2 million lives could be saved by 2060 if Japan embraces tobacco harm reduction
STOCKHOLM, 2 December 2024 – Adopting comprehensive tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies could save more than two million lives in Japan by 2060, according to a groundbreaking new report.
The analysis, conducted by international health experts, shows the enormous potential of combining better cessation services, improved lung cancer treatment and the introduction of a full range of THR products, such as e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches.
With 157,180 Japanese lives lost to tobacco each year, this report calls for immediate action to prevent further needless deaths.
Dr. Delon Human, co-author of the report and a global advocate for THR, said: “We are facing a preventable tragedy. Millions of lives can be saved, but only if policymakers embrace the science and make all safer nicotine alternatives accessible to smokers who cannot or will not quit.”
While Japan’s smoking prevalence has decreased from 31.7% in 2000 to 19.4% in 2024, it remains unlikely that WHO’s 2025 target of 15.5% will be achieved. At the same time, cigarette sales in Japan have fallen by over 52% in the past decade, driven largely by the growing use of heated tobacco products (HTPs). However, other innovative THR products, such as e-cigarettes, remain banned.
“Japan’s sharp decline in cigarette sales shows the power of harm reduction products, even when only one option is available,” Dr. Human added. “Switching to safer nicotine products is significantly more effective than traditional cessation tools, such as nicotine replacement therapy. Our analysis underscores that if Japan adopts a more inclusive THR strategy, over 2.04 million lives could be saved by 2060.”
The authors call on Japanese policymakers to legalise and support the full spectrum of THR products, ensuring they are accessible, affordable, and acceptable to adult smokers. The report also highlights the need for broader physician and government support to accelerate smoking declines and improve public health outcomes.
Dr. Human, who is leader of Smoke Free Sweden, concluded: “Every smoker who switches to a safer nicotine product takes a powerful step toward improving their health and reducing the economic burden of smoking-related disease.
“Swedes have made smoking history by virtually eradicating smoking through the use of safer smoke-free alternatives.
“Other countries worldwide must stop ignoring the evidence. Tobacco harm reduction is the key to unlocking a smoke-free future, not just in Sweden, but globally. The time to act is now.”
ENDS
About Smoke Free Sweden
Smoke Free Sweden is a campaign which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. Sweden’s smoke free success can be attributed to its open attitude towards alternative nicotine products.
For more information on Sweden’s successful approach to becoming a smoke free nation, please visit www.smokefreesweden.org.
Contact
Smoke Free Sweden
info@smokefreesweden.org