Matthew Fox, founder of Sweat Elite and well-known YouTuber in the global running community, was arrested in Osaka, Japan, on Friday for allegedly violating the country’s strict narcotics law.
Authorities accuse the 38-year-old Australian of attempting to smuggle THC pills—a substance found in cannabis—into Japan via an international courier service from the U.S. in February.
Fox, who had traveled to Japan to run in the 2025 Osaka Marathon, reportedly denies the charges. However, under Japanese law, importing narcotics can carry heavy penalties, including multiple years in prison, deportation, and a permanent entry ban.
Fox has gained recognition through his running media brand Sweat Elite and his efforts to complete a sub-2.5-hour marathon every month. During the Osaka race, he withdrew at the 22km mark and later posted online that he was struggling with “the stressors of life brought on by his own decisions.”
In a recent podcast episode, Fox admitted to regularly traveling with THC gummies to manage anxiety and sleep, adding, “Most countries don’t care, but Japan is different—they tend to search you every time.”
Despite his awareness of Japan’s stringent drug regulations, he claims he did not bring any THC into the country himself. The allegations instead relate to pills allegedly shipped to him before his arrival.
After the marathon, Fox reportedly went skiing in the mountains and then disappeared from social media, raising concern among fans.
This is not Fox’s first legal controversy in Japan. In 2023, he was banned for life from the Ageo City Half Marathon for using another runner’s bib, a move considered a serious violation in competitive running.
As of now, Fox remains in custody while Japanese authorities continue their investigation.
