The “Okusuri Charm” movement in Japan: Prescription drug accessories emerging on X (Twitter)

Abstract

Abstract Background In this digital age, social networks may offer an avenue for individuals to obtain drugs illicitly beyond the prescribed amount. Users on X (Twitter)® have ingeniously fabricated fashionable accessories that employ prescription drug sheets, termed “Okusuri Charm”. Methods This cross‐sectional study scrutinized the emerging “Okusuri Charm” trend, by searching the term in Japanese on X (Twitter)® and analyzing related posts. Results Alongside illegal prescription drug trading, individuals crafted accessories from drug sheets, particularly prescribed psychiatric drugs, and dealt with other users, leading to a growing trend this year. Conclusions A positive outlook toward this trend is the emergence of a new artistic movement, but a pessimistic viewpoint is the creators' misuse of prescription drugs, potentially fostering illegal drug dealings.

Keywords

• illicit trading
• Okusuri Charm
• Okusuri Mogu Mogu
• overdose
• prescription medication
• social network