Prohibition Day (Kinshu no Hi)

What Is Prohibition Day?

January 16th is "Prohibition Day." It marks the date in 1920 when Prohibition went into effect in the United States. The law, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages, lasted about 13 years but ultimately led to a surge in bootlegging and the rise of organized crime, and was repealed in 1933. This day is an occasion to reflect on this historical lesson and consider our own relationship with alcohol.

The History of American Prohibition

Prohibition was the culmination of a temperance movement that had been building since the 19th century. Religious organizations and women's groups led growing calls to ban alcohol, arguing it was a cause of broken families, crime, and poverty.

The Passage of Prohibition

In 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, and Prohibition took effect on January 16, 1920. Often called the "Noble Experiment," it was an unprecedented attempt to ban alcohol on a national scale.

Unintended Consequences

However, the law couldn't suppress people's desire to drink. Illegal bars called "speakeasies" sprang up everywhere, and bootleg liquor flowed freely. Gangsters like Al Capone amassed huge fortunes through bootlegging, and public order actually worsened.

The Effects of Prohibition

• Health damage—even deaths—from poorly made bootleg liquor
• The expansion of organized crime and the growing power of the mafia
• Declining government tax revenue and rising enforcement costs
• A growing culture of disregard for the law
• The development of cocktail culture (to mask the harsh taste of low-quality liquor)

The Repeal of Prohibition

With the Great Depression underway, calls grew to restore tax revenue from alcohol sales. In 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition—making it the only time in U.S. history that a constitutional amendment was repealed by another amendment.

Thinking About Drinking Today

The failure of Prohibition shows that legal force alone cannot change people's behavior. Today, scientific research continues into the relationship between moderate drinking and health, with greater emphasis placed on personal judgment and self-control.

What Counts as Moderate Drinking?

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare suggests an average of about 20 grams of pure alcohol per day as a guideline for "moderate, sensible drinking"—roughly equivalent to one medium bottle of beer, one cup of sake, or two glasses of wine.

Things to Reflect On for Prohibition Day

• Take an honest look at your own drinking habits
• Use it as a prompt to schedule alcohol-free days
• Find ways to enjoy yourself that don't involve alcohol
• Think about pressuring others to drink, and how to avoid it

A Healthy Relationship with Alcohol

Prohibition Day isn't about urging everyone to give up alcohol entirely. Rather, it's a chance to learn from history and think about how to enjoy alcohol responsibly—drinking in moderation, with care for yourself and the people around you.