Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The city of Osaka, Japan, has introduced new regulations prohibiting both residents and tourists from smoking in public spaces. Effective January 27, 2025, the smoking ban covers streets, public parks, and plazas in Osaka.
According to Kumparan, the policy was implemented in preparation for the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025, which will take place from April to October. The global event is set to welcome representatives from 158 countries and regions, featuring seminars, discussions, and exhibitions.
The expo will run for six months, from April 13 to October 13, with the city allocating 164.7 billion yen (approximately $10.6 billion) for the event, including major investments in urban infrastructure.
“Osaka will expand its smoke-free areas citywide to enhance safety, cleanliness, and its image as a world-class tourist destination,” a city official stated, as reported by Kumparan.
The initiative aims not only to beautify the city but also to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for both residents and visitors. The smoking ban applies to electronic cigarettes such as vapes, and violators caught smoking in public areas will face a fine of 1,000 yen (around $7).
To assist residents and tourists in complying with the new rules, the Osaka government has released a map showing designated smoking areas.
Before Osaka, Japan once implemented a similar smoking ban regulations ahead of big event. The ban was implemented in Tokyo ahead of the 2020 Olympics and remains in effect today.
Japan’s Smoking Regulations
Japan’s national laws already impose smoking restrictions in various locations, including restaurants, offices, and public transportation. While some cities have also banned smoking in public places, designated smoking rooms remain available in locations such as airports and train stations.
Additionally, individuals under 20 years old are prohibited from smoking or purchasing tobacco products.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Japan’s smoking rate has significantly declined over the past two decades, from around 32% in 2000 to 16% in 2022. Data from Japan’s Ministry of Health (MOH) in 2022 indicated that 14.8% of adults still smoked, with a government target to reduce the figure to 12%.
By comparison, in the United States, approximately 19.8%—nearly one in five adults—still used tobacco products in 2022, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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As Osaka effectively implemented the smoking ban on January 27, the city hopes to create a better environment ahead of the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025. Not only to ensure cleaner and beautiful City, the initiative also aimed to ensure both resident and tourist feel comfortable during the event.
(Raidi/Agung)
