The Actress’ Medical Marijuana Election and Beyond

Saya Takagi, an actress, ran for the House of Councillors election in 2016, calling for the “legalization of medical marijuana.” Although she was unsuccessful in her campaign because the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) believes that “the term ‘medical marijuana’ does not exist,” she said, “I would like to appeal for the promotion of medical marijuana. Japanese laws are strict, and it is misunderstood as a narcotic drug. The term “medical marijuana” has been widely spread by her appealing that “medical marijuana is used all over the world, but in our country, even research is strict,” and “if what is proven overseas is true, what is being done in our country may also lead to human rights violations. However, she was arrested in October of the same year, and despite media bashing and near-second rape reports, as of 2024 she has returned to acting and has been active in releasing hip-hop music with marijuana themes.