One of the running world’s most popular YouTubers, Matthew Fox, was arrested in Osaka, Japan, on April 9 for violating the country’s Narcotics Control Act. The 38-year-old Australian allegedly attempted to smuggle tablets containing THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) into Japan from the U.S. via an international courier service in February.
Fox at the finish line of the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Photo: Kevin Morris
Fox, who is also a podcaster and founder of the running media company Sweat Elite, was in Osaka for the 2025 Osaka Marathon. The race was part of his ongoing challenge to complete a marathon a month in under two hours and 30 minutes. However, he did not finish the race, dropping out shortly after 22 kilometres.
Following his withdrawal, Fox posted on social media that he “failed to manage the stressors of life brought on by my own decisions,” adding, “Some bad luck, but just many things I can improve on with decision-making around life and travel.”
In a recent podcast episode, Fox explained he typically travels with THC gummies to help manage his anxiety and sleep, acknowledging that many countries are lenient regarding THC products for personal use. “I travel with THC gummies, and most countries don’t care, but Japan is different—they tend to search you every time,” he said.
Fox noted that he avoided bringing gummies into Japan, aware of the country’s strict drug laws. After his February marathon, he spent a few days skiing in the mountains before becoming inactive on his social media accounts.
Fox’s media company, Sweat Elite, has a large following on YouTube, boasting nearly 150,000 subscribers and focusing on elite training methods for runners. According to the Japanese news, Fox denies the drug smuggling allegations.
Fox kicked off his marathon a month challenge at the 2025 Houston Marathon in January. Photo: Kevin Morris
This incident is not Fox’s first brush with the law in Japan. In 2023, he received a lifetime ban from the Ageo City Half Marathon after being caught bib cheating—running under someone else’s bib for their benefit.
If formally charged and convicted of drug importation, Fox could face several years of imprisonment and/or deportation. Should he be convicted, Fox would likely face a lifetime ban from re-entering Japan.
Fox holds a marathon personal best of 2:18:41, which he ran at the 2024 Indianapolis Marathon last year.