The article discusses the potential health risks of ingesting medication without water, a habit prevalent among some populations in Japan. Medical professionals warn against this practice, citing its potential negative impacts, including the risk of choking, reduced medication effectiveness, and possible damage to the esophagus. Despite the warnings, some people continue the habit due to convenience or misconceptions about medication ingestion.

This issue is particularly relevant in Japan where over-the-counter and prescription medication use is common among aging population. There is a cultural focus on efficiency and convenience, which can sometimes lead to bypassing the water-drinking step when taking medication. Additionally, there's a broad societal trust in pharmaceutical products, which might cause people to overlook the associated risks.

In comparison, in the United States and European Union, the advice to ingest medication with water is widely propagated by healthcare providers and is often included in the instructions on medication packaging. However, adherence to this advice can vary, and instances of dry swallowing medication are not uncommon.