Japan's Osaka bans street smoking ahead of Expo 2025

The smoking ban has been expanded to the whole of Osaka city, and violators face a fine of 1,000 yen (US$6.40). - AFP)

TOKYO: The Japanese city of Osaka on Monday (Jan 27) imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year's World Expo.

Around 160 countries and regions are participating in Expo 2025, the latest edition of an event held every five years in different global locations.