In this article, we will see curiosities about cigarettes and tobacco in Japan and some etiquette for smokers. We will look a little at the customs and culture that the Japanese have regarding smoking cigarettes, as well as some words and vocabulary related in Japanese.
The cigarette or tobacco is part of the life of a large number of Japanese people, and some may imagine that Japan has its strange rules and customs regarding cigarettes. In the Japanese language, the cigarette is called tabako [たばこ].
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The History of Smoking in Japan
Why are we talking about tobacco? Japan is a country with many smokers; it has even been called a smoker’s paradise. More than 25% of the Japanese population smoked, but this number has been decreasing to below 20% thanks to government encouragement.
Smoking has been around for many years in Japan; the Shogun even had some specific ideas about creating a formal ceremony or ritual for tobacco (just like the tea ceremony). Smoking a cigarette in Japan even has a large number of customs and rules.
In the past, the Shogun suggested that when smoking tobacco offered by a host, you should not smoke until the host has entered the room. When the host offers the cigarette, you can say: “After you,” just as is done in the tea ceremony. In Japan, the host may offer a pipe; remember to show humility and gratitude.
The Japanese Government was the only tobacco company in Japan until 1985. Even today, the Japanese Government produces more than 60% of the cigarettes in Japan and has several Asian brands.
Curiosities about Tobacco or Cigarettes in Japan
For decades, the government has presented posters with suggestions about behavior for smokers. Japan has also made various laws and suggestions such as:
- Japan suggests the use of portable ashtrays;
- The obvious, suggests that smoking causes health problems;
- Suggests appropriate social behaviors on how to smoke;
- It is prohibited to smoke in the central streets of large cities;
- Minors under 20 cannot smoke without parental permission;
- There are specific areas for smoking, even on the streets;
- Smoking in prohibited places can result in a fine;
A cigarette can be purchased at any convenience store, supermarket, vending machine for about 420 yen (12 reais). A portable ashtray can be bought for just 100 yen at convenience stores.
Some night restaurants, bars, and izakayas allow you to smoke. The smoking rate is about 19.3%, with 29.7% of men and 9.7% of women.
Rules and Etiquette for Smokers in Japan
In April 2020, a smoking law came into effect, prohibiting smoking in enclosed spaces. The exceptions are private homes, hotel rooms, bars, and some restaurants with specific or open areas before the law was passed.
In Japan, you cannot smoke on trains, buses, and airplanes. In some trains and stations, there are small ventilated areas that allow cigarette use.
Many cities prohibit smoking on the streets in busy neighborhoods, except in designated smoking areas. It is also prohibited to smoke on the platforms of most major train stations, except in designated smoking rooms.
Does Smoking in Japan Not Harm?
Research reveals that Japanese people smoke more than Americans, yet the lung cancer rate is much lower. The risk of a smoker contracting lung cancer in Japan is 4, while in America and Europe it varies from 8 to 19.
Researchers claim that this happens because the Japanese tend to smoke 10 to 15% less of a cigarette. This is ironic because Japanese people do not leave food on their plates, but do not finish their cigarettes completely? Another key factor is that many Japanese start smoking after the legal age (20 years) or even later.
While 70% of Americans start smoking before turning 20. Japan also has a healthy diet; the habit of drinking tea every day helps alleviate some problems caused by cigarettes. Japanese culture apparently acts as an antioxidant.
Other factors may be involved, such as the origin and manufacturing of tobacco. Nowadays, electronic cigarettes have become popular in Japan, but their price approaches 10,000 yen (300 reais), and they can be found in convenience stores.
Do not let the fact that cigarettes are less harmful in Japan make you give up the fight against smoking addiction. There are numerous harms beyond health, such as dependency and the financial costs of maintaining the habit.
Words Related to Smoking in Japanese
To conclude the article, we will leave a list of words related to smoking, tobacco use, and cigarettes in the Japanese language. I hope you enjoyed the article; if you did, please share and leave your comments.
| Portuguese | Japanese | Romaji |
| light a cigarette | タバコに火を付ける | tabako ni hi wo tsukeru |
| butt | 煙草の吸い残り | tabako no sui nokori |
| filter tip | シガレットフォルダー | shigaretto forudā |
| pipe | パイプ | paipu |
| matchbox | マッチ箱 | macchi bako |
| cigar | 葉巻 | hamaki |
| cigarette case | シガレットケース | shigaretto kēsu |
| cigarette | タバコ | tabako |
| ash | 灰 | hai |
| ashtray | 灰皿 | haizara |
| filter | フィルター | firutā |
| smoker | 喫煙者 | kitsuen sha |
| to smoke | 喫煙する | kitsuen suru |
| smoke | 煙 | kemuri |
| matches | マッチ | macchi |
| lighter | ライター | raitā |
| pack | 箱 | hako |
| tobacco | タバコ［煙草］ | tabako |
| smoking | 喫煙 | kitsuen |
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