Japan's national health and nutrition survey shows that 14.8% of respondents smoke regularly, tying the record low from 2022. The rate has consistently decreased since 2012, when it last exceeded 20%. Smoking is more common among men, especially those in their 40s and 50s.
The health ministry's national health and nutrition survey, released on Tuesday, found that around 1 in 7 people in Japan—14.8% of respondents—smoke regularly. This matches the record low from 2022 and continues a steady decline since 2012, the last year the rate exceeded 20%.
Smoking is far more prevalent among men, at 24.5%, compared to 6.5% for women. The highest rates appear among men in their 40s and 50s, where over 30% reported regular smoking. Nearly 1 in 5 smokers expressed a desire to quit.
The survey covers broader aspects of health and nutrition, including food intake, salt consumption, and diabetes risks. Keywords associated with the report include food, health, smoking, salt, diabetes, and MHLW. This drop in smoking rates signals progress in public health efforts in Japan.