Japan is renowned worldwide for its cutting-edge technology, impeccable politeness, and stunning landscapes. However, one quirky aspect of Japanese urban life often leaves international visitors baffled: the sight of intoxicated individuals—often salarymen in business suits—slumbering on sidewalks, park benches, or even in the middle of busy streets. This phenomenon, colloquially known as “rojone” (short for “rojo ne,” meaning “sleeping on the street”), is particularly prevalent in bustling cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa. For foreigners, it might seem shocking or even dangerous, but in Japan, it’s a surprisingly common occurrence that’s deeply intertwined with the country’s social norms, work culture, and societal safety nets.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind why drunk people sleep on the streets in Japan, backed by cultural insights, real-world examples, and recent statistics. Whether you’re a traveler planning a trip to Japan or simply curious about global quirks, understanding this can offer a fascinating glimpse into Japanese society. We’ll break it down step by step, including historical context, modern challenges, and tips for navigating Japan’s nightlife safely. By the end, you’ll see how this seemingly odd habit reflects broader themes like overwork, alcohol consumption, and community compassion.
The Roots in Japan’s Drinking Culture: “Nomikai” and Social Bonding
At the heart of this street-sleeping trend lies Japan’s entrenched drinking culture. Alcohol plays a pivotal role in social and professional interactions, especially through “nomikai” (drinking parties). These gatherings are more than just casual drinks—they’re essential for building relationships with colleagues, superiors, and clients. In a hierarchical society where harmony (“wa”) is prized, refusing an invitation to nomikai can be seen as rude or career-limiting. As a result, employees often feel pressured to drink excessively, sometimes to the point of blackout.
Many Japanese people have a genetic predisposition that affects alcohol metabolism. A significant portion of East Asians, including Japanese, lack the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), which leads to faster intoxication and unpleasant side effects like flushing or nausea. Despite this, social expectations push people to keep up, leading to overindulgence. After a long night, missing the last train (which typically runs until around midnight) is common. Taxis are exorbitantly priced during late hours—often costing thousands of yen for a short ride—making them unaffordable for many young or mid-level workers. Instead, some opt to wait it out by napping on the street until the first train at dawn.
This isn’t a new issue. Post-World War II economic boom solidified nomikai as a corporate ritual, symbolizing dedication and team spirit. Today, while remote work and changing attitudes among younger generations (like Gen Z) are slowly eroding this, it remains prevalent. According to a 2023 report from Japan’s National Police Agency, alcohol-related incidents spike during year-end “bonenkai” (forget-the-year parties), with drunk pedestrians involved in over 300 traffic accidents, resulting in 107 fatalities—77 of whom were intoxicated. These stats highlight the risks, yet the cultural acceptance persists.
For an international audience, compare this to Western countries where public intoxication might lead to arrests or social stigma. In Japan, it’s often viewed with a mix of sympathy and nonchalance, as long as it doesn’t disrupt others.
Public Transportation Limitations: The Midnight Cutoff Dilemma
Japan boasts one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems, with bullet trains and dense subway networks. However, most lines shut down around midnight for maintenance, leaving late-night revelers stranded. In megacities like Tokyo, where commutes can span hours, missing the last train means either splurging on a hotel, crashing at a 24-hour manga cafe (internet cafe), or— for the truly inebriated—improvising a spot on the pavement.
This logistical hurdle exacerbates the problem. Capsule hotels and love hotels offer cheap overnight stays, but they’re not always nearby or appealing when one’s judgment is impaired. Net cafes provide booths for napping, but during peak seasons like cherry blossom viewing (hanami) or summer festivals, they’re packed. Consequently, streets become impromptu bedrooms.
Okinawa presents a stark example. The subtropical island’s strong local spirit, awamori, packs a punch, and warm weather makes outdoor sleeping feasible year-round. In 2020, local police launched campaigns pleading with residents to avoid “rojone” in roadways, as thousands were falling asleep in traffic lanes. A Guardian article dubbed it an “epidemic,” linking it to high unemployment and relaxed island vibes. Recent X posts from 2025 echo this, with users sharing photos of passed-out locals in Naha, Okinawa’s capital, emphasizing how cultural norms allow it without much intervention.
In contrast, cities like New York or London have 24-hour subways, reducing such occurrences. Japan’s system prioritizes safety and efficiency during peak hours, but it inadvertently fuels nighttime vulnerabilities.
Japan’s Safety Net: Low Crime Rates and Community Kindness
One reason this habit endures is Japan’s exceptionally low crime rate. Ranked among the safest countries globally by the Global Peace Index, Japan sees minimal theft or violence against vulnerable individuals. Drunk sleepers often leave wallets, phones, and briefcases exposed, yet they’re rarely targeted. This trust stems from a collectivist society where “meiwaku” (causing trouble to others) is frowned upon, and people generally look out for one another.
