Japan Issues a “Nationwide Smoking Ban”; Heated Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Unaffected

Japan has recently issued its first nationwide smoking ban, and the new tobacco control measures will cover as many as 84% of restaurants and bars across Tokyo, while 45% of restaurants and bars nationwide will be affected by the ban.

The measure will completely prohibit the use of traditional cigarettes in designated places, including kindergartens, schools, and daycare centers, but institutions such as universities, hospitals, and government offices will still retain designated outdoor smoking areas.

However, heated tobacco and e-cigarettes are not affected by the ban.

Will the smoking ban instead encourage the wider use of new tobacco products?

The Japanese government has stated that “safer alternatives, such as heated tobacco devices and e-cigarettes, will not be subject to these regulations,” and a Tokyo government official said users will still be able to use their devices as normal.

Although e-cigarettes do not contain nicotine and heated tobacco devices are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, completely exempting these devices from the nationwide smoking ban may make non-smokers feel this has become the next legally accepted form of “smoking behavior.”

For example, if you go to a restaurant where smoking is completely banned, but people are still allowed to use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco devices inside, even if you are a vaper, you might still feel that this is somewhat inappropriate.

Perhaps the Japanese government’s intention is to use new tobacco devices as a stepping stone toward a smoke-free 2020 Olympics. If that is truly the case, the policy should also limit where these new tobacco products may be used, so that users can choose appropriate smoking areas under clearer rules and the real goal of tobacco control can be achieved.

What impact will this have on users and the industry?

For e-cigarette users and businesses, this smoking ban is very good news, because it not only suggests that the Japanese government has a correct understanding of the health risks of e-cigarettes, but also indirectly acknowledges that “e-cigarettes can play a major role in helping cigarette smokers switch.” Although the rules are not comprehensive and may lead to self-discipline issues among users of new tobacco products, most people still hold an optimistic view of this tobacco control measure.

As for businesses, with government recognition, promotion efforts will naturally become much easier.

Japan has a very high smoking rate among both men and women. After the introduction of this smoking ban, businesses can take the opportunity to encourage cigarette users to try e-cigarettes. At the same time, however, they must also fulfill their gatekeeping role and must not sell e-cigarettes to minors or non-smokers.

The Olympics may bring explosive growth opportunities for VAPE

As tobacco control policies become increasingly strict, even though it is still a form of smoking behavior, smokers can at least choose new tobacco products with relatively lower health risks. The Olympic smoking ban may provide exactly the push needed for smokers who are still hesitating about whether to switch.

Japan has always been a very popular tourist destination, and the Olympics are expected to attract an even larger wave of visitors. This is undoubtedly a major business opportunity, especially since “Europe and North America have large numbers of e-cigarette users.” If businesses seize this chance to engage with overseas vapers and promote these products to traditional smokers, e-cigarettes may see a new peak of growth during the “Tokyo 2020 Olympics.” #p#Page Title#e#

Article source: China E-Cigarette Information Platform and High-End Study in Japan, shared for exchange and discussion only!

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