TOKYO — Seven teenagers were recently arrested in on suspicion of violating Japan’s Cannabis Control Act. Among them were former members of a high school rugby powerhouse and a member of a prominent university boxing team. The connection between student sports and drugs has remained an issue, but this string of arrests has highlighted the spread of the problem to younger age groups.
Kyoto Prefectural Police on July 12 announced the arrest of five teens aged 18 to 19 for allegedly possessing and selling marijuana plants. Three of the five are reportedly former members of the rugby club at Kyoto Seisho High School in Kyoto’s Nishikyo Ward, and have already graduated from the school.
All five are said to have admitted to the allegations against them. One of the former Kyoto Seisho high rugby players was quoted as telling investigators, “I’ve been smoking marijuana since the summer of my second year in high school.”
Kyoto Seisho’s rugby team has participated in national high school rugby tournaments for nine consecutive years, finishing as runner-up in the tournament for the 2020 academic year and making the semifinals two years after that.
In response to the revelation of drug possession among the Kyoto Seisho students, one high school rugby team coach expressed their concern, saying, “Frankly, I…