A heartwarming custom illustrates this: passersby sometimes leave bottled water next to sleeping drunks to prevent dehydration upon waking. This act of kindness has gone viral on social media, with BBC reports praising it as a symbol of Japanese empathy. In a 2025 Facebook discussion, users shared stories of finding water bottles placed thoughtfully, turning a potentially embarrassing situation into one of communal care.
However, this safety bubble is bursting. With tourism booming post-COVID, thefts from street sleepers have risen. Unseen Japan reported a “soaring incidence” in 2024, attributing it to opportunistic foreigners and economic pressures. 0 Police data shows over 3,000 victims annually, including pickpocketing and assaults. Women face additional risks; while rare, sexual harassment cases are increasing, prompting warnings on platforms like X. A 2025 post highlighted how misleading videos portray street sleeping as “safe overwork naps,” ignoring the drunken reality and SA dangers.
Overwork and Stress: The Dark Side of “Karoshi” Culture
Beneath the booze lies a grimmer truth: Japan’s infamous workaholic culture. “Karoshi” (death from overwork) is a recognized term, with employees logging 60+ hour weeks on average. Stress relief often comes via alcohol, leading to exhaustion-fueled blackouts. VICE’s 2019 photo series captured Tokyo salarymen collapsed in suits, blurring lines between fatigue and intoxication.
Photographer Pawel Jaszczuk’s “High Fashion” series (2008-2010) documented these scenes, portraying them as critiques of corporate grind. His works, shared on Instagram in 2023, show men in designer suits sprawled on sidewalks, symbolizing societal burnout. Recent X threads from 2025 discuss “Shibuya Meltdown,” where Shibuya’s neon-lit streets host unconscious partiers, often after bonenkai. One post described a salaryman in a $900 suit snoring on Osaka pavement, untouched due to safety norms.
Government officials aren’t immune. CNN’s 2025 report detailed bureaucrats losing sensitive data while drunk, linking it to obligatory drinking sessions. This highlights how deeply embedded alcohol is in professional life.
Real-Life Examples: From Tokyo Streets to Viral Campaigns
Let’s dive into specific cases for a clearer picture.
Shibuya and Shinjuku: Urban Hotspots
In Tokyo’s Shibuya district, “Shibuya Meltdown” is a slang for the chaotic aftermath of Friday nights. TOKION magazine in 2021 described crowds of drunk youth and salarymen collapsing amid the scramble crossing. A 2025 TikTok video went viral showing a man in a suit snoring on a bench, captioned “Japan’s unique nightlife.” Shinjuku station sees similar scenes; X users in 2025 posted about women (rare but increasing) and men alike, with one noting, “Even in Ginza, it’s common—safety lets it happen.”
Okinawa’s Roadway Risks
Okinawa police’s 2020 plea to stop sleeping in streets stemmed from awamori-fueled naps turning deadly. SoraNews24 reported cases of people blocking traffic, with one incident involving a man run over. A 2025 X post warned drivers of “rojone” spikes during festivals.
Creative Campaigns and Art
In 2016, Yaocho Bar Group turned sleeping drunks into “human billboards” with taped messages like “Don’t overdrink,” raising awareness. This PSA went global, featured in Tokyo Weekender. Jaszczuk’s photos continue inspiring discussions on overwork.
Recent Incidents and Tourist Perspectives
In 2024, Japan Times reported年末 accidents peaking, with drunk sleepers hit by cars. 13 X posts from 2025 include a Kyoto arrest of two men stealing from 200+ sleepers, exposing vulnerabilities. 26 Tourists on Instagram share mixed reactions: awe at safety, concern over health.
A poignant 2025 X story: A user woke a drunk on a train, only to find vomit nearby—raw urban reality.
Challenges and Evolving Attitudes: Toward a Safer Future
While charming to some, rojone poses real dangers. Rising tourism has led to ordinances in Shibuya banning street drinking, but enforcement is lax. Health experts link it to alcoholism, with GaijinPot noting alcohol’s non-drug status allows unchecked abuse.
Younger Japanese are pushing back, favoring work-life balance. Government initiatives promote moderate drinking, but change is slow.
For tourists: Respect privacy—don’t film sleepers. If visiting, pace your drinks, use apps like Hyperdia for train times, and book accommodations ahead. Embrace the compassion: If safe, leave water!
Conclusion: A Mirror to Japanese Society’s Light and Shadows
Drunk street sleeping in Japan isn’t just a quirky habit—it’s a confluence of cultural pressures, logistical quirks, and societal trust. From nomikai rituals to karoshi stress, it reveals the highs and lows of life in one of the world’s most disciplined nations. As Japan modernizes, this phenomenon may fade, but for now, it remains a poignant reminder of human vulnerability amid progress.
