THE TOBACCO is now open, aiming to create a town that both smokers and non-smokers can enjoy.

These are really hard times for smokers. It goes without saying that the number of smoking areas is decreasing, but as of April 1 of this year, smoking in restaurants and other indoor places has been prohibited in principle. Many people may be surprised to find that their favorite restaurant, where smoking used to be allowed, has become non-smoking when they go there after the ban! I am sure that there are many people who have been told that smoking has been banned in their favorite restaurants.

THE TOBACCO Kanda

A new smoking place brand "Smoking Place" was launched in June for such smokers and non-smokers who do not want to be exposed to secondhand smoke.THE TOBACCOThe purpose of the new restaurants is "to realize a more mannerly and comfortable smoke-free environment and to promote tobacco culture". The new shops were opened in Kanda and Akasaka with the aim of "promoting smoking culture and realizing a better-mannered and more comfortable smoke-free environment.

The Tobacco" aims to reduce violations of manners such as smoking and littering on the streets, and to provide a pleasant experience for both nonsmokers and smokers. By establishing new smoking areas, we aim to revitalize the shopping district and surrounding areas, and plan to open 4 locations in 2020 and 13 locations in 2021.

THE TOBACCO Asakusa

The inside of the smoking area features a sophisticated atmosphere that differs from the traditional image.

This is due to the space design by Shuhei YONEDA of "Shuhei YONEDA/L'ATELIER". The modern, minimalist space with attention to detail by Yoneda, who has worked for IDEE in Japan, Jean Nouvel Design in Paris, France, and Yabu Pushelberg in New York, U.S.A., is appealing.

The smoking area is equipped with a dust collector and smoke exhaust output adjustment function optimized for the facility, which is a pleasant feature that prevents odors from remaining on clothes. Three pieces of equipment, with the addition of air conditioning and heating, can be adjusted depending on the crowd and time of day to create a comfortable space.

It also features a separate entrance and an adjacent coffee stand. In addition to offering cigarettes, coffee, café lattes, and alcoholic beverages, the shop plans to develop related goods in collaboration with illustrators and graphic designers. As a first step, pop-up items featuring illustrations by illustrator Ryo Kanayasu are being released. This should keep you occupied while waiting for someone to smoke.

Don't be satisfied if it's good enough for you alone, but be considerate of those around you so that you don't cause discomfort. This is the way to deal with cigarettes in the future.