduction to Japan and the Impact of the First Opium War

Opium's Introduction to Japan and the Impact of the First Opium War

09:07Meiji Era Opium Control and Colonial Policies in Taiwan and Korea

Meiji Era Opium Control and Colonial Policies in Taiwan and Korea

Part 2: Expansion, War, and State Involvement

13:33The Introduction of New Drugs and the Japanese Army's Opium Monopoly in Manchuria

The Introduction of New Drugs and the Japanese Army's Opium Monopoly in Manchuria

18:15Escalation of Drug Trade in Japan During the 1930s and 40s

Escalation of Drug Trade in Japan During the 1930s and 40s

Part 3: Post-War Crisis and Organized Crime

23:36Post-War Methamphetamine Epidemic and the Yakuza's Involvement in the Drug Trade

Post-War Methamphetamine Epidemic and the Yakuza's Involvement in the Drug Trade

28:31Media Frenzy Around Meth, Strict Drug Laws, and Modern Drug Trends in Japan

Media Frenzy Around Meth, Strict Drug Laws, and Modern Drug Trends in Japan

Part 4: Historical Context and Conclusion

35:20Conclusion and Next Week's Episode

Conclusion and Next Week's Episode