One year after Osaka implemented a smoking ban on its streets, the city is experiencing a wave of complaints over enforcement difficulties. With a considerable number of smokers disregarding the law due to lack of penalty, the regulation's efficacy is being called into question. While the ban was instituted to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke, an apparent lack of social and legal enforcement is undermining its intended benefits.

In Japan, politeness and respect for others is highly valued, which includes maintaining cleanliness of communal places. The public smoking ban in Osaka was an important step to improve the health and safety of its residents. However, without harsh penalties, many smokers appear to be ignoring the restriction, leading to widespread criticism.

In comparison, countries in the EU and states in the US have also implemented smoking bans in public areas, including sidewalks. In these regions, smoking bans are usually accompanied by hefty penalties that serve as effective deterrents, while in Japan, the lack of a significant deterrent seems to be the main criticism.