THIS Asian city bans public smoking ahead of hosting Expo 2025

THIS Asian city bans public smoking ahead of hosting Expo 2025
THIS Asian city bans public smoking ahead of hosting Expo 2025

A city in Japan has banned public smoking ahead of the six-month global event, Expo 2025.

According to CNN, one of the biggest cities in Japan, Osaka has decided to “beautify” World Expo 2025 by banning cigarettes in the city.

Under the public smoking ban, which took effect on January 27, 2025, citizens cannot smoke cigarettes or vape on roads, in parks, in plazas, or in other public places. People who violate this rule will be fined 1,000 yen (about $6).

Osaka will be hosting a six-month Expo 2025, which is scheduled to begin on April 13, 2025, and end on October 13, 2025, in which representatives from 158 countries and regions will participate in exhibitions, demonstrations, and talks.

The city officials announced in a statement, “Osaka City will expand its no-smoking areas to cover the entire city to enhance safety, cleanliness, and its image as an international tourist destination. This initiative aims not only to beautify the city but also to ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable living environment for residents and visitors.”

Moreover, the current federal laws in Japan also largely ban smoking in restaurants, offices, and public transportation, while some cities have banned smoking in every public place, while tobacco and smoking are illegal in Japan for people under the age of 20.

Read more : World

Elon Musk's ex Grimes slams social media, calls X 'poison'

Elon Musk's ex Grimes slams social media, calls X 'poison'
Grimes and Elon Musk share three children: X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Techno Mechanicus

Archaeologists unearth 3 mysterious tombs in southern Egypt’s Aswan region

Archaeologists unearth 3 mysterious tombs in southern Egypt’s Aswan region
The site is located on the west side of the Nile River across from the city of Aswan in southern Egypt

Henry Moore’s art to feature in largest ever open-air exhibition at Kew Gardens

Henry Moore’s art to feature in largest ever open-air exhibition at Kew Gardens
Henry Moore is best known for his semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures

Typhoon Danas kills two in Taiwan, thousands evacuate as storm nears China

Typhoon Danas kills two in Taiwan, thousands evacuate as storm nears China
Almost 700,000 homes face power outage and more than 300 local and international flights have been cancelled

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupts, ash reaches 11 miles

Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano erupts, ash reaches 11 miles
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano blasts ash 11 miles into the air in Indonesia

Countries with highest press freedom in 2025

Countries with highest press freedom in 2025
There are still some countries in the world that are considered the best when it comes to press freedom amid global decline

‘Mushroom murder' trial: How Erin Patterson killed three with Beef Wellington?

‘Mushroom murder' trial: How Erin Patterson killed three with Beef Wellington?
Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering family members with death cap mushrooms

Ivanka Trump pens heartfelt message for Texas 'devastating flood' victims

Ivanka Trump pens heartfelt message for Texas 'devastating flood' victims
Devastating Texas floods claim at least 82 lives, dozens still unaccounted for

Dalai Lama commemorates his 90th birthday with support from world leaders

Dalai Lama commemorates his 90th birthday with support from world leaders
The 14th Dalai Lama's decision on choosing his own successor did not sit well with China causing geopolitical tensions

Musk ‘ridiculous’ third party draws criticism from Trump: ‘Can have fun with it’

Musk ‘ridiculous’ third party draws criticism from Trump: ‘Can have fun with it’
Donald Trump calls Elon Musk's America Party 'ridiculous,' emphasising the 'two-party system’

Pope Leo offers prayers for Texas flood victims as death toll rises to 82

Pope Leo offers prayers for Texas flood victims as death toll rises to 82
President Donald Trump has called the Texas flood a major disaster as rescuers continue their search for missing people

UK’s hidden seaside town named ideal spot for peaceful summer escape

UK’s hidden seaside town named ideal spot for peaceful summer escape
The town is located between white chalk cliffs and is still a working fishing village, with rich history