A survey by Japan’s health ministry shows that the ratio of people in the country who smoke regularly has hit its lowest ever.
The survey of some 5,000 people aged 20 or older nationwide in 2022 found that 14.8 percent of them lit up regularly, with the ratio for men at 24.8 percent and that for women at 6.2 percent.
The overall smoking rate was the lowest since the survey in its current format began in 2003. The figure marked a decrease of 5.9 percentage points over the past decade — with a drop of 9.3 points for men and a fall of 2.8 points for women.
The survey found that 21.7 percent of the male smokers and 36.1 percent of the female smokers wanted to quit.
It also shows that 8.3 percent had experienced passive smoking at amusement facilities over the previous month — a decline of 18.8 points from the 2019 survey. Those who experienced it at restaurants accounted for 14.8 percent — a decrease of 14.8 points — while 18.7 percent cited the workplace — a drop of 7.4 points.
Health ministry officials say the revised health promotion law meant to restrict indoor smoking has played a role in lowering the smoking rate. The officials say they plan to provide more support for smokers who want to give up the habit.