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Japan to restrict heated tobacco use but gives up on indoor smoking ban

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smoking will be completely banned in hospitals, schools, universities and government offices

smokunhbhas been banned in these places since they banned smoking at train stations over a decade ago although, many of them kept their little yellow smoking rooms.

It shoukd cone as me as no surprise the Japanese government is back peddling on smoking restrictions considering the own 51% of japan tobacco and are pulling a nice little profit and taxes from tobacco.

19 ( +22 / -3 )

Oh dear, we cannot inconvenience the smokers can we?

21 ( +27 / -6 )

Under the plan drawn up by the health ministry, smoking will be completely banned in hospitals, schools, universities and government offices to protect children and others from secondhand smoking. Minors will be prohibited from entering smoking spaces.

the ministry is currently negotiating with the LDP regarding restaurants and bars that are to be exempted from the requirement to establish separate smoking areas.

Does that mean that restaurants and bars will not be allowed to employ minors since according to the first statement: Minors will be prohibited from entering smoking spaces?

It should, but I'm guessing there will be some stupid loophole that allows them to do that.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Amy: I'm under the impression that the men is made of "green cheese," whatever that is. Our sources differ. Hmmmm . . . How do we ever solve this problem?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

As long as we have politicians with vested interests in JT then the law will never change to a full ban on smoking.

Does anyone know if they have to declare such interests. Would be interesting to see how they voted and their reasoning for not implementing a full ban. Surely not an infringement on smokers rights? What about my rights as a non smoker?

7 ( +10 / -3 )

They should require all establishments to post signs which clearly state if smoking is permitted or prohibited on the premises. The sign in photo would do nicely.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

due to opposition from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and industries to be subject to the measure.

Double speak for we don’t want to restrict our party funding and those very heavy brown paper envelopes.

It appears smokers must form the majority of the LDP’s base voters?

So the populations health is of less concern than the affect on profits for Japans tobacco industry?

The LDP really is a people’s party, isn’t it!

15 ( +17 / -2 )

but give up on a total ban on indoor smoking to prevent passive smoking, backpedaling from its initial goal due to industry resistance.

Due to industry resistance? Hah don't make me laugh. The government and JT are best friends.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

Vested interests, simple but pathetic.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

As far as I've heard, data from other countries shows that business goes up, not down when smoking is prohibited. People said Starbucks would never survive in Japan because of its non-smoking policy. It's thriving.

It is utterly ridiculous to allow minors into any public location that permits smoking indoors. The fact that the LDP is pushing back against this shows that they are a party that is not to be trusted.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Can't remember which old codger it was that said (And I'm paraphrasing here) "I've been smoking for xxx years and it's hasn't done me any harm"

Well with ignorant attitudes like that in government, it's not surprising the reluctance to implement any change.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

papigiulio Today  08:57 am JST

Due to industry resistance? Hah don't make me laugh. The government and JT are best friends.

Correct... altho', it's more that the LDP and JT are the very best of friends - the tobacco industry being a major contributor to party funds.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Seems like a decent compromise.

I look forward to adhering to the new rules.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

Small establishments are where the second hand smoke danger is highest. This legislation puts vested interests above public health, an action expected of a Third World nation.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Do you need further proof that the government and elected officials whom you fund are not working in your best interest? In this case it could be argued that they are actually working against the betterment of public health couldn't it? This is coming from someone who isn't a non-smoker (yes I'm in denial).

10 ( +12 / -2 )

althought the gov't is refusing to do it, any restaurant owner/franchise can ban smoking. it's up to people to speak with their wallets and not with their votes on this matter because the gov't refuses to act.  we don't need the gov't to do everything for us. we also have power.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

I'd like the health minister to make a statement on TV giving the reasons for not having a total ban on smoking in all public places. I can't think of one. Neither could he I suspect.

Don't give me the "hurting businesses" phooey. As has been said above...other countries never had an issue.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

althought the gov't is refusing to do it, any restaurant owner/franchise can ban smoking. it's up to people to speak with their wallets and not with their votes on this matter because the gov't refuses to act. we don't need the gov't to do everything for us. we also have power.

Children don't.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Just ban it. Everywhere. It’s a disgusting, insane, dangerous habit.

Has no place in intelligent society.

2 ( +12 / -10 )

Mandating special rooms for smokers is a good bargain. Extremist views are not good for democracy. Yes, smokers should have their rights too, so long as they don’t harm others nearby.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

LDP + JT = Nippon GAN!

Way to go Japan for blowing a perfect opportunity to some good ole fashioned gaiatsu!

