Osaka's citywide smoking ban takes effect, vaping also included

Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, has significantly expanded its smoking ban, prohibiting smoking on all city streets as of the end of January 2025.

Japan typically witnesses a surge in new laws and regulations in the spring, coinciding with the start of the fiscal, academic, and numerous other official calendars.

However, Osaka has opted for a proactive approach, implementing a citywide smoking ban on January 27th, well ahead of the traditional spring wave of new legislation.

Smoking on streets in areas such as Shinsekai will now be banned…unless in a designated smoking area

While smoking was previously restricted in certain areas of Osaka, the new ordinance extends the prohibition to all city streets.

This comprehensive ban also addresses a previous loophole, explicitly including e-cigarettes and vape pens alongside conventional cigarettes.

Smoking on the streets in Osaka is now strictly prohibited, except within designated smoking areas.

This is not a symbolic measure – the city has committed to active enforcement, with civil servants patrolling the streets to identify violators.

A 1,000 yen (approximately $6.40 USD) fine will be imposed on those found in violation of the ban.

This stricter smoking policy aligns with Osaka’s broader efforts to enhance the city’s aesthetics and overall appeal as it prepares to host the 2025 World Expo, scheduled from April to October.

While not directly linked to the Expo, the city is concurrently expanding its network of public smoking areas, increasing the number from 17 to 330 by the Expo’s opening day on April 13th.