Japan is facing a potential nation-wide spread of so-called 'Zombie Tobacco.' The term refers to discontinued tobacco products that continue to sell, despite efforts by the government and health agencies to curb smoking. The concern lies in these products’ persistence on shelves and their potential to prolong nicotine addiction among the population. Regulatory and health officials are currently discussing potential solutions.
As Japan has a considerable smoking population, public health campaigns have been promoting the reduction of tobacco consumption. Legal measures are also in place to restrict indoor smoking and tobacco advertisement. The resilience of 'Zombie Tobacco' represents a challenge to these efforts. Public sentiment generally supports anti-smoking measures, though progress is met with resistance due to the longstanding cultural acceptance of smoking and the tobacco industry's influence.
In the US and EU, similar efforts to constrain the spread of tobacco use are in place. However, unlike Japan where the issue of 'Zombie Tobacco' is prevalent, the US and EU focus more on issues related to electronic smoking devices. E-cigarette use among teenagers is a particular concern, leading to strict regulations and public awareness initiatives.