"Zombie Tobacco" and Feeling "Close to Death"—The Reality and Countermeasures of Dangerous Drugs Spreading in Okinawa

"Zombie Tobacco" and Feeling "Close to Death"—The Reality and Countermeasures of Dangerous Drugs Spreading in Okinawa

2025年08月31日 01:06

1. What is Happening? — Victims Speak of "Near-Death" Fear

In the fall of 2024, a woman in her 20s collapsed after inhaling a liquid referred to as "laughing gas anesthesia" in the southern part of Okinawa Island, hitting her head hard. Even during transportation, she was semi-conscious and testified that "it wouldn't be surprising if someone died." Through the summer of 2025, similar incidents involving "zombie cigarettes" were reported in Okinawa, with footage spreading of people staggering and walking "like zombies" on the streets. These are believed to be caused by liquids containing etomidate (inhalable via e-cigarettes).Okinawa Times Plus+1TV Asahi News



2. What are "Zombie Cigarettes"? — Ingredients, Effects, and Why They Are Dangerous

"Zombie cigarettes" is a colloquial term for liquid products mixed with the anesthetic induction agent etomidate. Etomidate is not approved in Japan and has strong sedative effects, with the potential to lead to deep drowsiness and loss of consciousness. Warnings have also been issued overseas (Thailand) about "zombie cigarettes," highlighting lethal risks. Commercially available liquids are particularly dangerous due to unknown concentrations and impurities, posing significant risks of acute poisoning, respiratory depression, falls, head injuries, and traffic accidents.TV Asahi NewsSouth China Morning Post


Important: The nitrous oxide (laughing gas) used in dentistry and the etomidate-containing liquid referred to as "laughing gas anesthesia" in this case are completely different. Prefectures and municipalities are also warning that they are "not the same."Okinawa Prefecture Official WebsiteNaha City Official Website



3. Where and How Widespread is It?

Abuse has been confirmed mainly among people in their teens and 20s in Okinawa Prefecture, and since May 2025, prefectures, municipalities, and TV stations have been issuing warnings. In August, an 18-year-old boy was arrested in Ginowan City on suspicion of possession, and crackdowns continue. Media reports indicate that abuse among young people in Okinawa was confirmed around February and spread rapidly.Okinawa Times Plus+1J-CAST News



4. Timeline of Legal Regulations (2025)


For Travelers and Foreign Residents: Carrying or bringing etomidate-containing liquids into the country can also be illegal. Even if legal and purchased overseas, it is illegal once possessed in Japan.Customs Agency



5. Why is it Prevalent in Okinawa? — Geography, Distribution, and Social Media

In Okinawa, the involvement of gangs with overseas connections is suspected, possibly serving as an entry point for import and resale. Additionally, the rapid spread through highly anonymous social media is believed to create an environment where young people mistakenly perceive it as "easy" and "unnoticeable."Okinawa Times Plus



6. Specific Health Hazards — "Falling, Losing Consciousness, Shallow Breathing"

Reports and government warnings repeatedly point out strong drowsiness, ataxia (staggering), and loss of consciousness. These can directly lead to falls, head injuries, and accidents while driving or working. The risk of death is significantly increased by synergistic effects of mixtures (alcohol, other drugs).Lethal risk is also a concern.TV Asahi NewsOkinawa Prefecture Official Website



7. Common Misunderstandings: Differences from Overseas "Zombie Drugs"

In English-speaking countries, "zombie drug" may refer to **xylazine (a veterinary sedative)**, which is different from the "zombie cigarettes (etomidate)" causing issues in Japan. Do not confuse them, and remember that the regulatory target in Japan is etomidate.iHeart



8. Actions to Take if You See or Are Involved — A Practical Guide for Foreigners

In Emergencies (Consciousness Impairment, Breathing Abnormalities, Seizures)

  1. Call 119 (emergency services). If possible, communicate the location and symptoms in Japanese and English.

  2. Place the person in a recovery position (side-lying) to prevent aspiration of vomit. Do not move if a head injury is suspected.

  3. Do not touch any remaining liquid or devices (to preserve evidence and prevent secondary exposure).

If you see illegal transactions even if not an emergency

  • Call 110 (police). Do not intervene yourself; calmly provide location information and characteristics.

  • Do not buy or approach. Save screenshots of sales accounts on social media and report them.


Okinawa Prefecture and Naha City have also issued warnings. The same regulations apply outside the prefecture.Okinawa Prefecture Official WebsiteNaha City Official Website



9. Q&A: Answers to Questions from Travelers and Foreign Residents

Q1: What if I bring liquid bought overseas into Japan?
A: It is highly likely to be illegal. Possession of designated drugs is prohibited. Customs will treat it as a regulated item.Customs Agency


Q2: Is it the same as products from "Nitrous Oxide" bars?
A: No. The "zombie cigarettes" in question contain etomidate. They are different from nitrous oxide, and prefectures and municipalities are calling for prevention of misunderstandings.Okinawa

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