I'm a smoker, but that's my choice. Those who choose not to smoke, and very rightly so, shouldnt have my choice imposed on them. Sure, it would be great to smoke inside sometimes when its raining or cold, but i would expect that option to be available to me in the form of a designated smoking room, not in the form of permission to smoke in the middle of a restaurant or something. Even when i'm outside i always try to position myself so that my smoke isn't blowing onto anyone that is not also smoking, and especially with kids. My freedom to smoke is always trumped by the decisions of others to not smoke and i'd hope other smokers would agree. The fact is that smoking is harmful and nobody has any right to harm another person by any means, including second hand smoke
thank you for being very reasonable. At the end of the day i think it is about freedom, freedom for people to choose what they put into their body. Smoking indoors in a cafe takes that choice away from employees working there other customers.
Nguyen Girl exactly. If smoke stayed contained to your own personal space and couldn't be breathed in by other people, then sure, smoke away, but when it encroaches onto other people's space and bodies, you're making somebody else's decision for them and it's not right. We've made our choices, other people have the right to make theirs
Nguyen Girl and yes, especially so with employees. Other customers in theory could leave if they didn't want to breathe smoke, but employees don't have that option
bobndvagene i hate kids, don't have them and never will. I'm only 20 anyway (I know that alone doesn't mean I can't have kids, but most 20 year olds don't)
I don't always go to a club in Japan, but when I do -- because I sometimes forget what it's like --- I immediately regret because it's usually full of smoke and it's a closed place. I wish more restaurants and bars in Japan were non-smoking.
That Japanese Man Yuta i agree with you , one of my main problem in japan is (smoking) ...why ?? Because 2 of my family members got (Asthma) , the moment they inhale smoke They start caughing & need there medication
That Japanese Man Yuta I think we can all agreed that probably getting the japanese to stop smoking is ruining the activity itself but if there was some way to do it.....
I think it is a selfish decision of the government to give their okay to smoke in public . In my opinion the smokers are only tolerated just because thousands of business workers have to smoke to go through the day while working the whole day....smoking people are always standing over healthy people, it is just like men over woman or death over honor or tradition over a humans life just like recently a woman entered the sumo ring and nobody helped accept her but she shouldnt entered the ring?....Japan cant let go the samurai culture, anyhow.....I think this is a huge problem in Japan more than anything else because it is connected with so many things....smoking is also a critical but the least bad things on top of more bad samurai influences. We have to solve that problems only than Japan is the Best country in the world.
My biggest issue against smoking in general is that it does invade other peoples' freedom. You may choose to smoke and that is your choice, but as soon as you inflict that smoke upon me, you are taking away my choice to not breathe in smoke. Thanks (from South Australia) for sharing some info about how it works in Japan.
@Doris Latimore Johnson you might get stopped but if you don't have any cannabis on you you'll be fine. As far as second-hand smoke it is illegal to smoke in public places. The only legal place to smoke is in your own home or at a friend's home.
Woah, I did not know this, thought Japan was going to be more strict with cigarette smoke. Chile banned indoors smoking, particularly for establishments like restaurants, gyms, taxis or universities (this law was passed in 2014) , but you can smoke is there’s an special space or open patio or terraces in these places. When this law was passed, the most opposed where restaurants, but nowadays no one complains about it, seems like the businesses went on with out much loss. As a non smoker I do not think that cigarette smoke is something you can “leave alone if you don’t like it” since second hand smoke or just smoke is damaging for everyone else, so what you think is very important and appropriate, to make the place where you live better for your family and everyone else.
That's a story I seem to be hearing a lot in the comments, where at first some were opposed, but then people adapted and things went on without much negative consequences. I would say that's the same as my experience in Canada.
Same thing happened in Romania. Smokers and non-smokers were at each other throats a couple of weeks before the law passed, but after everybody just went on with it. There are terraces or open balconies where you can smoke, and in winter more and more pubs/restaurant equip this outdoor smoking areas with outdoor heater thingies. I was a smoker at that time, but it didn't bother me much, I wasn't really smoking indoors anyway as all my friends were non-smokers and I didn't want to make them sit in my smoke.
Around 2005 or so, Spain banned smoking in public spaces (except the streets), however bars and restaurants were allowed to have smoking areas inside them. They... weren't really that effective and most of the time you'd still leave smelling like an ashtray, so rules were made to just outright ban smoking in all bars and restaurants by 2010. Bar and restaurant owners went nuts and feared their business would soon go bust, as most of their patrons would have to go outside (the law was put into place in January), which would put off many people from their establishment, and they needed the cash, especially as we were in the middle of an economic crisis back then. But, many years later, nobody cares anymore, and smoking outside, even in the pouring rain, is just accepted as another part of daily life. I've heard people on Japanese immigrant forums say that placing a ban on indoor smoking is oppressive, heck some dude from an ex-Yugoslavia country went on to say that it was comparable to hardline communism! But, I don't think it'd have as much of a negative effect as some people (and the diet) think it would. The governing Conservative government in Spain - opposition at the time of the ruling - was very much against the ban at the time, but now they've got no strong feelings against it. ...then again, I guess it also helps we privatized our national tobacco company years prior...
here in the Netherlands it's similar to your 2005 law. restaurants/bars are aloud to have people smoke in a smoking room or outside on the terrace. now you see that the terraces have been tailored to be comfortable in the winter periode. for me as a non smoker that is also beneficial because i like to be able to sit outside even in the winter but I do like it for the chilly air to be less chilly. I think that for the rest smoking will fade out do to the younger generation that mostly see smoking as the loser thing to do.
Oh wow! When did the French government pass that law? When I visited France in 2003 smoking was allowed just about everywhere. Every restaurant and cafe for sure, and even in the bathrooms of public establishments were ashtrays.
In Sweden it's forbidden to smoke in public places, bars, restaurants and so on. As a non smoker I love this law and I love Japan but the smoking laws and general attitude towards smoking is bad in my opinion. But if I compare 2009 Japan to 2017 Japan I see a big change, so I can only hope it will be better and better for each year.
Having lived in a city where indoor smoking was banned a long time ago makes me forget that it's still legal elsewhere in the world. Public housing over here is now finally enforcing an apartment smoking ban this summer and I want to believe one day all the cites in the world will have tobacco laws that put public health first, but I wonder if what I've read about the long work hours and stress in Japan might make indoor smoking bans difficult to adapt to...
Banning smoking is a good thing. You have a choice about whether to smoke or not. Smoking is a choice, second hand smoke is not a choice. You can always go smoke somewhere else, and a smoking ban doesn't prevent you from entering the building and buying food. Just don't smoke.
Things have really changed in the US in my lifetime. I can't recall the last time I have had to smell someone's smoke. It's been at least a year or two.
I love that its no longer an issue here in America. I remember times where I would come out smelling like cigs and coughing up a storm from second hand smoke. Now most places you can leave smelling clean, and not coughing. So thankful for that!
Ughhhh really? Thats terrible! Im from Michigan and its no longer an issue here. Most places here does not allow smoking, and if they smoke, they have to be at least 5 to 10 feet from the buildings. Most restaurants removed smoking sections and no longer allows them which I am gratefully and gleefully thankful for.
Well, you know... "Kentucky" just like "West Virginia" and a lot of the other southern states. "Smoking and oxycodone" is the new "smoking and coffee."
Thank you Greg, I am a non-smoker and I prefer to sit in a café or restaurant and have my tea/coffee and meal WITHOUT the disgusting smoke. For all the people who donT care about the smoke (maybe because they are smoking), think of it as: You are sitting in a café, and instead of smoking, everyone can listen to their own music - but some do it louder and you donT like the genre of it. Would you accept it, or would you tell them to turn it off?! It's the same with smoking, I ask the poeple gently to wait a few minutes, or to go outside. There are so many café's and restaurants I want to go in, but I donT, because of the smoking.
Went through this in California. In the 80s I had to share offices with people who smoked - there were no regulations. It was terrible - I got sick a lot. Little by little, smoking was prohibited, and now it’s rare to see anyone smoke here. No businesses went out of business. People changed their behavior. I haven’t been sick in years. 👏👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
As a smoker for about 40 years now, I also hate to go to a restaurant and sit in a cloud of smoke. German gouverment also regulated smoking in public places, bars, restaurants and so on. And guess what, I am happy with it. Outside and in your home it is ok to smoke, so I have a chance to smoke everytime I want to. We have this from 2008 and it had no impact on bar/restaurant busines - at least not much of an impact. I also never smoked while sitting in a restaurant before 2008, so it is good as it is now.
in the netherlands is forbidden to smoke indoors except at designated rooms/places. It was a big deal first, but people are still allowed to smoke almost anywhere outside. Which i'm fine with.
