Here’s something you don’t hear every day: Osaka is sprucing up for Expo 2025, but instead of planting flowers, it’s banning cigarettes. Yep, you read that right. The city has rolled out a sweeping public smoking ban to boost its image and create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone.

Starting January 27, lighting up in parks, plazas, roads, and other public spots is a no-go. The ban even covers vapes, and violators will face a fine of 1,000 yen (about $6). City officials say this move is all about making Osaka a more welcoming place for international visitors and locals alike.

Japan already has strict smoking laws, like bans in restaurants and offices, and it’s illegal for anyone under 20 to buy tobacco. But public areas? That’s a different story. Many places, like train stations and airports, still have designated smoking rooms.

Interestingly, smoking rates in Japan have dropped significantly over the years. In 2000, about 32% of Japanese adults smoked, but by 2022, that number had halved to 16%. For context, in the U.S., nearly 20% of adults reported using tobacco products in 2022.

Osaka isn’t the first Japanese city to crack down on public smoking. Tokyo did the same ahead of the 2020 Olympics, and those rules are still in place. And let’s not forget the occasional public figure getting caught smoking underage. Take Shoko Miyata, captain of Japan’s women’s gymnastics team, who withdrew from the Paris Olympics last year after admitting to smoking and drinking at 19.

With Expo 2025 just around the corner, Osaka has invested over 164.7 billion yen ($1.16 billion) in urban projects to prepare for the event. The expo, running from April to October, will bring together representatives from 158 countries and regions for exhibits and discussions.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Osaka, better leave the smokes at home. The city is going smoke-free, and it’s all in the name of keeping things clean, safe, and ready to impress the world.