Japan’s anti-smoking movement has been gaining strength in its effort to protect the rights of non-smokers and to save lives, but Japan Tobacco’s political muscle remains undiminished.
The World Health Organization estimates that there will be a shortage of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. This equates to a 20% gap in the global capacity to provide healthcare services. Japan, which is already grappling with an aging society and its attendant problems, is at the forefront of this crisis.
This Week in Japan is your source for news and information about politics and other happenings in this East Asian island country. This episode covers the Top Five stories of the second week of August 2017.
Haruo Ozaki, Chairman of the Tokyo Medical Association, calls for local governments to act against tobacco even if the national government continues to drag its feet.
Dr. Douglas Bettcher of the Director of the World Health Organization explains the human costs of cigarette smoking in Japan.