Not sure about this one. My mom was a chain smoker and the smoking bans turned her into a hermit in her later years. It made life hard for her. She lived until the age of 70, and she died from complications to her diabetes. Her death was not even related to her smoking.
I was shocked by how many cafes and restaurants allow indoor smoking in Japan. I went to a cafe in Tokyo where the designated smoking area was literally the same room as the non-smoking area - all they did was place signs on the tables for the smoking area for the front half of the cafe. Does nothing. The smoke wafts to the back of the cafe and the non-smoking area is essentially a smoking area. Was not a great time.
Smoking laws in Japan (or the lack of them) is my least favourite thing about being in Japan. It's worth it for all the upsides but hopefully things change for the better. I find is especially annoying as a musician because you can't play somewhere without being in a room of smoke (depending on venue).
I remember when I went to japan in 2009, it was a school trip, I get asthma from the smoke of ciggies, the one time I forgot to take my inhaler with me, we went into a restaurant and some customers behind me lit their ciggies, I didn’t know until I copped smoke in my face and I started having trouble breathing, while I was looking for my medicine I realised that I accidentally left it at my host family’s home, I had to tell everyone that was sitting next to me in the booth to move so I could get out and run outside for some relief, I was starting to wheeze really bad by this point, ran outside the restaurant, which made the asthma worse, once I was outside the wheezing did ease a little bit I needed my pump, luckily my teacher was an asthmatic herself and she let me borrow hers so that I didn’t die LOL we used the same pumps so it wasn’t too bad, I had to change seats so that kind of attack didn’t happen again during the night
That was my number one problem in Japan, smoking in restaurants was the worst. Even with a separate smoking area did not work. Ended up eating mostly at Family Mart and 7-11.
I have asthma and allergies, and I used to think I was allergic to cigarette smoke too. Before I started smoking, I was in the ER 2-3 times a month. It Quickly became 2-3 times a year. I haven't been to the ER for asthma in over 2 DECADES! Try smoking! Don't try smoking! Quitting was the hardest thing I've ever done! After 5 months, I developed flu like symptoms. Doctors coulden't find anything wrong with me. I kept getting worse, so, at 6months, to the day, i went and got a pack and started smoking again. 24h later the flu like symptoms were completely gone. I am the exception to the rule. I've had neck issues, and have had to have a triple fusion. Every time I have an X-ray I get asked "You smoke?" Apparently, according to the doctors and X-ray techs, I still have the heart AND lungs of an 18yo non-smoker.
That's one thing I noticed when I visited Japan for the first time last Spring. I am from the Philippines and admittedly we are millions and millions miles behind from Japan in many aspects, but when it comes to prohibiting people from smoking in public spaces the rules here are more strictly implemented.
In the states, where you have to pay for health insurance your self, your rates go up based on if you are a smoker or not. Get it to hit people's pockets, because ultimately you vote with your dollars, or yen in this case.
This is old as hell but as a German smoker I have to say, many crazy rules in japan I wouldnt like. But smoking indoors is a freedom no one needs in any restaurant.
I totally agree with you. It’s a non-sense, smoking allowed in restaurants whilst it’s forbidden on the street which is so progressive and respectful. I’d like to have the same thing here in italy where smoking is already forbidden in bar and restaurants and, strangely enough, the law was respected from day one and everybody is happy with it. Sooner or later this will happen in Japan as well. I have to say we never had problems finding non-smoking places during our trip.
+Misbau Italy That's great to hear about the laws in Italy. Same thing in the province I lived in while in Canada. I can usually find a non smoking or segregated place. Malls and office buildings are the best bet. Otherwise chains places can work. But I do struggle with finding interesting places to eat when I'm out and about with some friends. Family restaurants aren't exactly the coolest eats.
Well, having indoor smoking ban recently introduced in my country, I would point out that one of the consequence of that law is that all the cafes and restaurants will build up smoking terraces OUTDOORS, in colder times these terraces are covered with temporary translucent tents, so smokers can still enjoy the process. Is this a change for the better? Absolutely, yes, because now you can enjoy your meal without this horrible smell, and it won’t get in your clothing and because there are more people sitting in the streets and environment becomes safer to dwell. The downside is that when you pass by such an installation it smells cigarets.
As much as I love the atmosphere and yummy food at izakayas in Japan, the hardest part is dealing with the smoking salarymen. I'm almost guaranteed to get sick the next morning if I have a night out in Japan.
In Germany smoking is not allowed under the age of 18 years. So it is also not allowed to smoke in public buildings or restaurants. Or the restaurants must have separate rooms labeled as smoking areas. It is usual for restaurants or cafes to have some tables outside on sidewalks or in the backyard, where are ashtray on the tables or you let give you one by the waiter. In many small pubs or wine bars it is allowed to smoke inside, but then you have to be at least 18 years old to enter. Thank you for your interesting videos!
But if you let them smoke outside the establishment, then you are allowing them to smoke in public where people walking past will be exposed to their smoke. Isn't it better to keep them indoors.
Fresh air, wind, aerodynamic is outside more gracious than indoors. you can navigate around it, go faster for a moment, normally there is enough space to be unmolested. a smoker with common sense wouldn't light a cigarette in a crowd
It always amazes me that a country like Japan where there is so much social pressure to not annoy everyone around you and where employers are encouraged to take an interest in their employees weight to ensure their health they have any smoking at all!
Living in Hawaii the air indoors have become really great.. Hawaii's smoking law is as follows: Effective November 16, 2006 smoking is prohibited in all enclosed or partially enclosed areas open to the public in order to ensure a consistent level of basic protections statewide from exposure to secondhand smoke.
I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. My breathing got a lot better after smoking was banned indoors. The worst is I would ask for the non smoking section, and they'd put me at a table that was right next to the smoking section. Remind me if I ever go to Japan to bring ALL my allergy medications.
I went to Japan last summer and this was the one thing that kind of blew me away (no pun intended). I’m in a similar boat as you, smoke makes me a bit sick and gives me headaches. I remember one time I ran downstairs to an outside vending machine and it was absolutely surrounded by a smoke haze this group of salarymen was putting off. All of my clothes smelled like smoke when I went home because of how much time we spent in public areas. It was really surprising!
I miss smoking areas in bars and restaurants just to be honest. As long as it's sectioned off from the non smoking areas I don't see why it'd be a problem.
Here are the tidbits about smoking in Germany. In 2008, Bavaria was the first German state to enact the full ban on indoor smoking. The success of full ban on indoor smoking was shocking because it was very 'unbavarian' due to the strong beer culture there. In addition, lot of people were concerned about the unsavoury 'aroma' of spilt drinks on the floor at the nightclubs, Oktoberfest beer tents, and such being more prominent when smoking no longer masked the odor. When the state election came up in 2009, CSU (the conservative party who pushed for full ban) suffered enormous drop so CSU attempted to win back the lost votes by weakening the ban. The weakened ban allowed the establishments to have indoor smoking for the 'members' (very similar in concept to the sales of alcoholic beverages at the restaurants and such in Utah). The Bavarians weren't having it and demanded the petition drive in 2010 to fully restore the ban. Many people turned out in droves, overwhelming many city government buildings and exceeding the expectations. For 2011, the ban was fully restored and remained this way to this day. Of course, in the rural towns, some restaurants and pubs look other way when the smokers light up inside since it is too much hassle for police to come and fine the smokers and business owners. Two pub owners in Baden-Württemburg and Thüringen (two of sixteen German states) filed lawsuits against their respective government agencies when they were penalised for not following the 'smoking regulations' properly. The courts determined that the 'smoking regulations' were too obscure and confusing so rewriting of state laws was required. Both state governments considered the 'Bavarian option' to the horror of the pub owners...
