Osaka Implements Citywide Smoking Ban Ahead of Expo 2025

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the city's appeal for international visitors, Osaka has enacted a comprehensive smoking ban across its public streets. This measure comes as the city prepares to host the highly anticipated World Expo 2025, which will commence in April and feature participation from approximately 160 nations and regions.

Osaka's Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama emphasized the city's commitment to creating a safe, smoke-free environment for tourists. Previously, smoking was restricted to designated areas, primarily around Osaka station, but the new regulations extend the prohibition to all city streets. Individuals caught violating this ban may face fines of 1,000 yen (about $6.40).

While Japan has existing local regulations that restrict smoking in public areas, efforts for a unified national smoking law have faced opposition from certain lawmakers. However, the Osaka region is set to introduce additional measures starting in April, which will prohibit smoking in restaurants with seating areas exceeding 30 square meters (approximately 320 square feet), although designated smoking rooms will still be permitted.

At the national level, current legislation prohibits smoking in establishments larger than 100 square meters. The Expo 2025 event has encountered challenges, including slower-than-expected ticket sales and concerns regarding construction expenses. By early January, approximately 7.5 million tickets had been sold, just half of the organizers' target for the six-month-long event.

In contrast, Tokyo has already imposed a complete smoking ban in all restaurants since 2018 in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, though outdoor smoking is still allowed in certain districts. The Japanese government, both centrally and locally, generates around two trillion yen (about $13 billion) annually from cigarette tax revenues. Furthermore, the national government possesses a one-third stake in Japan Tobacco, which ranks as the third-largest tobacco company globally.

Despite these regulations, the prevalence of smoking in Japan has been declining, aligning with a global trend. As of 2023, approximately 15.7% of the Japanese population identified as smokers.