The once famous smoking paradise Tokyo faces controversial times in regards to a possible smoking ban, and the international community is yet to follow its footsteps.

Tokyo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world and also one of the most peaceful ones, is commonly known for its infinite amount of smokers. Even though statistics have shown a decrease in this vicious habit, the metropolitan assembly is close to voting for a cigarette ban that will prohibit smoking in public places. This has arose incredible controversy among citizens and the international community. Measures have been taken everywhere around the world to make active smokers conscious about the subject, but a battle against addiction is always hard to fight. Will Colombia be next?

“It’s needless to say that exposure to secondhand smoke can lead to increased risk of pulmonary cancer or sudden infant death syndrome, which has been proven scientifically,” said Tokyo’s current governor, Yuriko Koike.

This is only one of the many reasons Koike has been explaining  in regards to the smoking ban. It has infuriated many, but it has not been stipulated just yet. Many people around the The Columbus School body have faced the same ultimatum with their smoking area, but it remains on school campus.

“Initially I want to say that I am an active smoker and have been for 39 years, however I am in the process of quitting. In regards to what is happening in Tokyo I respectfully disagree; if they ban smokers why not ban everyone who has an addiction? What about obese people addicted to food? Drug addicts? Alcoholics?… I am extremely grateful for the space the school grants smokers; if we are not bothering any non smokers I don’t see a problem. I think nowadays people who smoke are more respectful to those who don’t,” said Marcela Eusse, current TCS 6th grade Spanish teacher.

Still many have began to wonder how life in Colombia would be with a smoking ban in public areas, and they completely reject the idea.

“I think it is completely unfair. People who smoke like me have the need to smoke and it is not something that can be easily changed… many times it can help calm your nerves or anxiety and it is something I am not willing to give up,” said a TCS student whose name will remain anonymous.

This topic has indeed been extremely controversial, but final decisions are yet to be made in Tokyo and Colombia’s future.

“You are not harming anyone but yourself [when you are smoking alone]; yes it harms your body but only you decide what you do with it, and you have that exclusive right,” said the anonymous student once again.