Japan to ban public smoking?

Japanese newspaper The Daily Yomiuri has reported that the health ministry will urge local governments to completely ban smoking in public places.

Citing unknown sources, the paper reported the total ban would include schools, hospitals, restaurants and other public places. It would also extend to theatres, department stores, offices and train stations. This was reported as part of a government attempt to reduce the harmful effects of passive smoking.

When the report first hit, shares in Tobacco Inc, Japan’s largest cigarette manufacturer, sank by 2%. A spokesperson for the company said the government had not informed them of any policy change.

Japanese health minister Akira Nagatsuma said the government will issue a recommendation on public smoking later this month. He told reporters: “we’ll discuss this matter further while looking at what foreign countries are doing as well as Japan’s attitude to smoking.”

Smoking is hugely popular in Japan, making smoking cessation policies difficult to enforce. In 2002, the World Health Organisation reported that around half of all Japanese men smoked. Smoking numbers have dropped somewhat since then, largely thanks to government anti-smoking initiatives.

Worldwide, smoking is responsible for around 5 million deaths each year. Many of these are from heart diseases and cancers such as lung cancer.

Quitting smoking is not easy, especially if you are a long-term smoker. However, help is at hand. Most countries’ health systems provide advice, information and support for anyone wishing to give up, while smoking cessation aids have helped many.

Other options include reading anti-smoking books, and undergoing more alternative treatments such as hypnotherapy. We would however recommend that you seek the advice of a trained health practitioner.