To the Editor.—I read with great interest the article by Dr Barker and others.1 To my regret, it seems difficult at present that smoking is not totally banned in hospitals in Japan. Japan is one of the developing countries concerning antismoking, although she is a civilized and industrial nation. Many spot commercials sponsored not only by Japanese but also by American tobacco companies appear on television every night.2 It is estimated that there are about 500 000 tobacco vending machines throughout the country.
According to the survey by the Japan Tobacco Industry in 1988, 61.2% of men smoke and 13.1% of women. On the other hand, according to a survey released by the Prime Minister's Office, half of all people questioned want wider restrictions on smoking in public places, as well as on sales of cigarettes in vending machines. Some 90% of those who want more restrictions