Ok that's one thing that I didn't think Japan would be sure ok about. Quite surprising. They banned smoking in restaurant and all indoor places (apart from private homes) ten years ago maybe here. At first I remember a lot of pushback from restaurants and bars but they've adapted pretty quickly tbh. Smokers weren't happy about having to go out in the freezing cold in winter to smoke their cigarettes but now it's the norm and nobody complains about it
When I was younger I remember the bar up the street from my grandma house would be so HEAVY with smoke I seriously could not barely see the ppl in it when I walk by. I’m allergic enough to smoke that my throat has closed. So as a teen thinking of my 21st birthday I figured I would have to have my first drink at home because I simply could not go into a bar that had that much smoke. Then the ban came. There were so many pissed people but it was such relief for me personally. There were because it allowed smoking I simply could not go to or my throat would close and that is not a fun trip to deal with. My husband own family is so aware of my smoking none of them smoke in their homes or around me to protect me which is amazing of them knowing they would do that for me. There just were so many places I could not go because of the smoking it was annoying. But because of that ban I was able to actually go out with my friends for my 21st birthday just like everybody else. I was able to go to these restaurant that I was unable to go to before because how strong the smoking was try some other food. So for me dealing with that alone was a eye opener to be Conscience about how my actions in other parts of my life may affect someone’s health and their well-being. I’m not a smoker of course but what they did effected me. So the ban for me was just making it so that people had to be more mindful about some of the things they did. because with secondhand smoke you’re making it so someone is forced to inhale that, just because I want to have a nice time out does not mean I should deal with it or leave, when that shouldn’t have to be like that. It’s a selfish thought really. people might call me a bitch and say I don’t support freedom but when it affects your health you look at it in a different way than what others do. And so for me I support a ban on indoor smoking 100%.
As someone else who's allergic to cigarette smoke (and the smell makes me gag), I'm sad I can't eat at some establishments. I really want to eat at izakayas, but seeing all the smokers puts me off
As a non smoker growing up in the 80's I found it a struggle to simply go to weddings or family events. I was never a bar or club person(drinking). I quit one job waiting tables because I kept getting put in the smoking section and had hard time breathing. I'm no good to my family if I get sick. I'm so glad majority of restaurants are non smoking now
Last few times I've been over it felt like gradually smoking was becoming more controlled. Main reason I go over is to go to arcades, and the difference between 2011 and 2016 was noticeable in that a fair few places seemed to have banned it, or introduced smoking corners with air extraction. I certainly noticed the lack of ashtrays on the machines. Some older arcades were the same as before. Mikado in Takadanobaba, man, you can barely last half an hour in there before your eyes start stinging because of all the smoke. It's certainly an offputting experience going in a place like that, coming from a place where indoors it's been banned for ages.
Thanks Greg for talking about this serious issue in Japan. Every time I go visit there, it always disturbs me when I cannot find a non-smoking restaurant since I have a similar condition as you do. It just doesn't make sense, when smoking is banned on the street in some areas in Tokyo and yet people still can smoke in many restaurants where non-smokers are trapped and forced to inhale second-hand smoke! What a shame!
the problem comes when business' do have the option to be different. If there is no smoking everywhere except designated areas, then all businesses are the same. the people have to adapt, but if some places are still allowed to cater to smokers then the smoking people with start to migrate to that place, giving them an edge over other businesses, and causing the ones who do change to suffer. when we changed the law here, it was a big thing, people thought pubs would go out of business. but as the smokers had nowhere else to go, no one was punished super hard. it varies city to city, but in general, Australia is moving to a no smoking in public places law, and no smoking indoors, unless a designated area is made. However, shisha bars have found a way around this and have exploded in popularity.
I live in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais in Brazil. In 2010 we had a state law that forbid smoking indoors in any public space, you could only smoke in completely open areas or in a small room designated for it. Them in 2011 they made the same law, but for the city. Then in 2014 this law was made national and people who went against it could finally be fined. Back then there was controversy because people would smoke anywhere, including buses! But now most people agree it's a good thing. You can still see smoking marks in some places. The federal university of my state even has those smoking plates to dump ashes on desks of some classes!
My home state of Ohio banned smoking in restaurants and businesses back in 2006 and whenever I go somewhere where there is smoking it's such a shock because it's just something I hardly even think about anymore.
Illinois smoker here. I personally didn't like it when they banned indoor public smoking. Now I guess I'm kinda used to it but hate having to bundle up when it's 2 degrees outside. I smoke a lot less when it's cold.
I live in the US, and I remember how terrible it was when it was legal to smoke in restaurants. Sometimes I would go to a diner with my family, and we would have to leave because it was so filled of smoke that it was hard to breathe.
Keep in mind: "Do not inconvenience others". That's a lot of Japan's (anyone's, hopefully) backbone. If you begin at the root, it makes sense why it's less acceptable to smoke outdoors in public and more acceptable to smoke in restaurants/cafes which allow it. It's not about encouraging smokers, it's about letting smokers know they can smoke somewhere enclosed without *inconveniencing* somebody else. The signs are there to let non-smokers know they're entering at their own peril, rather than the other way around.
Wow, I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciate your honesty and upfront perspective on this topic. You have always done outstanding videos, but I remember commenting not too long ago about how indoor smoking was one of the things that was driving me away from coming to Japan to teach English, or to teach elementary education. Smoking is abhorrent because it gives me migraines, makes me have to wash my hair as soon as I get home, makes your clothes stink, asks moreover is addictive as **** to the poor user. I feel for these people. But they must realize that second hand smoke is also dangerous. I don't know much about vaping but perhaps that could be the next stage, that people could vape indoors but not actually smoke. 🚬 Genuine thanks for addressing this subject.
I don't think banning smoking in restaurants is good. Private restaurants are not public place. Allowing or banning smoking should be totally up to the owners.
On the long short term it doesn't have an impact in Holland it has been banned in every establishment trains and such, the solution put out terraces Holland Belgium Germany Italy France Spain and countries like that are terrace focused so even in winter we have terrace heaters so smokers can sit outside with heaters blankets and smoke away
I prefer the system they used to use in Tennessee. Back in the day you had to have a separate smoking section. Now its just illegal to smoke in a non-bar restaurant.
I can't smoke anywhere here in Nagasaki.. you get looked down on if you smoke anywhere outside except a few very very rare designated areas, and most restaurants don't let you smoke either. The mall has a smoking area, but it's on the top floor, and they have a ton of air pumps to pump the smoke outside, and most other places don't even have one of those rooms. It looks like Tokyo's much more lax about smoking.
I was soooooo happy when they banned smoking in restaurants in the USA. I forgot how bad it was until I visited Spain where every bar, restaurant, and business I went to allowed indoor smoking.
ban smoking from public places , alllow smoking only on designated places on public areas every restaurant or club can make they own rule about smoking but if smoking is allowed then some extra payment for employee is required (like + 5-10% to salary)
Only 13% of my country's population smokes. I got nauseous walking around in the streets of Germany because everyone seemed to smoke and now, I will be moving to Japan.....
In an increasingly divided world, words like "I'm doing this for everyone" is quite problematic, since if there are people with different opinions, your speech would feel violating. Not that I'm not behind the message or the mission, but I fear the way you word it would only increase our divide.
In America smoking is banned indoors. But, I have asthma and I'm allergic to cig smoke. My next door neighbor can legally smoke on her private property. However, the smoke filters over our fence and invades my home. Especially in summer months when I have windows open. We've tried to ask her to smoke in the front yard so the smoke filters away from my home, but, she gets defensive and nasty. So, what do I do to protect my private property from cig smoke....nothing. Unless I was living in an apartment building, my options are limited. The moment I smell cig smoke filtering into my window, I have to close them and wait until she's finished...until a half hour later. So, during the summer...I now keep the back of the house closed up and the windows on the opposite side of the house open. My mother now house three spots on her lung. Cig smoke invades spaces even when you can't smell it. That's why it pisses me off.
A bunch of strangers on suits have no right whatsoever to decide and violently enforce what people are allowed to do with their private property. If you want to make the world a better place not endorsing tyranny may be a good start.
Kamil Austria does have regulations as far as I know, the last time I visited I wasn't able to smoke anywhere but outside - tho I was in Vienna, don't know how it's anywhere else.
i got asthma and allergic to smoke, yet my family smokes at home and it doesnt matter i had an asthma attack from it once and had to call 911, they still smoke, so what can i expect from strangers
I was surprised to find designated smoking areas around Tokyo and Himeji when I went in November. I was especially surprised being able to smoke in restaurants. On a funny note, many Japanese gave me funny looks when I chose to use my vaporizer instead of a cigarette. I did appreciate though, when I wasn't smoking, to be able to enjoy the cleaner air around me when walking around. Not being bothered by other people smoking as compared to when walking around in metro Detroit area.
this should be a question of private property vs public property law.. You shouldn't be able to outlaw smoking in private residences , businesses etc ..
