With smoking now prohibited in a vast number of public spaces, the nation's sidewalks are viewed by some as the last refuge for those who want to light up.
But beginning this fall, smoking will be banned in seven office and shopping districts in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, including Akihabara, Yurakucho and Kanda.
Last month, the Chiyoda Ward Assembly passed the country's first local ordinance that bans and penalizes smoking in the open in designated areas. Under the ordinance, which takes effect Oct. 1, anyone caught smoking more than once on the streets in the seven districts faces an administrative fine of up to 20,000 yen.