1. Introduction
In Japan, smoking is an accepted part of society, but there are still laws and customs that must be followed. In this article, we will explore the laws and etiquette surrounding smoking in Japan, as well as answer the question: can you smoke and walk in Japan?
2. Smoking Laws in Japan
Japan has one of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the world. Smoking is prohibited in public places such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, and public transportation. It is also illegal to smoke inside restaurants and bars unless they have designated smoking areas. The sale of cigarettes to minors under 20 years old is prohibited by law.
3. Public Smoking in Japan
Public smoking is typically frowned upon in Japan and smokers are expected to be mindful of those around them when they light up. Smoking on sidewalks or near entrances to buildings is generally considered rude and inconsiderate. Some cities have even gone so far as to ban public smoking altogether.
4. Where Can You Smoke in Japan?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas such as parks or outside certain restaurants or bars that have a designated smoking area. Some hotels may also provide a smoking room for guests who wish to smoke indoors without disturbing other guests or staff members.
5. Is it Legal to Smoke and Walk in Japan?
It is not legal to smoke while walking on the street or sidewalk in most parts of Japan, though some cities may allow it if there are no other people nearby who could be affected by secondhand smoke. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid smoking while walking since it can be seen as rude or inconsiderate towards those around you.
6. Smoking Etiquette in Japan
In addition to respecting the laws regarding where you can smoke, there are also certain social norms surrounding smoking etiquette that should be observed when lighting up in public places such as parks or outside restaurants or bars with designated smoking areas:
– Always ask permission before lighting up near someone else;
– Always dispose of your cigarette butt properly;
– Never throw your cigarette butt on the ground;
– Respect nonsmokers’ wishes if they ask you not to smoke;
– Always use an ashtray when available;
– Avoid blowing smoke directly at someone else;
– Avoid littering cigarette butts on the ground;
– Do not leave your cigarette unattended;
– Do not flick ashes onto someone else’s property; and
– Be aware of wind direction when lighting up outdoors so that others do not get exposed to secondhand smoke unnecessarily.
7 Health Risks of Smoking in Japan
Besides being illegal and socially unacceptable, smoking has been linked with numerous health risks such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma attacks, low birth weight babies among pregnant women who smoked during pregnancy, eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration etc., Therefore it is important for all smokers to understand these health risks before deciding whether or not they should continue their habit of smoking cigarettes.
8 The Bottom Line: Can You Smoke and Walk?
While it may be legal to smoke while walking down some streets depending on local regulations,it’s generally considered rude and inconsiderate towards those around you.Therefore,it’s best practice for smokers visiting or living in Japan to respect local laws regarding where they can legally light up,observe proper etiquette while doing so,and take into account any potential health risks associated with their habit.
Are you allowed to smoke in public in Japan?
Although smoking is restricted or prohibited in many countries at the national level laws do not restrict or prohibit smoking in enclosed public workplaces or on public transportation.
Can I smoke on the street in Japan?
Many cities ban smoking on county streets except in designated smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited on major train station platforms except in designated smoking rooms.
Where is it OK to smoke in Japan?
However indoor smoking in cigar bars (smoking rooms) in private homes and hotels is exempt from this ban. Smoking is strictly prohibited except in designated areas. The place is a bit messy but the restaurant has 2 other smoking rooms a smoking room and a heated smoking room.
Can you smoke on balcony in Japan?
Basically most apartments and balconies in Japan prohibit smoking in common areas such as hallways and entrances.
Is smoking a big thing in Japan?
About 20 million people smoke in Japan and the country is one of the largest tobacco markets in the world although tobacco consumption has declined in recent years.
What happens if you get caught smoking in Japan?
Fines for violating smoking laws in Japan vary by city or region and are usually several thousand yen. If you smoke in a non-designated smoking area in Tokyo you will be fined 2000 yen to 5000 yen. A fine of 2000 yen in Nagoya. December 20 2018
