Smoking rate in Japan falls to record-low 25%

Saturday 15th August, 05:29 AM JST

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15 Comments

bcbrownboy at 07:20 AM JST - 15th August

Not in my bar - it's about 75%!
Disillusioned at 09:25 AM JST - 15th August

Not in my bar - it's about 75%!

Passive smokers should buy their own! I hope you are prepared for the inevitable law suits from staff and patrons for harm received from passive smoking. The smoking laws in Australia have recently been updated to the point of smoking is prohibited anywhere there is food or drink sold. Could anyone hypothesize the effects of such a law in Japan? However, I'm sure JT (Japan Tobacco) has enough money flowing into the right pockets to ensure this will never happen in Japan.
isthistheend at 09:50 AM JST - 15th August

Not at my golf range-it's also about 75%, one cigarette for every 15 balls hit. And they congregate and create a whole puff bomb area. And this is out doors. I'm sure every one notices the enclosed cubicles that exist at some companies where the smokers go in to congregate. I often think they needn't even light up in such cubicles, as mere entry and taking a deep breath will get as much smoke in your lungs as you possibly could desire. And recently a "Smokers Cafe" has opened up near the station in Shinbashi (and other places?). It makes me laugh/cry. I guess if your going to smoke, you might as well name store for it.
Beelzebub at 10:06 AM JST - 15th August

You've got 'em on the run! Keep up the good work!
BobbieWickham at 10:32 AM JST - 15th August

We're slowly getting there. Soon it'll be jail time and eventually a capital offence.
lunchmeat at 10:52 AM JST - 15th August

an annual survey conducted in May by Japan Tobacco Inc

A neutral, disinterested party, no doubt.
Bizarro at 11:12 AM JST - 15th August

Still nearly 40% of men, which is appallingly high. It would be interesting to know the breakdown by age group. If the rate is decreasing more rapidly among younger people, for example, it would tell us something about the future trend. At least from what I see, however, younger people still smoke as much as (or more than) their seniors, and the decrease is coming mainly from older people who are quitting.

Cheers,
LHommeQuiMent at 11:13 AM JST - 15th August

They already have the longest life expectancy in the world. Imagine what it would be like if they didn't smoke, over-work, and drink.

I agree. Tobacco and alcohol definitely help us with the pension problem. If all Japanese smokers would quit at once, there will be a huge crisis. The odds of dying before age 65 is twice high among smokers. And that really helps with the pension problem.

"Survival of the fittest", as they say.
tokyochris at 11:26 AM JST - 15th August

Imagine what it would be like if they didn't smoke, over-work, and drink

Maybe the scientists have got it wrong and those 3 things extend our life?
BurakuminDes at 11:37 AM JST - 15th August

Anyone who has lived in Japan for a few years, or more - that includes me - is at health risk in the future for all those cigarettes passively smoked without filters. You just have to smell your clothes the next morning to appreciate how much of this poison we must be inhaling. Kind of scary, really.
noborito at 12:33 PM JST - 15th August

no way. Again another like on japan today
Crimsonsil at 03:08 PM JST - 15th August

25% is a lot higher than I thought it was though.

no way. Again another like on japan today

huh?
Monoflow at 03:35 PM JST - 15th August

25% is not bad, let's say in my country it's still around 40% (much more women than men) and it's allowed in almost every places. From next year, it will be banned from Restaurants at least. In this case, Japan is doing well...
smithinjapan at 05:14 PM JST - 15th August

I think that's utter BS. No way the percentage is that low. How about underage kids?

I'm glad if it's improving, but there are serious flaws in the stats.
fleetwood77 at 06:55 AM JST - 16th August

We're slowly getting there. Soon it'll be jail time and eventually a capital offence.

I'm not bitherd - all the health fanatics say it will kill me anyway.