Regardless of how ridiculous they may be, rules are invariably something to be respected in Japan, but sometimes, and especially so when it comes to a cigarette,
they are finally there to be broken.
Cigarette subversion
Photographs from a small group of islands
John E. says
Reminds me of Onizuka-sensei.
Jason Collin Photography says
Lee, when I saw this (often) in Tokyo I would POINT at the sign. In Shinjuku where there were no smoking signs right on the sidewalk, I would point at them too. Often the guys would just laugh like it was some kind of joke, not really knowing the rage I felt at that moment as they violated my civil rights. So glad to be back in one of 2 countries with any kind of legit no smoking laws.
wormgear says
Wow. er… Really!? Well now here’s a man who truly dislikes cigarette smoke!
Lee says
To be perfectly honest, cigarette smoke doesn’t bother me at all. And, as an ex-smoker, how could I say otherwise? Especially so as I thoroughly enjoyed it — particularly when combined with a beer.
But that aside, I can perfectly understand people wanting smoking banned indoors, but outside, and especially in a big city, I really don’t see the point. Or indeed the need.
Jason Collin Photography says
Alright Lee. This is the analogy I use to counter. If you feel smacking people in the face with unfiltered second hand smoke is not a violation of one’s civil rights and an assault on them physically, then I can walk down the street just randomly swinging my baseball bat. It’s outside so it’s ok. If it happens to hit someone in the face, oh well I guess.
I guess this just goes to my point that the only two countries in the world that actually think smoking is bad are the U.S. & Canada. Not being able to eat in any cafe/restaurant besides Starbucks in Japan without being assaulted by 2nd hand smoke was basically the #1 reason to leave Japan. I just could not live in a place like that anymore, and was sick of not being able to go to a cafe/restaurant and enjoy a meal.
No one on this planet has a right to make me breath smoke. As long as I stay out of society rotting bars and other places of decadence, then in my own home, in my own car, and in public spaces, I should never have to endure even one breath of horrid smoke.
Lee says
Actually, there’s no smoking allowed in indoor public places back in the U.K now, and as much as I enjoyed a ciggie, when I go back home it’s a move that I really appreciate. And it’s something that Japan can certainly learn from.
I still don’t agree with you when it comes to people smoking outside though. Obviously it’s something you feel incredibly strongly about, but in a big city in particular, where there are that many other pollutants in the air anyway, I personally don’t see what difference a bit of second hand smoke makes. Also, as you drive, couldn’t a non-driver make similar complaints to you about breathing in the fumes from your car?
Q says
I am a non smoker and have never smoked, but your analogy is garbage and I am not really shocked at all that people would laugh in your face.. you seem like a walking talking joke store.. believe it or not you are breathing in all sorts of particulates and smoke, all the time. Some occasional second hand smoke is not going to end you, and if you want to get away from the smoke its really not that hard usually unless you are being an asshat and trying to point at no smoking signs etc. I can understand the dislike of smoking indoors at restaurants and outside of designated areas(does not really bother me) but you seem like the type of person who wants to be contrary, for the sake of it. Go look up “third hand smoke”.. now you have something new and absurd to cry about. Good day.
Mann says
Wow, that’s quite a tan!
My Kafkaesque Life says
Ulzzang 😉
Tornadoes28 says
Surprised he didn’t mind you taking his photo.
He’s gotta do something about that hair though.
Lee says
I didn’t ask, although he wasn’t at all bothered when he caught me.
Shabby says
That’s very common in our country. In the city I live in, smoking is banned whether indoors or outdoors though there still are places we can still smoke. 🙂 But y’know, outdoors, you’ll see more “no peeing here” signs than “no smoking.”