Friday, April 07, 2017, 15:00 - 16:00
Tobacco control and Japan
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in English.
Smoking is on retreat throughout much of the developed world. Yet while others seek to kick the habit, Japan continues to light up.
That may be about to change, as the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics brings renewed attention to Japan's reputation as something of a smoker's paradise. In response, the Japanese government is currently considering new legislation to eliminate smoking at various public and private locations in preparation for the games.
The new rules come with the support of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, but are opposed, at least in part, by Japan's tobacco lobby and small business owners. The government's original proposal – involving a full ban on indoor smoking at public institutions such as school and hospitals – has already been watered down.
This leaves Japan at a crossroads, says Dr. Douglas Bettcher, Director, Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases at the World Health Organization. He urges Japan to use the coming Rugby World Cup and Olympic Games as an incentive to implement tighter regulation on smoking, citing a wide range of economic and health related benefits.
Dr. Bettcher will be coming to the club to discuss the advantages of making public and workplaces smoke-free, along with other essential measures for reducing smoking-induced harm.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
Professional Activities Committee