9 ( +10 / -1 )

I wonder how many will die from passive smoking, or will die because they can't give up, because no matter where they go they will be faced with other smokers, called unsociable if they don't go out with their manager or colleagues.How many will be admitted to hospital with asthma attacks triggered by this smoke?

And for this mandating a separate room for smokers. Well there are workers who have to go in and breath the second hand smoke, smoke moves around the building. Doesnt help those trying to give up.

Smokers have rights to pollute their lungs, not everyone else's lungs.Smoke outside!

Last week my friends son has just been diagnosed with lung cancer, and he never smoked in his life.....but his father did, as did the people where he worked. luckily or not, the old guy hasn't died of cancer, but sadly his son will.

If asbestos, mercury, and others dangerous substances are banned in the work place to safeguard workers, why not ban smoking in all work places. Non smokers have rights too. Nobody will infringe on a smokers rights to kill themselves and smoke. but you don't have the right to force your friends, children, colleagues, and others to breath in the smoke.

14 ( +17 / -3 )

Last week my friends son has just been diagnosed with lung cancer, and he never smoked in his life.....but his father did, as did the people where he worked. luckily or not, the old guy hasn't died of cancer, but sadly his son will.

And?  Smoking isn't the only cause of lung cancer.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"...the ministry is currently negotiating with the LDP regarding restaurants and bars that are to be exempted from the requirement to establish separate smoking areas."

So in other words the myriad tiny bars, izakayas etc will continue to operate business as usual with smoke you could cut with a butter knife. One way for the locals to make sure no gaijins pollute their private spaces. Sorry, I am not usually so negative, but this is sad.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Joke. Just ban it completely!

4 ( +12 / -8 )

Firstly, I don't go to any restaurants that permit smoking anymore. Second of all, as long as I don't have to breathe in the smoke, I say go ahead and smoke. Good form of selective population control.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Just yesterday I went to a certain restaurant and the air was completely poisoned by one tobacco addict. I will not go to that place anymore. It is outrageous how many people have to suffer and inhale the cancirogens because of that one guy who ignores all the rest using his "privilege to smoke". Smoke at a smoking booth or smoke at home, but I don't want to breath your secondhand smoke when I have a lunch.

17 ( +21 / -4 )

facility operators in Japan are only required to "make efforts" to prevent passive smoking.

Right. Good job, children!

7 ( +8 / -1 )

And? Smoking isn't the only cause of lung cancer. 90% of lungs cancers are caused by Tobacco use, so if his son was around his fathers & co-workers smoking most of his life its highly likely he got the disease from passive smoking. No need to be in denial when decades of medical evidence clearly shows the effects of tobacco use

8 ( +13 / -5 )

Good form of selective population control. yep statistics show that smokers on average die 14 yrs younger than non-smokers, thats an awful amount of time taken off your life for a habit that only weakens you physically and mentally

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Due to industry resistance

That's doublespeak for "the size of their fat brown envelopes outweighed our concern for the well being of nonsmokers"

8 ( +11 / -3 )

It is outrageous how many people have to suffer and inhale the cancirogens because of that one guy who ignores all the rest using his "privilege to smoke".

Don't go to restaurants like that. Problem solved. Smokers have far less rights than non-smokers, so quit the complaining. If I got started about all the things that harm me (aside from smokers), I could bang on about it too.

If available, I have never met a smoker that has a problem with using a smoking room/area. The number of places where people can smoke has rapidly declined over the past few decades. But it will never be enough for some.

-10 ( +6 / -16 )

Heat-not-burn tobacco......what a dumb name. Who made this name??

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Spineless Japan. Big surprise. And I love the difference in translation on the sign.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

THey are going to get VERY defensive when all the surveys and interviews come back with "We wish there were more non-smoking places!" and restaurants are going to be shunned by most of the foreign population, with locals wondering "why us?" Japan had a chance to show it was a developed nation here, but alas, they kow-towed to Japan Tobaco. You're also going to see a lot more people chuckling and taking photos and posting on Instagram of the "No Smoking" signs surrounded by smokers.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

no direct correlation between secondary smoke and claimed effects. its all BS. After all the draconian laws passed in the western world, the number of cancer has not decreased. Some people need to do some study. http://www.no-smoke.org/getthefacts.php?id=90

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

Weak.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

no direct correlation between secondary smoke and claimed effects. wrong again , theres numerous medical journals and scientific studies that prove secondhand smoke and smoking and the rates of lung cancer are related. hers just one

http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/91/5/12-108092/en/

9 ( +11 / -2 )

How corrupt! Owning 51% of Japan tobacco and then "giving up" on stronger smoking laws!

