Japan’s PM Ishiba’s Battle with Smoking Amidst Tight Schedule

• Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a known heavy smoker, has seen his habit reduced due to his busy schedule.
• Ishiba has admitted his struggle with smoking and has considered quitting entirely.
• The revised health promotion law in Japan, which prohibits indoor smoking in public places, has added complexity to Ishiba’s struggle.
• Ishiba’s journey to quit smoking reflects the broader shift in attitudes towards smoking in Japan and globally.

In the bustling city of Tokyo, the life of a Prime Minister is one of constant movement and unending responsibilities. For Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a known heavy smoker, finding a moment of respite to indulge in his habit has become an increasingly difficult task. Ishiba’s schedule, packed to the brim since his ascension to the role of Prime Minister in October, has drastically reduced his smoking habit. Once a heavy smoker, he now only manages to smoke a few cigarettes a day. The pressure of his position has even led him to contemplate quitting smoking entirely.

During a parliamentary session last month, Ishiba openly admitted his struggle with his smoking habit. He expressed his need for more time to completely quit smoking, a habit he has nurtured for a long time. He also made it clear that he refrains from smoking in the presence of others, a testament to his respect for the people around him.

Ishiba’s fondness for tobacco is well-known. His love for smoking is so profound that he once confessed to his close associates that if he were forced to choose between smoking and drinking, he would undoubtedly give up drinking. This statement not only highlights his preference but also underscores the depth of his attachment to smoking.

The Prime Minister’s Smoking Habit: A Look into the Past

Before his tenure as the Prime Minister, Ishiba was a frequent visitor to the smoking lounge in the Diet building. Rumors even suggest that he had his own designated chair in the lounge, a testament to his frequent visits. However, his new role and the accompanying responsibilities have significantly reduced his visits to the lounge.

At home, the situation is no different. His wife, Yoshiko, a non-smoker, has created an environment where smoking is not encouraged. The Prime Minister himself has admitted that he is not in a situation where he can freely smoke at home.

The scrutiny on smokers has intensified in recent years. The revised health promotion law, which came into effect in 2020, has further tightened the noose. The law prohibits smoking indoors in government buildings and other public places across Japan. This has added another layer of complexity to Ishiba’s struggle with his smoking habit.

Adapting to New Norms: A Challenge for Ishiba

With smoking now banned in the Prime Minister’s office, Ishiba has resorted to eating candy during meetings, a small but significant change in his routine. However, as one source close to him pointed out, habits cannot be easily changed. It is clear that the Prime Minister’s journey to quit smoking will be a long and challenging one.

Historically, there have been several instances of world leaders struggling with similar habits. For instance, former U.S. President Barack Obama was known to be a smoker before he took office. He too had to grapple with his smoking habit during his tenure, eventually managing to quit with the help of nicotine gum.