Tokyo
CNN
—
Police in Japan’s capital are urging people to refrain from alcohol consumption this holiday season, following an increase in the deaths of drinkers who were hit by cars after falling asleep on the streets.
As of Nov. 25, 10 people have died in such accidents this year, Tokyo police said on Twitter recently. Position – 22% of all pedestrian deaths in the capital. “Twice as much as last year. Drink in moderation, pedestrians!” read the post.
Police are concerned the death toll could rise further as nightlife recovers as people attend year-end celebrations and office parties, especially after Covid restrictions have eased.
The agency released a public service announcement video warning people of the dangers of excessive drinking and reminders about road safety. Towards New Year’s Eve, it will be screened in 60,000 taxis with monitors in Tokyo.
Japan lifted its coronavirus state of emergency in October 2021, allowing restaurants to sell alcohol again and remain open since then, though some parts of the country have restrictions in place until March this year. continued.
International travel to Japan will resume in October this year, and tourism officials hope to see a large number of tourists during the holidays.
According to one survey, Japan consumes relatively little alcohol. 2021 OECD Surveywhich takes into account the impact of the pandemic, but social drinking during celebrations is common.
The Japanese drink about 8 liters of pure alcohol per person per year. This equates to 1.6 bottles of wine or 3 liters of beer per person per week.
Alcohol consumption in Japan has declined during the pandemic, and restrictions have impacted businesses in bars and other places that sell drinks.
Falling sales are also putting pressure on liquor tax revenues, prompting the Japanese government to launch a controversial campaign this year aimed at encouraging young people to drink more alcohol.
However, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has warned in the past about the dangers of drinking too much. In a post on its website last year, it called excessive alcohol consumption a “major social problem” despite the recent slowdown in consumption. I urged him to “reconsider.”
