About

19.4% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 21.2 million current smokers in Japan

28.7% of men are current smokers but only 10.5% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Japan
Country profile
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-04-09

Smoking in Japan

There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Japan. Smoking prevalence was 32% in 2000 and declined to 21% in 2015, with a further drop to around 16% projected by 2025. For men the prevalence decreased from 51% in 2000 to 33% in 2015, with a further decrease to 24% projected by 2025. For women a lower prevalence of 13% in 2000 dropped to 10% in 2015, and is projected to decrease still further to around 8% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.

157,810

Deaths

157810 people die every year due to tobacco smoking in Japan.

77.7 million €

Market size of NRT.

NRT market size is estimated to be 77.7 million €.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Japan

In Japan it is illegal to sell nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as they are categorised as medicinal products, and as of yet none have been approved in this manner. However, Japanese vapers can import up to one month's supply of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes for their own individual use. E-cigarettes without nicotine are not regulated. Restrictions on vaping indoors in public places exist. The prevalence of current e-cigarette vaping among adults is 1.9%. 11.4% of the population have ever tried e-cigarette vaping.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Japan

In Japan, heated tobacco products are regulated by the amended Health Promotion Act. The amendments to the Act define smoking to include smoke or vapour from burned or heated tobacco, and therefore heated tobacco products are included in the smoking ban stipulated by the amendments. Smoking is completely banned in schools, hospitals, children’s facilities, government facilities, passenger cars, and planes. However, in practice, use of heated tobacco products is allowed in other public places such as restaurants and passenger ships and trains. The tax on heated tobacco products is currently at the same level as pipe tobacco under the Tobacco Tax Act, and sale to minors is restricted in accordance with Article 5 of the Act on Prohibition of Smoking by Minors. Heated tobacco products are also regulated by the Tobacco Business Act.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Japan

NRT market size is estimated to be 77.7 million €. In Japan is legal to purchase nicotine without prescription to using NRT. NRT is legal to market. NRT is available in Pharmacy.

Snus

in Japan

Snus is allowed. Snus is legal to use.

Pouches

in Japan

The sale of Pouches is banned. Pouches are illegal to be marketed.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.