[Gaberdeen]

I agree 100%.

Smoking in Japan is incredibly widespread - a factor influenced by the Governments heavy involvment in the Tobacco industry (an industry it held a monopoly on until 1987)

Recent anomalies in the governments healthcare system has drawn attention to Mita Hospitals alleged involvment with the JTI - & a subsequent High Court case in Japan was also thrown out by the sitting judge regarding smoking related ilnesses.

Clearly, smoking is a vital part of modern-day japanese culture and economy and it shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.