The government has begun belated efforts to restrict smoking in Japan, which has long been a smokers' haven. In May 2003, the government enacted the Health Promotion Law to reduce exposure to passive smoking. In March it signed the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control -- which sets forth minimum international standards to restrict smoking -- for ratification by the Diet in the current session. And in April, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry headquarters became the first central government building to introduce a total ban on smoking.

The Health Promotion Law has raised social consciousness of the need to prevent passive smoking in public places. An increasing number of primary, junior high and senior high schools nationwide are introducing a total ban on smoking. However, the law does not stipulate penalties for violations.

Most private businesses have taken no action to comply with the law. More than 80 percent of Japan's restaurants and bars have yet to restrict smoking. No-smoking taxis account for only 0.6 percent of the nation's company-operated taxi fleets. Competition is harsh in the taxi industry, and operators are reluctant to offend smoking customers by imposing no-smoking rules. They are more interested in promoting business than in protecting drivers' health.