News

Preventing accidents from underage drinking and high-risk alcohol consumption
Share

Preventing accidents from underage drinking and high-risk alcohol consumption

Tue, May 30, 2023
Preventing accidents from underage drinking and high-risk alcohol consumption
Share

To all Waseda University students

Preventing accidents from underage drinking and high-risk alcohol consumption

Since the reclassification of COVID-19 to Class 5, a vibrant student life has come back to campus. I write today regarding some concerns I have as we readjust to campus life, especially as the start of the new academic year has brought back many social gatherings related to seminars and “circles,” or student clubs. On Saturday, May 20th, a university affiliate visited the Takadanobaba area and found a student with symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication. The student had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol at one such social event. Despite the student’s condition, other students in the group seemed unaware of the situation and were not taking appropriate care of the student. Fortunately, the affiliate took appropriate measures such as calling an ambulance, but the situation could have otherwise resulted in a serious accident.

The legal age of adulthood in Japan has been lowered to 18, but the legal age for drinking remains at 20. Drinking under the age of 20 is still a violation of the law, and alcohol consumption for students under the age of 20 is strictly prohibited. It is also illegal to provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 20, and therefore strictly prohibited for students of any age to provide alcohol to students under the age of 20. Anyone found in violation of the above will be subject to strict disciplinary action.

High-risk alcohol consumption such as binge drinking, or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol (including “ikkinomi” or “chugging” a drink, and consuming hard liquor in the form of shots), is extremely dangerous for everyone regardless of age. Please do not consume alcohol in such ways as they may lead to serious alcohol-related accidents. Excessive consumption of alcohol for trivial reasons such as to enliven the party, or to demonstrate your high alcohol tolerance, may result in serious life-threatening accidents. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the stomach and small intestines, spreading to the entire body through the bloodstream in a short amount of time. It has also been noted that blood-alcohol content of over 0.4% can lead to death within two hours. Repeated vomiting cannot lower the blood-alcohol content, nor does it mitigate the risk it poses to your life. In addition, serious alcohol-related accidents are more likely to occur at training camps, university-related trips, and off-campus accommodations as it is more likely to put you in a situation where fewer people can see you. A serious alcohol-related accident can be devastating not only to the individual, but also to others who were present, as they may be left with profound regret for the irreversible consequences of having overlooked the dangers of high-risk alcohol consumption.

Given the three-year period where events could not be held, it is possible that underclassmen may not have had a chance to learn from upperclassmen about responsible alcohol consumption, including in settings such as the “nomikai,” or social gatherings with alcoholic beverages. For that reason, it necessary to be aware of these risks and exercise a high level of caution. In addition to not engaging in high-risk alcohol consumption, I strongly urge each of you to learn to recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and learn the procedures for taking care of individuals who have such symptoms, as well as gain basic knowledge about responsible drinking. Please do your part to prevent serious alcohol-related accidents.

To protect your health and future, the University will continue to strictly adhere to its rules regarding underage drinking and high-risk alcohol consumption.

President, Waseda University

 


Social Media

  • facebook

    facebook

  • twitter

    X

  • youtube

    YouTube

  • linkedin

    LinkedIn

  • podcast

    podcast

  • tiktok

    TikTok

Giving

Your generosity can make a difference and bring rippling impact

No matter the size, every single gift will make a difference in helping students afford an academic experience that will transform their lives, as well as promoting frontline research to resolve complex challenges of the world today.

More About Giving