No Smoking!

One thing that has really changed in the five years since I first came to Japan is the sharp decrease in smoking areas. While Japan still trails behind other the U.S. or Canada on this issue, more and more places are beginning to prohibit smoking.

When I first came here, it was more of an ashtray. But restaurants, coffee shops, and other establishments have become increasingly smoke-free. Many stations are, too. Some stations, like Ichigaya Station, have designated smoking areas, and are smoke-free for a couple hours a day.

This sign is posted in the non-smoking area of the station platform. It says, “No Smoking (here). Furthermore, smoking is prohibited on the entire platform, including the smoking area, on weekdays, from 7:30am - 9:30am. Please refrain from smoking during that time.”

Obviously, this is a good thing. But let’s be honest. If we really want to improve public health, we need to do more than simply rid ourselves of smoke. Why are we not so adamant about the pollution in the air or water? And why don’t we target junk food providers, or soda companies? I know people who look down on smokers, while they chug down Coke and McDonald’s all day. Do they really think that that is healthy?