Osaka City to Ban Smoking on Streets from April 27th to Promote Clean Image for World Expo
In preparation for the Osaka-Kansai World Expo starting in April, Osaka City will ban smoking on all streets starting April 27th. It will be the first major city in Japan to implement a citywide smoking ban. With a large influx of international visitors expected for the Expo, the city aims to showcase itself as a clean and welcoming destination.
Since 2007, Osaka City has enforced a smoking prevention ordinance with a fine of 1,000 yen for violations. However, the ban was limited to only six designated areas, such as around JR Osaka Station and Nankai Namba Station.
The catalyst for stricter regulations was the upcoming World Expo. In 2022, former Mayor Ichiro Matsui announced the expansion of the smoking ban to the entire city, stating, "As the host city of the World Expo, we aim to become a major city free of passive smoking." Consequently, the city ordinance was revised in March 2023, prohibiting smoking on all public roads and parks within the city. This ban also applies to heated tobacco products.
In conjunction with the ban, the city is establishing designated smoking areas, primarily near stations and parks, with plans to add approximately 200 new locations by the Expo's opening. The number of enforcement officers responsible for issuing fines for smoking violations is also expected to increase to 100 by the start of the Expo.
Furthermore, Osaka Prefecture's ordinance for preventing passive smoking will come into full effect in April. Restaurants with a customer seating area exceeding 30 square meters will be required to be smoke-free unless they provide dedicated smoking rooms.
Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "The Expo presents a golden opportunity to showcase Osaka's allure. We kindly request the understanding and cooperation of residents and businesses in realizing a comfortable and beautiful city worthy of an international tourist destination."
Thank you.
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