Japan's smoking decline through Australian eyes

I came across an interesting health article this week about smoking trends in Japan, and it really made me reflect on how different attitudes toward smoking are here compared to back home in Australia.

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According to the national survey I read, about 14.8% of people in Japan now say they smoke regularly, which is a big drop compared to a decade ago and is the lowest level seen in recent years. Smoking is still far more common among men, especially those in their 40s and 50s, while the number of female smokers remains relatively low. Nearly one in five smokers also said they want to quit, which at least suggests there is growing awareness about the health risks.

As an Australian expat, I can't help but compare this to the environment I grew up in. In Australia, cigarettes are extremely expensive (maybe $40 or $50 AUD per pack!) due to heavy taxation, and smoking is banned in most public places. Plain packaging, graphic health warnings, and strict advertising rules have been normal for years, and as a result, smoking has become far less socially visible.

Living in Japan feels very different. Cigarettes are still relatively affordable, smoking areas are common, and it's not unusual to see people smoking outside stations, offices, and even near restaurants. It was one of the first lifestyle differences that really surprised me after moving here.

The same article also touched on other health trends in Japan, including rising diabetes rates and continued high salt intake. It was a good reminder that while Japan is often seen as a "healthy" country, it still faces many of the same lifestyle challenges as elsewhere.

Do you notice a difference with smoking in Japan compared to your home country?