How do you manage your asthma in Japan? Are the meds in Japan that are used to treat asthma, different from the meds in Canada that are used to treat asthma?
I'm just worried about the family owned izakaya's. There are a lot of smokers there and if they banned smoking, would smokers still go there and if not and the place lost those customers, would more non smokers go to the establishment make up the difference. Would they be able to stay in business with those lost customers?
In the philippines, smoking is banned in public places, but in my province, we smoke even infront of hospitals and even inside some eateries, why? because ciggies are damn cheap here, 2 dollars for a pack of marlboro's is a good deal for any smoker.
i just recently came back from my first trip to Japan. i had an amazing time there but yeah, indoor cigarette smoke was a bit of a letdown, esp. since i have asthma and secondhand smoke is a bit of a problem for me. my friend & i would try to use Google Maps to find the "non-smoking" arcades but even then, we would walk in and still find people smoking. the "non-smoking" label usually just meant there was little room off to the side with no smoking allowed, but only a handful of games.
A very timely video. I’m planning a trip to Japan for my family. I’m daughter doesn’t want to go, in large part due to smoking being allowed in restaurants.
I wouldn't let that dissuade her. My recommendation is chain restaurants, where it's at least separated decently by rooms. But for complete non-smoking, malls, office buildings and train stations are places you can usually find that have an all-out ban on smoking inside restaurants/stores (they instead use dedicated smoking rooms in the buildings).
The moment I smell smoke, I start coughing and have slight issues with breathing (I was around smokers while I was younger so I think that affected me a bit). So I hope there would be actual separate areas for smokers, where I live now is quite good with it so I don't have a lot of issues usually. I'm planning to visit Japan someday, so it would be nice to not need to wear a facemask going into certain locations.
Living in Japan, I appreciate that Japanese smokers typically only smoke in designated areas and well ventilated smoking rooms. As a non-smoker, I can choose to sit in non-smoking areas or use non-smoking accommodation. Smoking is so ingrained among working men, that I’m doubtful it will ever go away. Large businesses, particularly those that cater to a wide customer base, have flexibility to experiment in the name of public health, but small bars and izakayas serving the Japanese (male) working population are going to bear the brunt of the fallout from a government mandated halt on indoor smoking. I’d be very sad to see my favorite eating and drinking spots shut down.
Wow, this is crazy. I've been watching a lot of your videos lately, and Japan seems so much more progressive than America (my home) in so many different ways, so this one really threw me for a loop. For a country that seems so concerned with health and cleanliness it seems really out of character haha. I used to be a smoker (I quit 5 years ago now, hooray), but even at my worst I would never think about smoking inside my home; the idea was and is just disgusting to me. And of course I've never seen any public establishments that allow smoking indoors, except for casinos and some bars. I live in a university town, and as of a few years ago smoking is even banned anywhere on campus (yes, including outdoors). Now I'm all worried about your adorable kids getting exposed to second-hand smoke :(
I was a smoker when they banned indoor smoking in my area. I wasn't really that mad about it. After 20 years I decided that enough was enough. I started vaping instead of smoking for about a year and then quit nicotine entirely. I am not one of those militant converts, but I wish they would just ban tobacco outright. After four years of going without a cigarette, I can still feel the damage they did to my lungs. I know it is my own fault, but really, there isn't any good that comes from smoking. It only causes pain.
There has been a big change in where smoking is allowed even in the past decade or so in the US, so don't give up hope. Recently the only place I've been bothered by breathing in tons of smoke was a theme park. Now "vaping" is an issue that has to be regulated here though. It seems that this is being worked on and policies are being put in place, but apparently no smoking indoors doesn't mean no vaping indoors. I don't want to smell the very sickly sweet smells of those "flavored" vapors any more than I want to smell smoke.
I didn't realise how bad the indoor smoking would be in Japan before I came here. I come from NZ, where you rarely encounter a smoker in public these days. I'm like you, smoke makes me feel nauseous and it just smells gross. I've found I've had to adapt my tolerance levels for second-hand smoke now, and I hate that. A small bar with maybe a couple of smokers is okay now, but I would be throwing all my clothes into the wash as soon as I got home and showering. I did however spend 3 hours waiting outside a bar for my friends before the first train because the smoke inside was so bad I couldn't see or breathe properly, and it was burning my throat. I can't wait until I don't have to smell like a smoker anymore when I go back to NZ. Edit: One time I was in a restaurant/bar in Kyoto, and asked to be seated in the non-smoking area.... And I got sat at a table right next to the wide open door of the smoking area 😑😑😑
The reason why it's so important to ban smoking in indoor places like cafes and such is because it takes away other people's choice to live a smoke free lifestyle. I don't drink alcohol. But my friends do so if we're out and they want a beer it doesn't effect me and my decision to be alcohol free. But because of the nature of smoking if my friend smoked a cigarette next to me in an indoor setting my choice to be smoke free is taken.
I start off and say that I am biased as i do smoke occasionally , but i think japan should enact rules to at least filter the air indoors and ensure employee safety when establishments have indoor smoking. Its good to see that a lot of places have banned smoking though , as in smaller 8-14 person restaurants it can be a bit over the top. Edit: Anywhere that allows people under the age of 20 should almost certainly ban smoking.
Thanks for this video, coming from Ohio, USA where restaurants and bars are smoke-free it is something I dislike about Tokyo. Many times we would like to go out for dinner or have a drink but usually decide against it since going out involves smokey places. If we do go out I feel like we stink so bad that we have to do laundry, hang out our coats, wash our hair when we get home. Most of the time it's not worth the hassle. Hopefully, Tokyo will move towards becoming smoke-free.
I was so shocked to hear that my ex started smoking when she was 16, while working at a ramen-ya. But smoking seems to be a way for a lot of coworkers in Japan to bond..
i used to be a smoker, even then, I hated indoor smoking because of the smells lingers on my cloths and its so hard to breathe, i never understand why my smoker friends likes to smoke indoor.
here in india, though there are smokers and drinkers...it is usually discouraged...only few used to speak/drink and usually other friends would avoid or discourage it..well its my experience around me..that helps for better. Well good think is according to stats the rate is decreasing.
I am a Cigar smoker. And I hate Cigarette smoke with its harsh chemical odor, and I would like to see a new form of regulation in Japan regarding where you can smoke. I am fine with the outside-designated smoking places, but non-adult restaurants and establishments should not allow them. But then there is the side of me that wants the choice to be left to the establishments and businesses.
On our last night in Japan, we went to a ramen place and the man cooking our ramen was smoking. It used to be like that here in Australia when I was a small girl (in the 80's lol) but now days you would get Health Inspectors all over you for a stunt like that. :P
I'm a smoker, but that's my choice. Those who choose not to smoke, and very rightly so, shouldnt have my choice imposed on them. Sure, it would be great to smoke inside sometimes when its raining or cold, but i would expect that option to be available to me in the form of a designated smoking room, not in the form of permission to smoke in the middle of a restaurant or something. Even when i'm outside i always try to position myself so that my smoke isn't blowing onto anyone that is not also smoking, and especially with kids. My freedom to smoke is always trumped by the decisions of others to not smoke and i'd hope other smokers would agree. The fact is that smoking is harmful and nobody has any right to harm another person by any means, including second hand smoke
thank you for being very reasonable. At the end of the day i think it is about freedom, freedom for people to choose what they put into their body. Smoking indoors in a cafe takes that choice away from employees working there other customers.
Nguyen Girl exactly. If smoke stayed contained to your own personal space and couldn't be breathed in by other people, then sure, smoke away, but when it encroaches onto other people's space and bodies, you're making somebody else's decision for them and it's not right. We've made our choices, other people have the right to make theirs
Nguyen Girl and yes, especially so with employees. Other customers in theory could leave if they didn't want to breathe smoke, but employees don't have that option
do your kids care that you smoke?
bobndvagene i hate kids, don't have them and never will. I'm only 20 anyway (I know that alone doesn't mean I can't have kids, but most 20 year olds don't)
I don't always go to a club in Japan, but when I do -- because I sometimes forget what it's like --- I immediately regret because it's usually full of smoke and it's a closed place. I wish more restaurants and bars in Japan were non-smoking.
That Japanese Man Yuta i agree with you , one of my main problem in japan is (smoking) ...why ?? Because 2 of my family members got (Asthma) , the moment they inhale smoke They start caughing & need there medication
That Japanese Man Yuta QFFT. For reals.
