The government's recently unveiled anti-smoking plan has sparked an outcry from lung cancer patients and other activists because it leaves a gaping loophole that basically allows customers in restaurants and bars to continue lighting up.
The plan released Jan. 30 by the health ministry backpedaled from its initial goal of introducing a total ban on indoor smoking to prevent passive smoking in public spaces ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Strong opposition from the tobacco and restaurant industries, as well as the government's addiction to tax revenue from cigarettes, won out.