In recent years, we have entered an era that is sensitive to "harassment" as time has passed. Harassment is written as "harassment" in English. Its etymology comes from the Old French word "harass," which means "to trouble, to exhaust," or "to torment," and it has evolved to be translated in Japan as "bullying" or "harassment." Terms like "sexual harassment" and "power harassment" are likely familiar to working adults.

The "Revised Health Promotion Law," which came into full effect in April 2020, established various rules regarding smoking. As a result, it is expected that non-smokers will be able to protect themselves from the smell and smoke emitted by smokers, making this a policy that has garnered significant support from non-smokers. On the other hand, there are likely many smokers who feel a sense of loss due to the reduction of places and opportunities to smoke, feeling marginalized. In restaurants within Tokyo, smoking indoors is generally prohibited, making it almost impossible to smoke on the premises. For those who have developed a habit of smoking while dining, this can understandably feel painful. Additionally, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, smoking areas both indoors and outdoors have been closed for the reason that "smokers gather and create crowds." It is not an exaggeration to say that the combination of the enforcement of the Revised Health Promotion Law and the impact of the novel coronavirus has made this a difficult era for smokers. > For more, click here https://www.ergojapan.co.jp/smokeclear/column/1262/

The outbreak of the coronavirus has forced changes in lifestyle, but it has also affected the environment surrounding smokers. Since the pandemic began, the number of people smoking outdoors has increased, leading to new problems. For example, in Shinjuku, despite a regulation that prohibits street smoking throughout the entire district, smoking on the streets and littering of cigarettes continues unabated. In smoking ban areas, there are numerous "No Smoking on the Streets" stickers placed in easily visible locations, making it seem as though awareness among smokers is being thoroughly promoted.

The issue of smoking has been addressed for a long time, but many people likely associate it with the "health hazards caused by tobacco smoke." The growing concern over health damage from secondhand smoke has led society as a whole to promote a non-smoking trend. The recent movement towards smoking bans is largely influenced by the "Revised Health Promotion Act," which was fully implemented on April 1, 2020. The amendment to the law has accelerated the movement towards complete smoking bans in places such as restaurants, offices, hotels, golf courses, other commercial facilities, public institutions, and public transportation, leading to the removal of ashtrays that were previously installed in these buildings. Among those who smoke regularly, approximately 27.1% are men and 7.6% are women, which affects a large number of smokers. The enforcement of the Revised Health Promotion Act impacts many citizens, but it seems that it has not been widely covered in the media, such as on television, and I wonder if it is just my impression that public awareness has not fully permeated. > Continue reading here https://www.ergojapan.co.jp/1865/

Since the beginning of the Reiwa era, measures against health hazards such as passive smoking have been increasingly strengthened. The revised Health Promotion Law, which was fully enforced on April 1, 2020, led to a complete ban on smoking in indoor facilities, which was a significant shock to tobacco-loving smokers, as many of you may recall. As a result, smoking rules have changed dramatically, and some smokers may feel uncomfortable in this new environment. It seems that restrictions on smoking and measures against passive smoking in Japan have been strengthened in recent years, but did you know that such efforts have been underway for quite some time? While smokers living in the Reiwa era face strong headwinds, we have spotlighted the smoking circumstances experienced by past generations of smokers who have supported Japan until now. Now, let's take a look back at the history of smoking bans and designated smoking areas in the past. > Continue reading here https://www.ergojapan.co.jp/1418/