No Smoking Day (Kin'en no Hi)

What is No Smoking Day?

The 22nd of every month is observed as "No Smoking Day" (Kin'en no Hi) in Japan, established by the Japan Smoking Cessation Promotion Academic Network (a general incorporated association), a group of medical societies promoting smoking cessation. The idea comes from the shape of the number "2," which resembles a swan: "22" becomes "swan swan," which sounds like "suwan suwan" — Japanese for "I won't smoke, I won't smoke."

Origins and Background of No Smoking Day

No Smoking Day was established to raise awareness about protecting health from the harms of tobacco. Internationally, May 31st is well known as "World No Tobacco Day," designated by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Japan, the 22nd of every month is also observed as "No Smoking Day," with activities encouraging people toward smoking cessation.

• Origin: "2" looks like a swan; "22" = "swan swan" = "suwan suwan" (won't smoke)
• Established by: The Japan Smoking Cessation Promotion Academic Network, joined by 19 medical societies
• Frequency: The 22nd of every month
• Purpose: Raising awareness of smoking cessation and the prevention of secondhand smoke

Fun Facts About Smoking Cessation

• Secondhand Smoke Measures: Following revisions to Japan's Health Promotion Act, indoor smoking is now banned in principle at many facilities.
• The Benefits of Quitting: After quitting smoking, blood pressure and heart rate can improve within a short period, and the long-term risk of various diseases is expected to decrease.
• Smoking Cessation Clinics: Medical institutions offer smoking cessation support, including the use of prescription medications to help people quit.

Ideas for No Smoking Day

If you're thinking about quitting smoking, this day is a good opportunity to look into resources such as smoking cessation clinics. It's also a good chance to reflect once again on consideration for others when it comes to secondhand smoke.