One of many operating world’s hottest YouTubers, Matthew Fox, was arrested in Osaka, Japan, on April 9 for violating the nation’s Narcotics Management Act. The 38-year-old Australian allegedly tried to smuggle tablets containing THC (the energetic ingredient in marijuana) into Japan from the U.S. by way of a global courier service in February.
Fox, who can also be a podcaster and founding father of the operating media firm Sweat Elite, was in Osaka for the 2025 Osaka Marathon. The race was a part of his ongoing problem to finish a marathon a month in underneath two hours and half-hour. Nonetheless, he didn’t end the race, dropping out shortly after 22 kilometres.
Following his withdrawal, Fox posted on social media that he “did not handle the stressors of life introduced on by my very own selections,” including, “Some dangerous luck, however simply many issues I can enhance on with decision-making round life and journey.”
In a latest podcast episode, Fox defined he usually travels with THC gummies to assist handle his anxiousness and sleep, acknowledging that many nations are lenient relating to THC merchandise for private use. “I journey with THC gummies, and most nations don’t care, however Japan is totally different—they have a tendency to go looking you each time,” he stated.
Fox famous that he prevented bringing gummies into Japan, conscious of the nation’s strict drug legal guidelines. After his February marathon, he spent a number of days snowboarding within the mountains earlier than turning into inactive on his social media accounts.
Fox’s media firm, Sweat Elite, has a big following on YouTube, boasting almost 150,000 subscribers and specializing in elite coaching strategies for runners. Based on the Japanese information, Fox denies the drug smuggling allegations.
This incident shouldn’t be Fox’s first brush with the regulation in Japan. In 2023, he obtained a lifetime ban from the Ageo Metropolis Half Marathon after being caught bib dishonest—operating underneath another person’s bib for his or her profit.
If formally charged and convicted of drug importation, Fox may face a number of years of imprisonment and/or deportation. Ought to he be convicted, Fox would possible face a lifetime ban from re-entering Japan.
Fox holds a marathon private greatest of two:18:41, which he ran on the 2024 Indianapolis Marathon final yr.