Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward cracks down on heated tobacco use in public

Chiyoda Ward, home to the vibrant Akihabara district, will begin imposing fines on individuals using heated tobacco products on the streets starting November 1st. This measure aims to address increasing complaints from residents regarding littering and secondhand smoke associated with these products. In 2002, Chiyoda Ward became a pioneer in Japan by enacting its first ordinance prohibiting smoking on streets and designated parks. Violators face a fine of 2,000 JPY (approximately USD 13). Ward staff regularly patrol the area to enforce this ordinance, issuing fines to those caught smoking or discarding cigarette butts.

While the ward has previously focused on traditional cigarette smokers, the growing popularity and associated issues with heated tobacco products have prompted the decision to expand the policy to impose fines. An official overseeing the measure emphasized the availability of designated smoking areas within the ward and urged individuals to refrain from smoking outside these designated zones. Last year, Chiyoda Ward fined over 5,600 smokers, underscoring the ongoing efforts to maintain clean and smoke-free public spaces.


I had to look up what "heated tobacco" means:

Heated tobacco and vaping are both smokeless alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Heated tobacco uses heated tobacco leaves or sticks, producing a nicotine-containing aerosol. Vaping, on the other hand, uses a liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, which is vaporized by a heating coil. While both deliver nicotine and can be addictive, heated tobacco offers a more cigarette-like taste, while vaping provides a wider range of flavors. Both options are considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but they are not risk-free.

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Although I think it's great policy to try to reduce smoking of all kinds, I'm just incredulous that this is the same country that I used to live in. Banning smoking?!?! In Japan?!?! I guess it's true that the only constant in life is change.

And not a change for the worse.