"In mid-November, a local TV station in Kochi Prefecture reported that an American man who had served as a tourism ambassador for the small coastal city of Susaki had been indicted on October 21 for alleged possession of dried cannabis. The man, identified in Japanese reports as 39-year-old "David Bujadana" or "David Buhadana," was later investigated on suspicion of arranging for narcotics to be shipped from the United States to Japan,"
"Unlike some parts of the United States, Japan has strict cannabis laws: Possession of cannabis products can carry "a maximum prison sentence of five years, and if you are caught growing it, you can be sent to prison for up to seven years." Punishment often comes with public shaming. The shame apparently ripples beyond the person accused: Local coverage surrounding cannabis crimes has emphasized the embarrassment for city officials."
Japanese broadcasters reported that New York sushi chef David Bouhadana was indicted in Japan on marijuana possession charges while a separate smuggling investigation was dropped for lack of evidence. A company spokesperson said they are respecting his privacy and focusing on guests; his detention status is unclear. Local Kochi reports said a 39-year-old American who served as a Susaki tourism ambassador was indicted Oct. 21 for alleged possession of dried cannabis and later investigated on suspicion of arranging narcotics shipments from the United States, but prosecutors determined proving smuggling would be difficult. Reports say police arrested him Sept. 30 after finding a small quantity of cannabis at a Susaki residence. Japan imposes strict cannabis penalties, including up to five years for possession and up to seven years for cultivation, and cases often attract public shaming that can embarrass local officials.
Read at Eater NY
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