Osaka has been one of Japan’s thriving centers of culture and trade. Its strategic location between the calm harbors of Osaka Bay and nearby Kyoto made it prime for economic development. Despite suffering destruction during World War II,

The Japanese city is “beautifying” itself ahead of hosting the World Expo — not by planting flowers, but by banning cigarettes.

Japan is gearing up for the World Expo 2025, which will open in mid-April on the artificial island of Yumeshima on Osaka Bay. This edition will feature 158 countries and regions from around the world,

Ahead of World Expo 2025, Osaka, the host and one of the biggest Japanese cities has completely banned smoking and vaping in all public places. Anyone caught violating the rule will face a fine of 1,000 yen (approximately Rs 560).

The Japanese city of Osaka has banned smoking on the streets in an apparent effort to smarten up the city and make it more ‘visitor-friendly’ ahead of this year’s World Expo, which begins in April.

Smoke rises from a fire site at a commercial building near a famous tourist landmark Tsutenkaku Tower, in Osaka, Japan, January 21, 2025. Kyodo/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN.

In a study on public psychology with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from Osaka University found no significant differences among regions of Japan regarding either risk perception or infection-prevention behaviors during the “state of emergency,

Osaka mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama says the ban will make city ‘safe’. Meanwhile the Osaka region is extending a ban on smoking in restaurants.

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Osaka has implemented a public smoking ban from January 27, ahead of hosting Expo 2025. The ban extends to roads, parks, plazas, etc., and covers both cigarettes and vapes. Offenders will be fined 1,000 yen (about $6 or ₹520 approximately).

For all of the challenges that our small nation has, we still manage to box above our weight when it comes to our ability to host major events. In particular, big weighty sporting events have become something of a specialist skill.