Smoking in Japan was unregulated for centuries, with over 25% of the population smoking and cigarettes sold in vending machines. Recent policies have changed laws, with a potential for a nationwide ban. The tobacco industry has historically influenced smoking laws. Identification scans in vending machines prevent minors from purchasing tobacco. Some cities have banned smoking in public places, and many public trains offer smoking and non-smoking cars. Visitors should check local laws as fines can be issued for violating smoking laws.
For centuries, smoking in Japan was unregulated and subject to little or no legal restrictions. Some studies suggest that over 25% of the total population in Japan smokes and cigarettes have long been available in vending machines where even minors could buy them. 21st century policies have changed the laws somewhat, and some believe the new laws are a precursor to banning smoking in all public places, nationwide.
The tobacco industry has historically exerted considerable influence over smoking laws in Japan. While the US, UK, and Europe began passing ever stricter smoking laws, Japan stuck with the permitted policies and didn’t spend much time enforcing the laws they had in place. In 1999, Japan’s Ministry of Health set a goal of reducing smoking rates by 50% within 11 years, although they haven’t been very successful. Since joining the World Health Organization’s efforts to stop tobacco use in 2004, smoking in Japan has become much more difficult, but it’s not illegal.
One of the first big changes was the implementation of identification scans in vending machines that sell cigarettes. These scans help ensure that no one under the age of 20 can purchase tobacco products. In 2008, the machines began including a face scan that could determine age range, to prevent children from using someone else’s ID card.
A frequent complaint from tourists to Japan is that there are no non-smoking sections in restaurants. Many non-Japanese chains, such as Starbucks, have chosen to institute no-smoking policies in their Japanese locations. Some Japanese cities and regions are considering a ban on smoking in restaurants, but no national legislation has been passed.
In Tokyo and Hiroshima, smoking is banned on many streets and outdoors. Tobacco companies have thoughtfully provided ashtrays for communities in the few areas where smoking is still permitted. Even major taxi companies in Tokyo have banned smoking in taxis. Many public trains across Japan now offer smoking and non-smoking cars, and this is said to be quite well enforced, depending on the area you’re in.
Recently, author Dave Sedaris decided to give up smoking by moving to Hiroshima for several months, where smoking is banned in most public places. His resulting book, When You are Engulfed in Flames, notes the relative gentleness of smoking warnings in Japan compared to warnings in other countries. His analysis agrees with most anti-smokers in Japan that the health risks are not taken seriously enough.
If you are a smoker and plan to visit Japan, check local laws. While there is no nationwide ban on smoking in Japan, many major cities have strict policies regulating where smoking can occur. Most laws in Japan are strictly enforced, and the unwary visitor could find themselves subject to large monetary fines if caught violating local smoking laws.
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