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Study Finds No Link Between Secondhand Smoke And Cancer

https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/105/24/1844/2517805

but yes its all about PC

-12 ( +3 / -15 )

I don't care whether or not there is a link between smoking and cancer. Jeeps...we all gonna get some kinda cancer that will kill us off later anyway!!

I just don't want anyone smoking in the same place as I am eating. Is that too much to ask?

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Study Finds No Link Between Secondhand Smoke And Cancer

https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/105/24/1844/2517805

Did you bother to read your own link?

to quote:-

Passive smoking has many downstream health effects—asthma, upper respiratory infections, other pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular disease

So being affected by and dying from, those conditions is OK, so long as it isn't the Big C?

So does secondhand smoke cause lung cancer or not? “We can’t say it’s not a risk factor,”

That's not the same as your 'No Link'.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Passive smoking? It's all lies, damn lies and statistics

-13 ( +3 / -16 )

Children don't

but their parents do. duh!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Our esteemed Finance Minister who happens to be the biggest money gatherer for the LDP is a vivacious smoker, who claimed it hasn't killed him so it's all good? For once he actually woke from his slumber, and did something, protect one of his disgusting habits. I'm sure the dinosaurs also said don't look up. What an utter embarrassment this decision is.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

my grandma smoke 2 packs of cigarette a day, then tobacco thane reverse smoking. She died when she was 97 years old. My uncle smokes 2 packs a day since age 18, he is now 68 and is very healthy

-9 ( +4 / -13 )

I don't care whether or not there is a link between smoking and cancer. Jeeps...we all gonna get some kinda cancer that will kill us off later anyway!!

As reckless and dismissive as this type of comment might come across to many, I actually tend to agree.

If we all followed every guideline from every source, we would sit in a concrete bunker, under a skylight slathered in SPF 5000 sunscreen and wrapped in cotton wool. Sorry people, but harden up! You are going to die - chances are almost beyond a slither of a shadow of doubt that it WILL NOT be from second had cigarette smoke.

Get out and live your lives as opposed to sweating all the small stuff. Drive your car while wearing a respirator if it helps you sleep at night.

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

An estimated 15,000 people die annually in Japan from stroke, lung cancer or other diseases caused by passive smoking, according to a study by a health ministry research team.

Plus

National Cancer Center said last year that people exposed to passive smoking are 1.3 times more likely to get lung cancer than those who are not. While it is estimated that smoking caused lung cancer to 70 percent of male patients and 20 percent of females who die of that illness, the cancer center estimates that passive smoking is behind the death of about 15,000 people annually

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Smoking will be permitted in restaurants and bars if they set up special rooms for exclusive use by smokers where no food or drink will be served. However, the ministry is currently negotiating with the LDP regarding restaurants and bars that are to be exempted from the requirement to establish separate smoking areas.

Running scared - the DIET need to grow a pair and just introduce a blanket ban on smoking in all indoor public spaces. They did it here in Scotland, and while there was initial resistance it has made going for an evening out so much nicer.

On the backpedaling from the initial plan, a senior health ministry official said, "It would be difficult to introduce thorough restrictions by disregarding smokers. We need to take a first step."

Just DO it!

8 ( +10 / -2 )

My uncle smokes 2 packs a day since age 18, he is now 68 and is very healthy

I'm happy for your uncle. My parents also smoked heavily from their teens, I can't remember them ever not coughing and wheezing, and they are now both very dead, at 50 and 63.

Neither of them died of lung cancer, emphysema and coronary disease are just as deadly.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

If we all followed every guideline from every source, we would sit in a concrete bunker, under a skylight slathered in SPF 5000 sunscreen and wrapped in cotton wool. Sorry people, but harden up! You are going to die - chances are almost beyond a slither of a shadow of doubt that it WILL NOT be from second had cigarette smoke.

This is the height of ignorance. We've literally known for decades that second hand smoke kills and causes all kinds of problems.

Can we at least agree that allowing children in smoking establishments needs to be abolished? How about a 2,500,000 yen fine for an establishment that gets caught? (California fines that amount to establishments caught selling liquor to minors for comparison). You could even spend that money on educating people that cigarettes kill because apparently some people STILL haven't gotten the memo.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Cleo, as a fellow Brit, do you remember Roy Castle? He never smoked at all, but played the trumpet and sang in smoke-filled clubs... died of lung cancer brought about by passive smoking. It was his suffering and death that helped highlight the damage it can do. Tragic that it took a much loved entertainer's death to change a nation's attitude to ciggies.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Even if the smoking isn't harmful, though I think clearly is, even the most cherry picked tobacco industry study struggles to hide its certainly not good even if some links are less clear than others.

