Osaka 2025: A smoke-free Japan, towards a healthy World Expo!

IN BRIEF

Prohibition of smoking in the streets of Osaka leading up to the World Expo.
Nearly 160 participating countries from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
Warning from the mayor about the need to create a smoke-free city.
Fines of 1,000 yen (about 6.10 euros) for offenders.
Extension of the ban throughout the city, initially limited to six areas.
Additional bans to come for restaurants larger than 30 m².
Ticket sales for the Expo-2025 are slow, with less than half of the target achieved.
Tobacco consumption declining, smoking rate at 15.7% in 2023.

As the World Expo in Osaka approaches, scheduled for early April 2025, Japan is ramping up its efforts to combat smoking. The city of Osaka has recently implemented a new ban on smoking in public spaces aimed at ensuring a welcoming and healthy environment for the millions of international visitors expected. This decision is part of a broader framework of regulatory changes aimed at reducing the impact of smoking on Japanese society.

A widespread ban in the downtown area #

Since January 22, 2025, the city of Osaka has enforced a smoking ban in all its streets. This initiative, which previously existed in certain limited areas, now extends across the entire urban territory. The mayor of Osaka, Hideyuki Yokoyama, stated: “We want to welcome many people from around the world. So we want to make Osaka a city where people feel safe with smoke-free streets”. This decision aims to create a healthier environment for visitors and residents, particularly in the context of such a large-scale event.

Fines for non-compliance with regulations #

The new rules impose fines on smokers who do not comply with the ban, with penalties reaching 1,000 yen (about 6.10 euros). In Japan, where the public smoking ban is becoming increasingly strict, smokers are often forced to gather in designated restricted spaces, such as smoking areas set up near train stations or within certain parks.

Expansion of restrictions in dining establishments #

Starting in April 2025, the entire Osaka region will also prohibit smoking in restaurants with a seating area larger than 30 m², unless these establishments have a designated smoking room. This measure reflects a desire to clean up the dining experience in Japan, where society is becoming increasingly aware of the harmful effects of passive smoking.

The economic context and expectations surrounding the World Expo #

Despite these health advancements, questions remain regarding the upcoming event. Delays in ticket sales for Expo 2025 raise concerns among organizers and the Japanese public. Fewer than 7.5 million tickets had been sold by early January, representing less than half of the set targets, which raises questions about the excitement for this global event.

Crucial health issues #

With approximately 2,000 billion yen (12.25 billion euros) in tax revenue generated by tobacco, Japan finds itself at a crossroads where economic and health considerations must be carefully balanced. Despite a gradual decline in the number of smokers in the country, smoking remains a major public health challenge that claims the lives of over 130,000 people each year in Japan. In 2023, the smoking rate was 15.7%, a trend that, while positive, requires ongoing efforts to reshape the smoking landscape in the country.

A turning point in anti-tobacco regulation #

The decision by Osaka to strengthen restrictions on smoking represents a significant turning point in the fight against smoking in Japan. Indeed, the country has long been considered a bastion of tobacco, but recent legislative changes show a heightened willingness to improve the overall health of the population. The challenge now lies in maintaining this momentum while addressing the economic expectations of an international event of such stature.