26) The True Story of Cannabis in Japan

A Little-Known but Rich Heritage

Introduction

Japan is now known for having some of the strictest anti-cannabis laws in the world. Possession of cannabis can lead to up to five years in prison, and illegal growers can face up to seven years behind bars. About 2,000 people are arrested for cannabis-related offenses every year, and their names are often published in the news, ruining their careers. This harsh prohibition also prohibits medical cannabis research, forcing Japanese scientists to conduct their studies abroad. However, this situation may be about to change thanks to a growing awareness of Japan's forgotten cannabis history.

The Forgotten History of Cannabis in Japan

According to Junichi Takayasu, a leading expert and curator of the Taima Hakubutsukan (Cannabis Museum), cannabis has played a central role in Japanese culture for millennia. The earliest evidence of cannabis in Japan dates back to the Jomon period (10,000 BCE–300 BCE), with seeds and woven fibers discovered in the western part of the country. These cannabis fibers, likely fromCannabis sativa, were used for clothing, bowstrings, and fishing lines. A prehistoric Japanese cave painting even appears to depict a cannabis plant.

Taima Hakubutsukan: A Sanctuary for Cannabis History

Founded in 2001 by Takayasu, Taima Hakubutsukan is Japan’s only museum dedicated to cannabis. Located 160 kilometers from Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, the museum houses a rich collection that showcases Japan’s cannabis heritage. It includes 17th-century prints of women spinning cannabis fibers and photographs of farmers harvesting the plants. The museum also offers weaving demonstrations, showcasing the unique qualities of cannabis fabrics.

Cannabis in Japanese Culture and Spirituality

Cannabis has not only played a practical role, but also a cultural and spiritual one. Mentioned in theManyoshu, Japan's oldest collection of poems, it also appeared in haikus and tankas. Ninjas are even said to have used cannabis in their training. In Shintoism, cannabis was revered for its purifying properties. Shinto priests waved bouquets of leaves to ward off evil spirits, and brides wore cannabis veils to symbolize their purity.

Prohibition and its Origins

Cannabis prohibition in Japan has its roots in the post-war period. During World War II, cannabis was considered a strategic commodity for the war effort. However, after Japan surrendered in 1945, U.S. authorities imposed the Cannabis Control Act of 1948, criminalizing possession and unauthorized cultivation. This law had devastating repercussions, reducing the number of cannabis farms from over 25,000 to fewer than 60 today.

The Current Challenge and Future of Cannabis in Japan

Despite efforts to eradicate the wild cannabis plants that grow in Japan every year, there are calls to reevaluate the policy. Experts such as Nagayoshi Hideo and Yukio Funai advocate for the systematic harvesting of wild plants, highlighting their potential benefits for medicine, energy, and construction. Legalizing cannabis could also bring significant economic benefits, including reducing law enforcement costs and improving care for cancer patients.

Conclusion

The history of cannabis in Japan is one of culture, tradition, and repression. As the country continues to struggle with prohibition, Taima Hakubutsukan stands as a bastion in the rediscovery of this ancient heritage. For Junichi Takayasu, understanding the history of cannabis is essential to envisioning a future where Japan can once again benefit from this precious plant.

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