It just smells and is a sure fire way to ruin a good meal or a nice night out.

Its got to go, and eventually it will even if its just because the JT funded government members die out.

And personal anecdotes and opinions don't count in something so important. Cancer discovery and treatment has changed a lot in the last 20 years, more screening for more people means more even very minor cancers are found, and of those many many more cases than in the past result in remissions.. the environment in non-smoking or smoking restrictive areas is so much more pleasant.

Smokers, you know how awful it is for other people.. think of someone else besides your pocket emptying addiction if you can.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

harden up!

Hmm, I’m pretty sure second hand smoke literally causes the soft tissue in your lungs to harden.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

When it come down to going in to a restaurant that allows smoking, I would not enter it, as I don want my dinner or my clothes smelling of fag fumes, so I would love to see how much restaurant owner are loosing as people steadily boycott places that allow smoking, its in the interest of restaurant owner to discourage smoking in there work place In the UK we had an all out ban on smoking in the work place, restaurants, work vehicles, school, hospitals, etc, every body moaned about it, but we've now accepted it as the norm. the government has slapped a massive tax on them 1: to discourage people from buying them, 2: the extra tax that goes to pay the hospitals treatment for lung and other smoking related problems. the cost is from £7. to over £10 for a pack of 20 ( 1000 yen to 1500 yen) also to discourage smoking you can't buy 10 packs any more.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Thunderbird2 - Yes I do remember Roy Castle. A fine entertainer in the old style. I didn't realise he had died of lung cancer. 62 years old.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Cowards, grovelling at the feet of the money men.

Yes, I remember Roy Castle. His widow started a fund to help the Christie Hospital, I think. He died of passive smoking it's a real and very serious danger to non-smokers. For that reason alone smoking should be banned din all public areas. Smoking in the same house/car as a child is neglect and should be illegal.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

It basically comes down to manners, and Japanese smokers have absolutly no regard for others. You should not have to be told not to smoke in restraunts with families and children present. I notice when Japanese are out eating especially all male groups manners go out the window.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Smoking in the same house/car as a child is neglect and should be illegal.

@Luddite - it's banned cars with children here in Scotland.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-38184585

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Banned IN cars... missed that word out

3 ( +3 / -0 )

And no smoking on your apartment balconies! Your stench/cancer cloud invades others who keep their windows open. Smokers are the most irresponsible addicts around. Ban it 100%. Many smokers would quit with the inconvenience. Then, remove ALL cancer-sticks vending machines. All of them. Finally, no matter how large or small your establishment is, please think of the future cancer you are insuring for your employees. Yep, Starbucks rules because of 100% no smoking. Why Dotours etc have not "noticed" this I have no idea.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

We went into a small bar in Kyoto looking for a meal. Looked like a great little place, there were two places at the bar, but the place was choking with smoke. Needless to say, we didn't stay. Was the bar owner worried? Unlikely, the place was full apart from the two seats we didn't occupy. So I think it will be a generational thing, both in terms of the old political dinosaurs dying off and the clientele of small bars demanding they become smoke free. Can't see either of those things happening inside 10 to 20 years.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Industry pressure, eh? JT shareholding still stewarded by Ministry of Finance...?

Here is the final score:

Ministry of Wealth: 1. Ministry of Health: 0

A disappointing result after extra time. Wealth will remain in the big league, but Health looks likely to be relegated to a less important function for a few more seasons.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

repeating something doesn't make it real. After long term study, direct correlation between passive smoking and cancer has not been established. And yes, even direct smoking itself. it is a risk, maybe. Cause? Not. BTW, eating processed meat also causes cancer according to WHO.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Good thing I am not smoking and eating meat. It is called being RES-PON-SI-BLE. Which no one smoking is.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

repeating something doesn't make it real. After long term study, direct correlation between passive smoking and cancer has not been established. And yes, even direct smoking itself. it is a risk, maybe. Cause? Not. BTW, eating processed meat also causes cancer according to WHO.

How many do you get through a day?

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/causes/

2 ( +4 / -2 )

KaerimashitaToday  10:14 am JST

Last week my friends son has just been diagnosed with lung cancer, and he never smoked in his life.....but his father did, as did the people where he worked. luckily or not, the old guy hasn't died of cancer, but sadly his son will.

And? Smoking isn't the only cause of lung cancer.

Your right of course but the "BIGGEST" cause of lung cancer, is cigarettes, but I guess you think moving paper around an office for forty years must be lethal. I don't think they're rushing to put health labels on paper, pens and pencils. Maybe you wish to blame all the x=rays he's had over the years.

