We want to send Japanese students to a UN conference in Vienna!

Our Purpose for This Crowdfunding

According to the United Nations, an estimated 296 million people worldwide use drugs each year, an increase of 56 million compared to a decade ago. (Source: UNODC World Report 2023)

In many countries and regions around the world, efforts to prevent drug abuse continue but there is a long way to go. In particular, developing countries are often overwhelmed with providing care for those who have already fallen into drug abuse due to economic poverty and a lack of educational opportunities.

Amidst this reality, Drug Abuse Prevention Centre (DAPC) of Japan is committed to fostering students who will actively contribute to drug prevention on a global scale in the future.

Compared to other developed countries, Japan has a relatively low lifetime drug use rate and has even been called a "miracle country." This success can be attributed to the widespread efforts in drug prevention activities. However, even in Japan, the rapid increase in drug abuse has become a growing concern.

In Japan, more than 10,000 people are apprehended each year for drug-related crimes, including cannabis possession. Among them, the number of individuals under the age of 20 arrested for cannabis offenses has reached an all-time high, reflecting the rapid increase in drug abuse among young people.

Additionally, there has been a growing number of overdose cases, where teenagers consume large amounts of over-the-counter medications, such as cough syrups, which are easily accessible at local pharmacies.

Furthermore, the issue of so-called "shady part-time jobs" (Yami-Baito), which has been widely reported in the media, is becoming a serious social problem. There have been multiple cases where young people unknowingly transport illegal drugs, only realizing the truth after they are arrested—having initially believed they were simply delivering packages.

This March, for the first time, we will be sending students from Japan—and around the world—as "Youth Goodwill Ambassadors" to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Under the slogan "Dame. Zetttai. 'Never. Ever.'", these students will contribute to building a safe and secure society. Representing the youth of the world, they will deliver a powerful message: preventing drug abuse must be the top priority in addressing drug-related issues. We hope they will help spread this vital message from Japan to the world.

The students selected for this opportunity are two fifth-year pharmacy students from Sanyo-Onoda City University, Ms. Tanae and Ms. Kajimoto.

We have also received messages from them, and we would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to read their thoughts.

As the organization supporting these students on their journey, we sincerely ask for your support in our efforts.

The Responsibilities of Students at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March

1. Delivering a speech at a "side event" on drug abuse prevention

As pharmacy students from Japan, participants will convey a message on drug abuse prevention through a speech at a UN symposium, co-hosted by DAPC and a Ugandan NGO.

(Photo: A scene from the 2023 UN symposium, which our centre supported.)

2. Attending the UNODC donation ceremony

The students will attend the donation ceremony where DAPC presents annual UN support funds to the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

(Photo: 2024 Donation Ceremony – Mr. Fujino (President of DAPC ) and Ms. Waly (Executive Director of UNODC).)

3.Participating in related events and networking

Students will take part in various related events and engage with local NGOs, UN staff, and other stakeholders.

(Photo: A reference image from the 2024 Youth Forum. While students will not participate in the Youth Forum this year due to age restrictions, they will join other networking events.)

Messages from the University Students

My name is Yukari Tanae, and I am honored to participate as a representative in the side event co-hosted by the Drug Abuse Prevention Center and a Ugandan NGO at the upcoming UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs meeting.

Since entering university, I have been deeply interested in addressing opportunity gaps for underprivileged children. I have been actively involved in operating children’s cafeterias, planning and organizing educational events, and delivering speeches in English to raise awareness.

I grew up in a small, rural town often referred to as a remote area. Through my university education and interactions with the international community, my perspective has expanded significantly. This experience has led me to believe strongly that children’s opportunities should not be limited by their family backgrounds or economic situations. Additionally, I recognize that these issues are closely linked to pharmaceutical sciences and drug abuse prevention efforts. With my background as both a young person from a local community and a student of pharmacy, I hope to share a meaningful message from Japan on this global stage.

I am truly honored to have been selected as a representative by the Drug Abuse Prevention Centre. I sincerely appreciate your support for the center and its mission.

As a pharmacy student, I have been deeply engaged in studying pharmaceutical sciences and have developed a strong interest in the impact of drug abuse on people's health and society. In addition to my studies, I have actively participated as a facilitator in drug prevention classes held at elementary and junior high schools, where I have helped educate children about the dangers of drug use.

Now, I have been given the incredible opportunity to represent Japanese youth at a UN side event to raise awareness about the importance of drug prevention.

At this event, I plan to deliver a speech based on my experiences and knowledge, emphasizing the significance of drug prevention efforts. I also look forward to engaging with international participants, learning about other countries' initiatives, and gaining new perspectives and ideas to enhance drug prevention activities. In the future, I aspire to become a bridge between Japan and the world, fostering sustainable awareness-raising efforts and contributing to a safer society.

With your support, I hope to make the most of this invaluable opportunity. I sincerely appreciate any assistance you can provide to the Drug Abuse Prevention Centre, which has made this journey possible.

Message from the Person in Charge of DAPC

This is the first time our center is taking on the challenge of a limited-time crowdfunding campaign. My name is Nao, and I am in charge of this project.

First, let me introduce myself.

In my twenties, after graduating from university, I spent years traveling back and forth between Japan and overseas, searching for what I truly wanted to do in life.

During that time, I encountered drugs.

In Australia, I lived with housemates who regularly used cannabis, and it was casually placed in the kitchen as if it were completely normal. While studying in the country in Europe, a friend offered me MDMA, and I met female university students who used methamphetamine and LSD depending on their mood.

Although I refused when invited, some of my friends ended up trying drugs right in front of me. After taking them, they suffered from extreme physical distress, exhibited strange behaviors, or even disappeared from contact. Gradually, their once-peaceful lives took a turn for the worse.

In areas where drug use was widespread, crime was also rampant. Some acquaintances were robbed in broad daylight while walking alone in the city. I was also approached by people clearly under the influence of drugs, persistently begging for money on the streets.

Seeing all of this firsthand, I realized that the negative effects of drugs extend beyond individuals—they impact families and, ultimately, society as a whole.

After returning to Japan, I dedicated over 16 years as a volunteer, serving as the head of a nonprofit organization focused on drug abuse prevention. Through school lectures and distributing booklets on the streets, I came to strongly believe that the key to prevention is ensuring that each person truly understands the harmful effects of drugs and why they must say 'No' to drugs. This understanding helps prevent them from taking the first step into drug use.

As a mother of an eight-year-old boy, I sincerely hope that when my child grows up, he will live in a safe and secure society free from drug abuse. I believe all parents feel the same way.

Through this crowdfunding campaign as a pilot exercise, DAPC is aiming to support students who will play a crucial role in drug abuse prevention in the future. They will have the opportunity to participate in a "side event" at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs—a major international platform.

Every day, we work with the goal of protecting children from the harms of drugs and helping them lead vibrant lives as they pursue their dreams and ambitions.

We sincerely appreciate your support in creating a safer society for future generations.