Japan Sumo Association Will Ban Smoking in Stadium [07/14-7]

Excerpts from: Sumo smoking ban

The Japan Times [07/13/04]

The Japan Sumo Association announced Monday it will ban smoking in all seats at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, beginning with the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January.

Smoking is currently banned in principle at the spectator stand of the stadium, with the exception of the pricey "masuseki" box seats.

Isenoumi, one of the association's directors, said smoking corners would be designated at other parts of the facility, although these spaces would be limited.

The latest move was taken in response to calls from citizens' groups and a notice from the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry in June calling for smoking and nonsmoking areas to be separated, the association said.

Spectators at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, which will be held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in September, will be encouraged to cut down on their smoking and will be informed of the new policy, the association said.

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