Maybe your comments are part of the problem unless you actually support smoking with children, and infront of non smokers facing them breath it in.

For those that think passive smoking is unrelated to cancer or the health care problems then you really should look at the research coming out of countries that banned it.

The WHO confirms it is a risk 2004.

Here is a link the WHO if anyone wishes to read what they have said. For those spouting that there isn't any evidence, then I hope your medical qualification can be proven otherwise its just an opinion.

http://www.who.int/tobacco/research/secondhand_smoke/about/en/

The US surgeon general also confirms this. It is also enough evidence to implicate passive smoking with increase in lung cancer but also coronary hear disease. Not to mention the evidence that people with asthma have a worse outcomes making their condition worse. Asthma UK said 82 percent of asthma patients said passive smoking affected their condition.

BTW Erbaviva. Red meat may not cause cancer per sae but there is link if too much is consumed. As is an excess of processed meats.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Smoking is just a slow way to commit suicide. Funny how smoking is allowed due to society pressures when everyone agrees it is killing people.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@ gaijinpapa

I suggest that you read Help us to divorce.

Israel & Palestine: Between Right and Right by Amos Oz.

It’s also about fanatism in general ..and how to cure it ..

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Non smokers: hate smoke go in smoking establishment. So smart.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

erbaviva Jan. 31  03:10 pm JST

my grandma smoke 2 packs of cigarette a day, then tobacco thane reverse smoking. She died when she was 97 years old. My uncle smokes 2 packs a day since age 18, he is now 68 and is very healthy

Your personal experience, dubious or not, does not invalidate the facts.

With what we know now, it is foolish to claim that there's no correlation between smoking and health issues. Be it passive or direct consumption.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

processed meat yada yada yada

Last time I checked processed meat doesn't waft through the air and affect non-consumers of the product.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

don-in-japanToday 06:20 am JST

Your personal experience, dubious or not, does not invalidate the facts.

Sorry mate it invalidates it. Smoking does not cause cancer. If yes then allsmokers have lung cancer. But guess what? the percentage of people dying in the US is 2 percent in 1950's, then all the hoopla about smoking vame to discourage people from smoking, the percentage of people smoking has decreased significantly yet the pecentage of lung cancer was 2%. Then the passive smoking and the WHO sped up their effort and the whole world followed through. But guess what, a 40 year longtitudunal study had this conclusion, smoking might be a risk but it does not cause cancer. So believe all the BS PR and stats but don't shove your opinion on poeple who are not sheep and believe all the doctor's prescription. When a health issue becomes political then its a lost cause. If you don't want to smoke fine, if you don't want secondary smoke fine. Let us smoke in peace.

And yes, the question is why after all these years of banning cigarette smoking the number of lung cancer has not changed? Ask the WHO they all have the data (but it easier to repeat the cliche)

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

So being affected by and dying from, those conditions is OK, most smokers will die prematurely , not just from cancer but from respiratory illness , heart disease and strokes caused by the hardening of the capillaries

my grandma smoke 2 packs of cigarette a day, then tobacco thane reverse smoking. She died when she was 97 years old, and Id say if you looked at the top 5% oldest living centenarians over the world the vast majority would be non-smokers, funny how averages work.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Smokers need to go. It doesn't matter where they go, just not near me.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

erbaviva: "repeating something doesn't make it real."

Like the Japan Tobacco mantra of "no correlation between second hand smoking and cancer or other illnesses" which is complete and utter BS? How many times have you said that on this thread alone despite actually providing links YOURSELF which state the opposite?? haha.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

statistics show that smokers on average die 14 yrs younger than non-smokers, 

Perhaps there in lies another motivation to let people keep smoking willy-nilly - 14 years less paid out in pension, per smoker.

I also suspect there's some lobbying from the dry cleaning industry, supporting the tobacco industry. I pity the izakaya staff who regularly breath other peoples carcinogens, but for me it's so rare I'm unlikely to be endangering my health. However, anytime I do end up in a smoky den, I need to have everything I was wearing cleaned.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Backing out softly is the Japanese government... When is enough enough?

STOP GOVERNMENT OWNED TOBACO COMPANIES SMOKERS! Its the smokers who have to act.

Buy from independent tobacco companies!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Japan made assurances about smoking rules in order to land the Olympics. It’s clear it hasn’t fulfilled its obligations and has no intention of doing so.

Time for a boycott.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

My Grandad smoked sixty a day, drank whisky like a fish, and loved his steak. Lived to be the oldest man in Scotland.

Heart attack at thirty-eight.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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