The Japanese city is “beautifying” itself ahead of hosting the World Expo — not by planting flowers, but by banning cigarettes.

According to Osaka City officials, the primary objective of this initiative is to create a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for both residents and visitors.

A city in Japan has banned public smoking ahead of the six-month global event, Expo 2025.According to CNN, one of the biggest cities in Japan, Osaka has decided to “beautify” World Expo 2025 by banning cigarettes in the city.

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

As this city prepares to host Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, smoking regulations are becoming increasingly strict. A citywide ban on street smoking･･･

Osaka mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama says the ban will make city ‘safe’. Meanwhile the Osaka region is extending a ban on smoking in restaurants.

Osaka has implemented a strict smoking ban in public areas as it prepares to host Expo 2025, aiming to enhance safety, cleanliness, and its image as an international destination. As of January 27, smoking is prohibited on roads,