Japan’s Smoke-Free Model Is Already Saving Lives Worldwide, Says Report

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International health experts are today calling on Japan to continue leading the way on reducing the deadly toll of tobacco, as a major new report from Smoke Free Sweden shows that safer nicotine alternatives are cutting smoking, improving health and providing a model for the world to follow.

Since heated tobacco products were introduced in Japan a decade ago, smoking prevalence has fallen from 21% to 16%, accompanied by the steepest drop in cigarette sales in the nation’s history, down by more than half.

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The new report, The Safer Nicotine Revolution: Global Lessons, Healthier Futures, highlights Japan as one of the most compelling examples of how reduced-risk products can transform public health.

Since heated tobacco products were introduced in Japan a decade ago, smoking prevalence has fallen from 21% to 16%, accompanied by the steepest drop in cigarette sales in the nation’s history, down by more than half.

“Japan’s experience shows how powerful safer nicotine alternatives can be,” said report co-author Dr. Hiroya Kumamaru, a cardiovascular surgeon and vice director of AOI International Hospital in Kawasaki, Japan.

“Millions of Japanese adults have switched away from cigarettes to heated tobacco, leading to a rapid decline in smoking and the promise of a healthier future for our population. This is a success story for Japan and is a lesson for the entire world.”

The health benefits are already becoming visible. Studies of biomarkers show significantly lower levels of toxicants and inflammation in those who switch from cigarettes to heated tobacco.

Health modelling suggests that if just half of Japanese smokers made the switch, up to 12 million cases of smoking-related disease - including COPD, stroke, heart disease and lung cancer - could be prevented.

Japan’s success sits alongside global leaders in harm reduction. Sweden has cut smoking to just 5.3%, the lowest in Europe, with lung cancer rates 61% lower than the EU average.

In the UK, integrating vaping into NHS quit services is projected to prevent 166,000 premature deaths by 2052, while in New Zealand, legalising and promoting vaping has halved smoking in just six years, with hospitalisations and deaths from smoking-related diseases already declining.

Together, these countries show that safer alternatives save lives.

“Japan is providing the world with a blueprint for how to reduce the burden of smoking-related disease,” said Dr. Delon Human, report co-author and leader of Smoke Free Sweden. “By embracing harm reduction, Japan has set itself on a healthier path. Other countries should follow its example because by doing so, millions of lives can be saved worldwide.”