That Japanese Man Yuta
A. 50th like
B. I like your channel
That Japanese Man Yuta I think we can all agreed that probably getting the japanese to stop smoking is ruining the activity itself but if there was some way to do it.....
I think it is a selfish decision of the government to give their okay to smoke in public . In my opinion the smokers are only tolerated just because thousands of business workers have to smoke to go through the day while working the whole day....smoking people are always standing over healthy people, it is just like men over woman or death over honor or tradition over a humans life just like recently a woman entered the sumo ring and nobody helped accept her but she shouldnt entered the ring?....Japan cant let go the samurai culture, anyhow.....I think this is a huge problem in Japan more than anything else because it is connected with so many things....smoking is also a critical but the least bad things on top of more bad samurai influences. We have to solve that problems only than Japan is the Best country in the world.
My biggest issue against smoking in general is that it does invade other peoples' freedom. You may choose to smoke and that is your choice, but as soon as you inflict that smoke upon me, you are taking away my choice to not breathe in smoke.
Thanks (from South Australia) for sharing some info about how it works in Japan.
Agreed. I'm asthmtic and someone else's choice to smoke can reallt hurt my health. It gives me an asthma attack.
That sounds really difficult, I'm sorry to hear that :(
Treestump & Thunderarch I understand that, and it's an unfortunate truth that affects everyone around the smoker.
Maddie Egge Plus, it exposes you to secondhand smoking.
@Doris Latimore Johnson you might get stopped but if you don't have any cannabis on you you'll be fine. As far as second-hand smoke it is illegal to smoke in public places. The only legal place to smoke is in your own home or at a friend's home.
Woah, I did not know this, thought Japan was going to be more strict with cigarette smoke.
Chile banned indoors smoking, particularly for establishments like restaurants, gyms, taxis or universities (this law was passed in 2014) , but you can smoke is there’s an special space or open patio or terraces in these places. When this law was passed, the most opposed where restaurants, but nowadays no one complains about it, seems like the businesses went on with out much loss.
As a non smoker I do not think that cigarette smoke is something you can “leave alone if you don’t like it” since second hand smoke or just smoke is damaging for everyone else, so what you think is very important and appropriate, to make the place where you live better for your family and everyone else.
That's a story I seem to be hearing a lot in the comments, where at first some were opposed, but then people adapted and things went on without much negative consequences. I would say that's the same as my experience in Canada.
Same thing happened in Romania. Smokers and non-smokers were at each other throats a couple of weeks before the law passed, but after everybody just went on with it. There are terraces or open balconies where you can smoke, and in winter more and more pubs/restaurant equip this outdoor smoking areas with outdoor heater thingies. I was a smoker at that time, but it didn't bother me much, I wasn't really smoking indoors anyway as all my friends were non-smokers and I didn't want to make them sit in my smoke.
Around 2005 or so, Spain banned smoking in public spaces (except the streets), however bars and restaurants were allowed to have smoking areas inside them. They... weren't really that effective and most of the time you'd still leave smelling like an ashtray, so rules were made to just outright ban smoking in all bars and restaurants by 2010.
Bar and restaurant owners went nuts and feared their business would soon go bust, as most of their patrons would have to go outside (the law was put into place in January), which would put off many people from their establishment, and they needed the cash, especially as we were in the middle of an economic crisis back then. But, many years later, nobody cares anymore, and smoking outside, even in the pouring rain, is just accepted as another part of daily life.
I've heard people on Japanese immigrant forums say that placing a ban on indoor smoking is oppressive, heck some dude from an ex-Yugoslavia country went on to say that it was comparable to hardline communism! But, I don't think it'd have as much of a negative effect as some people (and the diet) think it would. The governing Conservative government in Spain - opposition at the time of the ruling - was very much against the ban at the time, but now they've got no strong feelings against it.
...then again, I guess it also helps we privatized our national tobacco company years prior...
here in the Netherlands it's similar to your 2005 law.
restaurants/bars are aloud to have people smoke in a smoking room or outside on the terrace. now you see that the terraces have been tailored to be comfortable in the winter periode. for me as a non smoker that is also beneficial because i like to be able to sit outside even in the winter but I do like it for the chilly air to be less chilly.
I think that for the rest smoking will fade out do to the younger generation that mostly see smoking as the loser thing to do.
In France it's forbidden to smoke in public places, bars, restaurants, businesses... pretty much everywhere. You can smoke outside or at home.
Which is an amazing feature considering how much the french enjoy smoking too!
In fact, I'm amazed France didn't even show up in his graphics!!
I suppose in the graphics he showed the countries where most of his viewers come from
Oh wow! When did the French government pass that law? When I visited France in 2003 smoking was allowed just about everywhere. Every restaurant and cafe for sure, and even in the bathrooms of public establishments were ashtrays.
Llamarama Dingdong 2007
I'm almost certain it was a european thing, not just france
In Sweden it's forbidden to smoke in public places, bars, restaurants and so on.
As a non smoker I love this law and I love Japan but the smoking laws and general attitude towards smoking is bad in my opinion.
But if I compare 2009 Japan to 2017 Japan I see a big change, so I can only hope it will be better and better for each year.
Having lived in a city where indoor smoking was banned a long time ago makes me forget that it's still legal elsewhere in the world. Public housing over here is now finally enforcing an apartment smoking ban this summer and I want to believe one day all the cites in the world will have tobacco laws that put public health first, but I wonder if what I've read about the long work hours and stress in Japan might make indoor smoking bans difficult to adapt to...
Banning smoking is a good thing. You have a choice about whether to smoke or not. Smoking is a choice, second hand smoke is not a choice. You can always go smoke somewhere else, and a smoking ban doesn't prevent you from entering the building and buying food. Just don't smoke.
Things have really changed in the US in my lifetime. I can't recall the last time I have had to smell someone's smoke. It's been at least a year or two.
I love that its no longer an issue here in America. I remember times where I would come out smelling like cigs and coughing up a storm from second hand smoke. Now most places you can leave smelling clean, and not coughing. So thankful for that!
Ughhhh really? Thats terrible! Im from Michigan and its no longer an issue here. Most places here does not allow smoking, and if they smoke, they have to be at least 5 to 10 feet from the buildings. Most restaurants removed smoking sections and no longer allows them which I am gratefully and gleefully thankful for.
Well, you know... "Kentucky" just like "West Virginia" and a lot of the other southern states. "Smoking and oxycodone" is the new "smoking and coffee."
Yeah, they're vaping now
Thank you Greg,
I am a non-smoker and I prefer to sit in a café or restaurant and have my tea/coffee and meal WITHOUT the disgusting smoke.
For all the people who donT care about the smoke (maybe because they are smoking), think of it as:
You are sitting in a café, and instead of smoking, everyone can listen to their own music - but some do it louder and you donT like the genre of it.
Would you accept it, or would you tell them to turn it off?!
It's the same with smoking, I ask the poeple gently to wait a few minutes, or to go outside.
There are so many café's and restaurants I want to go in, but I donT, because of the smoking.
my advice: hide in the woods!
Except music isn't full of carcinogens.
Went through this in California. In the 80s I had to share offices with people who smoked - there were no regulations. It was terrible - I got sick a lot. Little by little, smoking was prohibited, and now it’s rare to see anyone smoke here. No businesses went out of business. People changed their behavior. I haven’t been sick in years. 👏👏👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
As a smoker for about 40 years now, I also hate to go to a restaurant and sit in a cloud of smoke. German gouverment also regulated smoking in public places, bars, restaurants and so on. And guess what, I am happy with it. Outside and in your home it is ok to smoke, so I have a chance to smoke everytime I want to. We have this from 2008 and it had no impact on bar/restaurant busines - at least not much of an impact. I also never smoked while sitting in a restaurant before 2008, so it is good as it is now.
in the netherlands is forbidden to smoke indoors except at designated rooms/places. It was a big deal first, but people are still allowed to smoke almost anywhere outside.
Which i'm fine with.
Not sure about this one. My mom was a chain smoker and the smoking bans turned her into a hermit in her later years. It made life hard for her. She lived until the age of 70, and she died from complications to her diabetes. Her death was not even related to her smoking.
I was shocked by how many cafes and restaurants allow indoor smoking in Japan. I went to a cafe in Tokyo where the designated smoking area was literally the same room as the non-smoking area - all they did was place signs on the tables for the smoking area for the front half of the cafe. Does nothing. The smoke wafts to the back of the cafe and the non-smoking area is essentially a smoking area. Was not a great time.
You're a great guy ! I love your documentaries too .
