Current Japanese law regulates the following types of drugs: morphine (opium, morphine, and heroin); cocaine; hemp (marijuana and hashish); barbituates; amphetamines; hallucinogens; and thinners (toluene and acetone). This article describes the status of drug control laws in Japan before World War II and the extensive criminalization of drug abuse under the guidance of the General Headquarters of Allied Powers after World War II. Separate sections of this article address the control of stimulants in the early 1950's, narcotic control in the early 1960's, and the control of stimulants since 1970. The article's final section considers Japan's efforts to cope with juvenile drug abuse. Overall, Japan's criminalization of drug abuse has sanctioned both distribution and possession (supply and demand). The author concludes that although drug law enforcement was reasonably effective in suppressing drug abuse in the 1950's and 1960's, it has been less effective as Boryokudan drug syndicates have become more extensive and sophisticated. The author advises that police actions against such suppliers must be intensified, but the strategy toward drug users should emphasize preventive education and treatment. 12 notes and 18 references