On February 15, the Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education announced that a 28-year-old male staff member was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the board, the incident occurred on the evening of February 14, when the employee consumed a variety of alcoholic beverages, including one and a half cans of beer, three shots of tequila, two glasses of champagne, and eight servings of shochu mixed with tea, from 9:20 PM until around 3:30 AM the following morning. He was stopped by police around 3:45 AM while driving home in his personal vehicle, where he was found to have exceeded the legal blood alcohol limit.

The employee reportedly told authorities that he thought he could safely drive home despite his alcohol consumption. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about drinking and driving behaviors, particularly among public officials who are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct. The Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education stated that they would further investigate the matter and determine appropriate disciplinary action based on the facts gathered.

The story shines a light on the broader issues of alcohol consumption and legal driving limits in Japan, where driving under the influence can have severe consequences both legally and socially. Public officials are under particular scrutiny, as their actions can undermine public trust and safety, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of drinking laws and potentially leading to changes in policy regarding alcohol consumption and workplace conduct.