Smoking laws in Japan (or the lack of them) is my least favourite thing about being in Japan. It's worth it for all the upsides but hopefully things change for the better. I find is especially annoying as a musician because you can't play somewhere without being in a room of smoke (depending on venue).
+TravisMoore Yeah, there's a quite a few situations I had to avoid or bail on because of smoking.
I remember when I went to japan in 2009, it was a school trip, I get asthma from the smoke of ciggies, the one time I forgot to take my inhaler with me, we went into a restaurant and some customers behind me lit their ciggies, I didn’t know until I copped smoke in my face and I started having trouble breathing, while I was looking for my medicine I realised that I accidentally left it at my host family’s home, I had to tell everyone that was sitting next to me in the booth to move so I could get out and run outside for some relief, I was starting to wheeze really bad by this point, ran outside the restaurant, which made the asthma worse, once I was outside the wheezing did ease a little bit I needed my pump, luckily my teacher was an asthmatic herself and she let me borrow hers so that I didn’t die LOL we used the same pumps so it wasn’t too bad, I had to change seats so that kind of attack didn’t happen again during the night
Yeah, I often forget my inhaler at home as well. I put one in all my jackets and bags, but I still sometimes make a mistake and leave home without it.
That was my number one problem in Japan, smoking in restaurants was the worst. Even with a separate smoking area did not work. Ended up eating mostly at Family Mart and 7-11.
I have asthma and allergies, and I used to think I was allergic to cigarette smoke too. Before I started smoking, I was in the ER 2-3 times a month. It Quickly became 2-3 times a year. I haven't been to the ER for asthma in over 2 DECADES! Try smoking!
Don't try smoking! Quitting was the hardest thing I've ever done!
After 5 months, I developed flu like symptoms. Doctors coulden't find anything wrong with me.
I kept getting worse, so, at 6months, to the day, i went and got a pack and started smoking again. 24h later the flu like symptoms were completely gone.
I am the exception to the rule. I've had neck issues, and have had to have a triple fusion. Every time I have an X-ray I get asked "You smoke?" Apparently, according to the doctors and X-ray techs, I still have the heart AND lungs of an 18yo non-smoker.
I thought it was pretty cool when I visited. Never smoked in a restaurant there, but it added a nice charm to everyplace.
That's one thing I noticed when I visited Japan for the first time last Spring. I am from the Philippines and admittedly we are millions and millions miles behind from Japan in many aspects, but when it comes to prohibiting people from smoking in public spaces the rules here are more strictly implemented.
In the states, where you have to pay for health insurance your self, your rates go up based on if you are a smoker or not. Get it to hit people's pockets, because ultimately you vote with your dollars, or yen in this case.
This is old as hell but as a German smoker I have to say, many crazy rules in japan I wouldnt like. But smoking indoors is a freedom no one needs in any restaurant.
I totally agree with you. It’s a non-sense, smoking allowed in restaurants whilst it’s forbidden on the street which is so progressive and respectful. I’d like to have the same thing here in italy where smoking is already forbidden in bar and restaurants and, strangely enough, the law was respected from day one and everybody is happy with it. Sooner or later this will happen in Japan as well. I have to say we never had problems finding non-smoking places during our trip.
+Misbau Italy That's great to hear about the laws in Italy. Same thing in the province I lived in while in Canada. I can usually find a non smoking or segregated place. Malls and office buildings are the best bet. Otherwise chains places can work. But I do struggle with finding interesting places to eat when I'm out and about with some friends. Family restaurants aren't exactly the coolest eats.
Well, having indoor smoking ban recently introduced in my country, I would point out that one of the consequence of that law is that all the cafes and restaurants will build up smoking terraces OUTDOORS, in colder times these terraces are covered with temporary translucent tents, so smokers can still enjoy the process. Is this a change for the better? Absolutely, yes, because now you can enjoy your meal without this horrible smell, and it won’t get in your clothing and because there are more people sitting in the streets and environment becomes safer to dwell. The downside is that when you pass by such an installation it smells cigarets.
As much as I love the atmosphere and yummy food at izakayas in Japan, the hardest part is dealing with the smoking salarymen. I'm almost guaranteed to get sick the next morning if I have a night out in Japan.
In Germany smoking is not allowed under the age of 18 years. So it is also not allowed to smoke in public buildings or restaurants. Or the restaurants must have separate rooms labeled as smoking areas. It is usual for restaurants or cafes to have some tables outside on sidewalks or in the backyard, where are ashtray on the tables or you let give you one by the waiter. In many small pubs or wine bars it is allowed to smoke inside, but then you have to be at least 18 years old to enter. Thank you for your interesting videos!
Hmmm... interesting to know. Even though I'm for more stringent bans, at least something like that would be such an improvement here in Japan.
But if you let them smoke outside the establishment, then you are allowing them to smoke in public where people walking past will be exposed to their smoke. Isn't it better to keep them indoors.
Fresh air, wind, aerodynamic is outside more gracious than indoors. you can navigate around it, go faster for a moment, normally there is enough space to be unmolested. a smoker with common sense wouldn't light a cigarette in a crowd
Thank you, this was very informative! I barely ever go out in Tokyo because of the indoor smoke.
It always amazes me that a country like Japan where there is so much social pressure to not annoy everyone around you and where employers are encouraged to take an interest in their employees weight to ensure their health they have any smoking at all!
People who allow this are mostly smoking men, as he explained.
Living in Hawaii the air indoors have become really great..
Hawaii's smoking law is as follows: Effective November 16, 2006 smoking is prohibited in all enclosed or partially enclosed areas open to the public in order to ensure a consistent level of basic protections statewide from exposure to secondhand smoke.
I'm allergic to cigarette smoke. My breathing got a lot better after smoking was banned indoors. The worst is I would ask for the non smoking section, and they'd put me at a table that was right next to the smoking section. Remind me if I ever go to Japan to bring ALL my allergy medications.
I went to Japan last summer and this was the one thing that kind of blew me away (no pun intended). I’m in a similar boat as you, smoke makes me a bit sick and gives me headaches. I remember one time I ran downstairs to an outside vending machine and it was absolutely surrounded by a smoke haze this group of salarymen was putting off. All of my clothes smelled like smoke when I went home because of how much time we spent in public areas. It was really surprising!
I miss smoking areas in bars and restaurants just to be honest. As long as it's sectioned off from the non smoking areas I don't see why it'd be a problem.
Here are the tidbits about smoking in Germany. In 2008, Bavaria was the first German state to enact the full ban on indoor smoking. The success of full ban on indoor smoking was shocking because it was very 'unbavarian' due to the strong beer culture there. In addition, lot of people were concerned about the unsavoury 'aroma' of spilt drinks on the floor at the nightclubs, Oktoberfest beer tents, and such being more prominent when smoking no longer masked the odor.
When the state election came up in 2009, CSU (the conservative party who pushed for full ban) suffered enormous drop so CSU attempted to win back the lost votes by weakening the ban. The weakened ban allowed the establishments to have indoor smoking for the 'members' (very similar in concept to the sales of alcoholic beverages at the restaurants and such in Utah). The Bavarians weren't having it and demanded the petition drive in 2010 to fully restore the ban. Many people turned out in droves, overwhelming many city government buildings and exceeding the expectations. For 2011, the ban was fully restored and remained this way to this day. Of course, in the rural towns, some restaurants and pubs look other way when the smokers light up inside since it is too much hassle for police to come and fine the smokers and business owners.
Two pub owners in Baden-Württemburg and Thüringen (two of sixteen German states) filed lawsuits against their respective government agencies when they were penalised for not following the 'smoking regulations' properly. The courts determined that the 'smoking regulations' were too obscure and confusing so rewriting of state laws was required. Both state governments considered the 'Bavarian option' to the horror of the pub owners...
Ok that's one thing that I didn't think Japan would be sure ok about. Quite surprising. They banned smoking in restaurant and all indoor places (apart from private homes) ten years ago maybe here. At first I remember a lot of pushback from restaurants and bars but they've adapted pretty quickly tbh. Smokers weren't happy about having to go out in the freezing cold in winter to smoke their cigarettes but now it's the norm and nobody complains about it
Smoking indoor and in public places like bustops is Ileggal in Poland. For 15 years of longer and that really decreased the number of smokers.
Thanks for another professional, well made video. I love how well thought-out your videos are. I hope to see much more from your channels this year!
