Tokyo
Act Daily News
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Police in Japan’s capital are urging individuals to average their alcohol consumption this vacation season following a rise in deaths of drinkers hit by automobiles after falling asleep on the road.
As of November 25, 10 individuals had been killed in such accidents this yr, Tokyo police mentioned in a latest Twitter publish – representing 22% of all pedestrian deaths within the capital. “That’s double what it was last year. Pedestrians, drink in moderation!” the publish learn.
Police are involved the dying toll may rise additional as individuals attend end-of-year celebrations and workplace events, particularly as nightlife picks again up after the easing of Covid restrictions.
The division has launched a public service announcement video warning individuals of the dangers of extreme consuming and reminders on highway security. It shall be proven inside 60,000 taxis with screens in Tokyo within the lead as much as New Year’s Eve.
Japan lifted its coronavirus state of emergency in October 2021, permitting eating places to promote alcohol once more and keep open later however restrictions in some components of the nation remained in place till March this yr.
International journey to Japan resumed in October this yr and tourism authorities are hoping for a wave of tourists over the vacations.
Japan has a comparatively low stage of alcohol consumption, based on a 2021 OECD examine, which elements within the influence of the pandemic, however social consuming is commonplace throughout festivities.
The Japanese drink about 8 liters of pure alcohol per yr per capita – that’s roughly equal to 1.6 bottles of wine or about 3 liters of beer per week per individual.
Alcohol consumption in Japan waned in the course of the pandemic, with restrictions hitting the business of bars and different locations promoting drinks.
The drop in gross sales has additionally dragged down liquor tax revenues, prompting a controversial marketing campaign by the Japanese authorities this yr aimed toward encouraging younger individuals to drink extra alcohol.
But Japan’s Health Ministry has previously warned of the hazards of consuming an excessive amount of. In a publish on its web site final yr, it known as extreme alcohol consumption a “major social problem” that persevered regardless of the latest slowdown in consumption. And it urged individuals with unhealthy consuming habits to “reconsider” their relationship with alcohol.