Key Facts
• Health Promotion Act revised in 2018, fully enforced from April 1, 2020.
• Indoor smoking banned in principle; smoking rooms require compliance with technical standards.
• Subsidy applications for passive smoking prevention measures accepted until fiscal year 2025.
• Targeted at small business owners, especially restaurants with specific conditions:
– Operating as of April 1, 2020.
– Capital of 50 million yen or less.
– Seating area of 100㎡ or less.
• Two types of smoking rooms eligible for subsidies:
– Smoking-only rooms (no eating allowed).
– Designated tobacco-only rooms (eating allowed, for heated tobacco only).
• Subsidy covers up to 2/3 of costs for restaurants, capped at 1 million yen per site.
• Eligible expenses include construction, equipment, and ventilation systems.
• Applications must be submitted by January 31 of the fiscal year to local labor offices.
• Construction must not begin before subsidy approval; exceptions require prior authorization.
Summary
The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare continues to accept applications for the Passive Smoking Prevention Subsidy through fiscal year 2025. This program supports small business owners, particularly restaurant operators, in complying with the revised Health Promotion Act, which mandates indoor smoking bans and technical standards for smoking rooms. Eligible businesses must meet specific criteria, including size and capital limits. Subsidies cover up to 2/3 of costs, with a maximum of 1 million yen per site, for constructing or upgrading smoking rooms. Applications must be submitted by January 31 of the fiscal year, and construction cannot begin before approval. The initiative aims to enhance public health by reducing passive smoking risks.