When I was younger I remember the bar up the street from my grandma house would be so HEAVY with smoke I seriously could not barely see the ppl in it when I walk by. I’m allergic enough to smoke that my throat has closed. So as a teen thinking of my 21st birthday I figured I would have to have my first drink at home because I simply could not go into a bar that had that much smoke. Then the ban came. There were so many pissed people but it was such relief for me personally. There were because it allowed smoking I simply could not go to or my throat would close and that is not a fun trip to deal with. My husband own family is so aware of my smoking none of them smoke in their homes or around me to protect me which is amazing of them knowing they would do that for me. There just were so many places I could not go because of the smoking it was annoying. But because of that ban I was able to actually go out with my friends for my 21st birthday just like everybody else. I was able to go to these restaurant that I was unable to go to before because how strong the smoking was try some other food. So for me dealing with that alone was a eye opener to be Conscience about how my actions in other parts of my life may affect someone’s health and their well-being. I’m not a smoker of course but what they did effected me. So the ban for me was just making it so that people had to be more mindful about some of the things they did. because with secondhand smoke you’re making it so someone is forced to inhale that, just because I want to have a nice time out does not mean I should deal with it or leave, when that shouldn’t have to be like that. It’s a selfish thought really. people might call me a bitch and say I don’t support freedom but when it affects your health you look at it in a different way than what others do. And so for me I support a ban on indoor smoking 100%.
As someone else who's allergic to cigarette smoke (and the smell makes me gag), I'm sad I can't eat at some establishments. I really want to eat at izakayas, but seeing all the smokers puts me off
Same here. I love izakaya food, but unfortunately, it's quite difficult to find good, non-smoking ones.
I'm a smoker and I still had to give this video a thumbs up. You're my favorite
As a non smoker growing up in the 80's I found it a struggle to simply go to weddings or family events. I was never a bar or club person(drinking). I quit one job waiting tables because I kept getting put in the smoking section and had hard time breathing. I'm no good to my family if I get sick. I'm so glad majority of restaurants are non smoking now
Last few times I've been over it felt like gradually smoking was becoming more controlled. Main reason I go over is to go to arcades, and the difference between 2011 and 2016 was noticeable in that a fair few places seemed to have banned it, or introduced smoking corners with air extraction. I certainly noticed the lack of ashtrays on the machines. Some older arcades were the same as before. Mikado in Takadanobaba, man, you can barely last half an hour in there before your eyes start stinging because of all the smoke. It's certainly an offputting experience going in a place like that, coming from a place where indoors it's been banned for ages.
Thanks Greg for talking about this serious issue in Japan. Every time I go visit there, it always disturbs me when I cannot find a non-smoking restaurant since I have a similar condition as you do. It just doesn't make sense, when smoking is banned on the street in some areas in Tokyo and yet people still can smoke in many restaurants where non-smokers are trapped and forced to inhale second-hand smoke! What a shame!
the problem comes when business' do have the option to be different. If there is no smoking everywhere except designated areas, then all businesses are the same. the people have to adapt, but if some places are still allowed to cater to smokers then the smoking people with start to migrate to that place, giving them an edge over other businesses, and causing the ones who do change to suffer. when we changed the law here, it was a big thing, people thought pubs would go out of business. but as the smokers had nowhere else to go, no one was punished super hard. it varies city to city, but in general, Australia is moving to a no smoking in public places law, and no smoking indoors, unless a designated area is made. However, shisha bars have found a way around this and have exploded in popularity.
I was a smoker years ago and I'm glad that I did. A pack today here in the bay area is $10+ . Also indoor smoking is prohibited in this state.
I live in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais in Brazil. In 2010 we had a state law that forbid smoking indoors in any public space, you could only smoke in completely open areas or in a small room designated for it. Them in 2011 they made the same law, but for the city. Then in 2014 this law was made national and people who went against it could finally be fined. Back then there was controversy because people would smoke anywhere, including buses! But now most people agree it's a good thing. You can still see smoking marks in some places. The federal university of my state even has those smoking plates to dump ashes on desks of some classes!
Very well put! You present a logical argument and I (and I am sure many, many others) agree with you.
My home state of Ohio banned smoking in restaurants and businesses back in 2006 and whenever I go somewhere where there is smoking it's such a shock because it's just something I hardly even think about anymore.
I hate all the smoke in izakaiya
Illinois smoker here. I personally didn't like it when they banned indoor public smoking. Now I guess I'm kinda used to it but hate having to bundle up when it's 2 degrees outside. I smoke a lot less when it's cold.
I live in the US, and I remember how terrible it was when it was legal to smoke in restaurants. Sometimes I would go to a diner with my family, and we would have to leave because it was so filled of smoke that it was hard to breathe.
Keep in mind: "Do not inconvenience others". That's a lot of Japan's (anyone's, hopefully) backbone. If you begin at the root, it makes sense why it's less acceptable to smoke outdoors in public and more acceptable to smoke in restaurants/cafes which allow it.
It's not about encouraging smokers, it's about letting smokers know they can smoke somewhere enclosed without *inconveniencing* somebody else. The signs are there to let non-smokers know they're entering at their own peril, rather than the other way around.
I'm in the US and in most of the state's smoking is banned from establishments, although a few states do allow smoking in businesses.
Great video. Good info.
Wow, I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciate your honesty and upfront perspective on this topic. You have always done outstanding videos, but I remember commenting not too long ago about how indoor smoking was one of the things that was driving me away from coming to Japan to teach English, or to teach elementary education. Smoking is abhorrent because it gives me migraines, makes me have to wash my hair as soon as I get home, makes your clothes stink, asks moreover is addictive as **** to the poor user. I feel for these people. But they must realize that second hand smoke is also dangerous. I don't know much about vaping but perhaps that could be the next stage, that people could vape indoors but not actually smoke. 🚬 Genuine thanks for addressing this subject.
I don't think banning smoking in restaurants is good. Private restaurants are not public place. Allowing or banning smoking should be totally up to the owners.
On the long short term it doesn't have an impact in Holland it has been banned in every establishment trains and such, the solution put out terraces Holland Belgium Germany Italy France Spain and countries like that are terrace focused so even in winter we have terrace heaters so smokers can sit outside with heaters blankets and smoke away
I prefer the system they used to use in Tennessee. Back in the day you had to have a separate smoking section. Now its just illegal to smoke in a non-bar restaurant.
I really never knew this... Wow. This is definitely something I feel better knowing. Had no idea they still let that go on...
I can't smoke anywhere here in Nagasaki.. you get looked down on if you smoke anywhere outside except a few very very rare designated areas, and most restaurants don't let you smoke either. The mall has a smoking area, but it's on the top floor, and they have a ton of air pumps to pump the smoke outside, and most other places don't even have one of those rooms. It looks like Tokyo's much more lax about smoking.
I was soooooo happy when they banned smoking in restaurants in the USA. I forgot how bad it was until I visited Spain where every bar, restaurant, and business I went to allowed indoor smoking.
Ireland has banned smoking indoors, if you don’t comply you’ll get a fine. We also banned Plain Packs did japan
Greg... You wrote breath instead of 'Breathe'... ☺😊
+JoyeuxNoëlGaming Thanks. Fixed.
If you don't like it, stay and try to help make it a better place!!! :D
ban smoking from public places , alllow smoking only on designated places on public areas
every restaurant or club can make they own rule about smoking but if smoking is allowed then some extra payment for employee is required (like + 5-10% to salary)
Only 13% of my country's population smokes. I got nauseous walking around in the streets of Germany because everyone seemed to smoke and now, I will be moving to Japan.....
In an increasingly divided world, words like "I'm doing this for everyone" is quite problematic, since if there are people with different opinions, your speech would feel violating. Not that I'm not behind the message or the mission, but I fear the way you word it would only increase our divide.
In America smoking is banned indoors. But, I have asthma and I'm allergic to cig smoke. My next door neighbor can legally smoke on her private property. However, the smoke filters over our fence and invades my home. Especially in summer months when I have windows open. We've tried to ask her to smoke in the front yard so the smoke filters away from my home, but, she gets defensive and nasty. So, what do I do to protect my private property from cig smoke....nothing. Unless I was living in an apartment building, my options are limited. The moment I smell cig smoke filtering into my window, I have to close them and wait until she's finished...until a half hour later. So, during the summer...I now keep the back of the house closed up and the windows on the opposite side of the house open. My mother now house three spots on her lung. Cig smoke invades spaces even when you can't smell it. That's why it pisses me off.
