Job Discussion Forums

bear · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 3

Hello! This is something we can't seem to find much info. about. How smoky is Japan? I know that in Europe, it seems everyone smokes, everywhere. Sometimes it was really, really awful to go to a bar or club or something because it was impossible to breathe and it was absolutely packed with smoke, floor to ceiling---especially in Brussels, we noticed. What's this like in Japan?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Although the number of smokers is declining, the number of young women smokers is on the rise. And, older men smoke like crazy. Japan is increasing its number of non-smoking zones, including some outside(!), but a non-smoking zone in a restaurant may be nothing more than the removal of an ash tray from a table next to a smoker. Coffee shops (except Starbucks) are horrendously smoky.

Shonai Ben · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 617

Japan is a smoker's paradise.Cheap tobacco and vending machines on every corner,even on the most remote country road.
Smoking is allowed in almost all restaurants,bars,trains and on most city sidewalks.However this is changing slowly.Some cities now do not allow you to smoke on the sidewalks and some trains are now smoke free.
Overall though,compared to North America,the smoking laws are very lax.
Enjoy that smoke. Very Happy

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

You'd be surprised. I saw the bosses at my Board of Education office in city hall light up at 3 in the afternoon at their desks.

And bars can be dang smoky. There are lots of happy little 'no smorking' signs in my city, but that doesn't mean much.

And yeah, my favorite cigarettes are very cheap here. Only 300 yen for a packet of American organic cigarettes. Happiness!

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

yeah...if you like smoking, Japan is the place to be....
It is revolting how many people smoke here...and the level of the smoke in clubs, pubs and restaurants....TERRIBLE!!!!!

Best one yet...saw a guy smoking IN THE SUBWAY station..standing RIGHT infront of the non-smoking sign....**Sigh** Rolling Eyes

locagrl814 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Posts: 58

is smoking in Japan worse than in Paris? God I thought Paris was horrible!

LadyK · Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 55 Location: USA, FL

I know this is an old post but I'm hoping for an answer anyway...

Clove cigarettes were recently banned in the U.S., and although I stocked up, I'm running low! I'm hoping to find out if cloves are readily available in Japan, specifically in Osaka and surrounding areas, and specifically Dajuum Specials. Any info is appreciated!

ShioriEigoKyoushi · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 364 Location: Japan

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Some sushi shops, ramen shops, Starbucks and some privately run restaurants don't allow smoking. It's refreshing.

In Tokyo and some suburbs, smoking is prohibited while walking in the street.

You'll find plenty of spaces where you don't have to breathe second hand smoke.

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

I wouldn't eat sushi in a sushi restaurant that allowed smoking, and I'm a smoker.

Cool Teacher · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

Are you talking aoout Indoneisna cigarettes called Kreteks? With a clove taste and a sweet filter? Cool

They are availballe and not banned. They are very strong, maybe about 20 mg or 40 mg of tar I think IIRC and they are availbale in some specialist tobacco shops and specialst vending machines but not in regular combinience stores. Confused

Why were they banned in America is it because they are too strong? Cool

LadyK · Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 55 Location: USA, FL

Yes, those are exactly what I'm talking about! Clove cigarettes (also called Kretek) were banned in the U.S. as of September 22, because of some "Family Clean Air" act. All flavored tobacco products were banned because they were supposedly marketed toward kids. No more cherry, vanilla, or clove flavored cigs in the U.S. Crying or Very sad

I have a friend in Osaka who says he's seen them in Tokyo, but not around where he lives. Hopefully I can get a friendly store owner to order them for me?

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

it isn`t as bad as it used to be. People aren`t allowed to smoke on platforms around Tokyo.

Coffee shops like Excelsior and Tully`s have ways of dealing with smokers.
Tully`s has a smoking room and Excelsior has a smoking floor and a non-smoking floor (or floors).

Schools have banned smoking inside so people have to smoke outside the school buildings.

Cool Teacher · Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 2:29 am Post subject:

LadyK · Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 55 Location: USA, FL

Fantastic! Good to know! When they were legal, cloves usually weren't available at regular gas stations or convenience stores, either. I always had to go to tobacco stores or "haji" marts. I feel very much reassured now! Thanks! Very Happy

Now, how do I make these two cartons last until I (hopefully) leave for Japan in Feb/March.....hmmm... Rolling Eyes