Although Japan has taken legal steps to build a smoke-free society, a few companies are investing in smoking areas to squeeze profits from among the declining number of tobacco users.
SAPPORO A dispute over smoking is threatening to erupt in a fireball if Sapporo city authorities go ahead with plans to allow people to puff away in popular downtown Odori Park from December.
The Tokyo District Court on Aug. 29 dismissed a lawsuit filed by a man who demanded government compensation over an anti-smoking law that he said violates the Constitution.
SAGA The prefectural government, hoping to promote healthier lifestyles among the public, rejected a request from assembly members to reopen smoking areas in the government building.
Hiroshima government office reverses course on anti-smoking measures japantimes.co.jp - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from japantimes.co.jp Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.