A bunch of strangers on suits have no right whatsoever to decide and violently enforce what people are allowed to do with their private property. If you want to make the world a better place not endorsing tyranny may be a good start.
Heartfelt advice.
My city banned smoking indoors & 30 feet from main entrances. Many restaurants opened outdoor eating areas.
most of europe is fine, except... austria.
Kamil Austria does have regulations as far as I know, the last time I visited I wasn't able to smoke anywhere but outside - tho I was in Vienna, don't know how it's anywhere else.
i got asthma and allergic to smoke, yet my family smokes at home and it doesnt matter i had an asthma attack from it once and had to call 911, they still smoke, so what can i expect from strangers
I was surprised to find designated smoking areas around Tokyo and Himeji when I went in November. I was especially surprised being able to smoke in restaurants. On a funny note, many Japanese gave me funny looks when I chose to use my vaporizer instead of a cigarette.
I did appreciate though, when I wasn't smoking, to be able to enjoy the cleaner air around me when walking around. Not being bothered by other people smoking as compared to when walking around in metro Detroit area.
this should be a question of private property vs public property law.. You shouldn't be able to outlaw smoking in private residences , businesses etc ..
How do you manage your asthma in Japan? Are the meds in Japan that are used to treat asthma, different from the meds in Canada that are used to treat asthma?
I'm just worried about the family owned izakaya's. There are a lot of smokers there and if they banned smoking, would smokers still go there and if not and the place lost those customers, would more non smokers go to the establishment make up the difference. Would they be able to stay in business with those lost customers?
please make more videos like this. even though its not an absolute truth, it is nice to have the honest opinion of somebody who lives in Japan.
In the philippines, smoking is banned in public places, but in my province, we smoke even infront of hospitals and even inside some eateries, why? because ciggies are damn cheap here, 2 dollars for a pack of marlboro's is a good deal for any smoker.
i just recently came back from my first trip to Japan. i had an amazing time there but yeah, indoor cigarette smoke was a bit of a letdown, esp. since i have asthma and secondhand smoke is a bit of a problem for me. my friend & i would try to use Google Maps to find the "non-smoking" arcades but even then, we would walk in and still find people smoking. the "non-smoking" label usually just meant there was little room off to the side with no smoking allowed, but only a handful of games.
A very timely video. I’m planning a trip to Japan for my family. I’m daughter doesn’t want to go, in large part due to smoking being allowed in restaurants.
I wouldn't let that dissuade her. My recommendation is chain restaurants, where it's at least separated decently by rooms. But for complete non-smoking, malls, office buildings and train stations are places you can usually find that have an all-out ban on smoking inside restaurants/stores (they instead use dedicated smoking rooms in the buildings).
Thanks, that's very helpful information.
The moment I smell smoke, I start coughing and have slight issues with breathing (I was around smokers while I was younger so I think that affected me a bit). So I hope there would be actual separate areas for smokers, where I live now is quite good with it so I don't have a lot of issues usually.
I'm planning to visit Japan someday, so it would be nice to not need to wear a facemask going into certain locations.
I live in Germany and I’m a smoker but I would hate for people to be allowed to smoke in restaurants or any closed spaces (except bars maybe)
Living in Japan, I appreciate that Japanese smokers typically only smoke in designated areas and well ventilated smoking rooms. As a non-smoker, I can choose to sit in non-smoking areas or use non-smoking accommodation. Smoking is so ingrained among working men, that I’m doubtful it will ever go away. Large businesses, particularly those that cater to a wide customer base, have flexibility to experiment in the name of public health, but small bars and izakayas serving the Japanese (male) working population are going to bear the brunt of the fallout from a government mandated halt on indoor smoking. I’d be very sad to see my favorite eating and drinking spots shut down.
Wow, this is crazy. I've been watching a lot of your videos lately, and Japan seems so much more progressive than America (my home) in so many different ways, so this one really threw me for a loop. For a country that seems so concerned with health and cleanliness it seems really out of character haha. I used to be a smoker (I quit 5 years ago now, hooray), but even at my worst I would never think about smoking inside my home; the idea was and is just disgusting to me. And of course I've never seen any public establishments that allow smoking indoors, except for casinos and some bars. I live in a university town, and as of a few years ago smoking is even banned anywhere on campus (yes, including outdoors). Now I'm all worried about your adorable kids getting exposed to second-hand smoke :(
I was a smoker when they banned indoor smoking in my area. I wasn't really that mad about it. After 20 years I decided that enough was enough. I started vaping instead of smoking for about a year and then quit nicotine entirely. I am not one of those militant converts, but I wish they would just ban tobacco outright. After four years of going without a cigarette, I can still feel the damage they did to my lungs. I know it is my own fault, but really, there isn't any good that comes from smoking. It only causes pain.
There has been a big change in where smoking is allowed even in the past decade or so in the US, so don't give up hope. Recently the only place I've been bothered by breathing in tons of smoke was a theme park. Now "vaping" is an issue that has to be regulated here though. It seems that this is being worked on and policies are being put in place, but apparently no smoking indoors doesn't mean no vaping indoors. I don't want to smell the very sickly sweet smells of those "flavored" vapors any more than I want to smell smoke.
I didn't realise how bad the indoor smoking would be in Japan before I came here. I come from NZ, where you rarely encounter a smoker in public these days. I'm like you, smoke makes me feel nauseous and it just smells gross. I've found I've had to adapt my tolerance levels for second-hand smoke now, and I hate that. A small bar with maybe a couple of smokers is okay now, but I would be throwing all my clothes into the wash as soon as I got home and showering. I did however spend 3 hours waiting outside a bar for my friends before the first train because the smoke inside was so bad I couldn't see or breathe properly, and it was burning my throat. I can't wait until I don't have to smell like a smoker anymore when I go back to NZ.
Edit: One time I was in a restaurant/bar in Kyoto, and asked to be seated in the non-smoking area.... And I got sat at a table right next to the wide open door of the smoking area 😑😑😑
The reason why it's so important to ban smoking in indoor places like cafes and such is because it takes away other people's choice to live a smoke free lifestyle. I don't drink alcohol. But my friends do so if we're out and they want a beer it doesn't effect me and my decision to be alcohol free. But because of the nature of smoking if my friend smoked a cigarette next to me in an indoor setting my choice to be smoke free is taken.
I start off and say that I am biased as i do smoke occasionally , but i think japan should enact rules to at least filter the air indoors and ensure employee safety when establishments have indoor smoking. Its good to see that a lot of places have banned smoking though , as in smaller 8-14 person restaurants it can be a bit over the top.
Edit: Anywhere that allows people under the age of 20 should almost certainly ban smoking.
Yes but for smokers is good think to smoke indoor why one skmoker have go out to smoke in rainy weather
Thanks for this video, coming from Ohio, USA where restaurants and bars are smoke-free it is something I dislike about Tokyo. Many times we would like to go out for dinner or have a drink but usually decide against it since going out involves smokey places. If we do go out I feel like we stink so bad that we have to do laundry, hang out our coats, wash our hair when we get home. Most of the time it's not worth the hassle. Hopefully, Tokyo will move towards becoming smoke-free.
What is the cost of cigarettes? Here in California, in order to reduce smoking, taxes increased in 2016 to make cigarettes $10 a pack.
+Tim Blaker it's more like $4-$5 I believe.
Yes, it's like $4 even for imports like Marlboro's and even cheaper at the duty free shops at the airport. You can buy a carton of 10 packs for $30.
Yes, they are shockingly cheap in Japan!
I was so shocked to hear that my ex started smoking when she was 16, while working at a ramen-ya. But smoking seems to be a way for a lot of coworkers in Japan to bond..
i used to be a smoker, even then, I hated indoor smoking because of the smells lingers on my cloths and its so hard to breathe, i never understand why my smoker friends likes to smoke indoor.
here in india, though there are smokers and drinkers...it is usually discouraged...only few used to speak/drink and usually other friends would avoid or discourage it..well its my experience around me..that helps for better. Well good think is according to stats the rate is decreasing.
I am a Cigar smoker. And I hate Cigarette smoke with its harsh chemical odor, and I would like to see a new form of regulation in Japan regarding where you can smoke. I am fine with the outside-designated smoking places, but non-adult restaurants and establishments should not allow them. But then there is the side of me that wants the choice to be left to the establishments and businesses.
On our last night in Japan, we went to a ramen place and the man cooking our ramen was smoking. It used to be like that here in Australia when I was a small girl (in the 80's lol) but now days you would get Health Inspectors all over you for a stunt like that. :P