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Cautions on consumption of alcoholic beverages

College students have a number of opportunities to drink, such as welcoming parties, college festivals, and club parties. However, with these increased opportunities comes an increase in serious alcohol-related incidents, some resulting in student death. Even at Osaka University, students have suffered acute alcohol intoxication and some have even been rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.

Osaka University requests the following of its students with regard to alcohol consumption.

Japanese law prohibits anyone under the age of 20 from consuming alcoholic beverages

Even if you are a university student, you cannot consume alcohol if you are under 20 years of age. If you are underage and are offered an alcoholic beverage, just say NO.

Also, if you are hosting a get-together that has alcoholic beverages available, make sure to take specific measures to prevent those who are underage from consuming alcohol (such as neck straps, stickers, etc. to be worn by individuals under 20).

Do not force others to drink

Do not force or pressure others to drink against their will or to binge drink. Binge drinking, or the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, can lead to acute alcohol intoxication and, in severe cases, even death. You wouldn't binge drink, so don't pressure others to binge drink either.

Understand that should you be involved in forcing someone (or even encouraging someone) to binge drink and that person is later involved in a serious incident such as their death or a traffic accident, not only will this affect your status as a university student, but you could also be charged as an accessory under criminal and/or civil law.

Acute alcohol intoxication

Symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, heart palpitations, a drop in blood pressure, and impaired consciousness. If you suspect that someone is suffering acute alcohol intoxication and there is no response when moved/pinched, they may be in danger. Give first aid and do not hesitate to call an ambulance immediately. (Tel: 119)

If this happens...

  • Do not leave the person alone. Friends should assist the affected individual.
  • Loosen any tight clothing.
  • Use blankets or coats to keep the person warm.
  • Position the person on their side if they are experiencing nausea. (A person lying on their back can choke on and suffocate from their vomit.)
  • If they are about to vomit, keep them on their side and allow them to do so.

If the intoxicated individual displays any of the following, call an ambulance immediately:

  • Snores heavily and does not wake up even when called or pinched.
  • Looks pale, vacant, and does not respond when called by name.
  • Has a lowered body temperature (their whole body feels cold)
  • Has unnatural and/or irregular breathing patterns.

We hope that you will practice moderation when it comes to consuming alcohol. Osaka University does not tolerate underage drinking or forcing others to drink, both of which are against the law. If the university learns of any such conduct taking place in an extracurricular student group, those involved will be severely punished.

Related materials (all links in Japanese)

Video on alcohol consumption (O+PUS)


Stop binge drinking and alcohol-related violation (ASK’s website)

For more information, please contact:

Suita Student Center, 1st floor, IC Hall
Tel: 06-6879-7162

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