Travel

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

OSAKA, Jan 27 (News On Japan) - Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

Previously, the ban on smoking in public areas was limited to six locations, such as Midosuji and the area surrounding JR Osaka Station. However, the city amended its regulations to extend the ban across all districts starting January 27, aiming to improve the city’s environment ahead of the Expo. Violators will face a fine of 1,000 yen.

Although Osaka City has established over 300 designated smoking areas, concerns have been raised about their adequacy.

A user of a smoking area commented, “The number of people using smoking areas has increased by about 1.5 to 2 times. As a smoker, I hope they’ll provide more smoking areas.”

Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama stated, “We will consider the necessary measures moving forward.”

Source: YOMIURI

Truck Falls Into 10-Meter Sinkhole in Saitama, Rescue Efforts Continue Overnight

A truck plunged into a sinkhole after a road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture, leaving the male driver trapped at a depth of approximately 10 meters. Rescue operations continued through the night, despite challenges such as broken wires.

Death Sentence Finalized for Kyoto Animation Arsonist Who Killed 36

Shinji Aoba, the defendant sentenced to death in the first trial for the Kyoto Animation arson-murder case that claimed 36 lives, has withdrawn his appeal, finalizing the death sentence.

Japanese Clinics Gaining Popularity Among Travelers

From sudden severe pain during a gourmet-filled trip to chronic illness attacks that medication cannot treat, what kinds of symptoms bring foreign tourists to clinics?

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

Man Arrested in Nagano Triple Stabbing

A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of three individuals in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano City, where one person was killed and two others sustained injuries of varying severity.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

New Okinawa Theme Park to Open in July Featuring Dinosaur Escapes

A new theme park spearheaded by Takashi Morioka, known for his role in revitalizing Universal Studios Japan (USJ), is set to open in Okinawa this July.

Yoshiwara: Tracing the Legacy of Japan's Most Famous Prostitution District Walking Tour

On the evening of January 20th, I began my walk at Minowabashi Station, a charming area filled with the nostalgic atmosphere of Japan’s Showa era. (Video Street View Japan)

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

Part of Japanese Pavilion Unfurled at Expo

A portion of the Japan Pavilion, a government-sponsored exhibit at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, was unveiled to the media on January 26, showcasing the theme of sustainability with displays such as algae-based biofuels and one of the world’s largest Mars-origin meteorites.