Smoking area with a charge of 50 yen per time Open in Tokyo

July 4, 2012, Tokyo, Japan - The stuff uniform of "Ippuku" is seen in the photo. Cigarette smoking laws have changed in recent years as taxes were raised on tobacco products and smoking in public area generally prohibited other than in those specially designated smoking zones. If people are caught smoking in areas other than in those designated smoking zones, they will face an on-the-spot fine of 2,000 Japanese yen (approximately $20.00 USD). To make it more convenient for smokers in Japan, a company in Tokyo, General Holdings Co., Ltd., opened three "Ippuku" branches (or a small smoking break centers) in Tokyo on July 2. These break centers have opened up in the business district areas of Awajimachi, Ochanomizu and Kanda in downtown Tokyo. People can enter this center by paying an admission fee of 50 Japanese yen (approximately $.50 cents) by using their rechargeable PASMO or SUICA smart card. Once inside, there are also vending machines offering drinks at a separate cost to accompany a person's smoke break time. Visitor can try this service free of charge until July 15. Takeshi Kitada, President of General Holdings Co., Ltd. said "We are going to open up more branches primarily in the Chiyoda ward district of Tokyo, but in the future we will expand into other parts of Tokyo. Since smoking in the general public is prohibited, it's important for us to create a convenience for not only smokers, but for non-smokers as well on not having to be bothered by tobacco smoke in the air." (Photo by Yumeto Yamazaki/AFLO)