Smoking incidents reported on high-speed rail platforms and trains

Recent reports have highlighted ongoing issues with smoking violations on high-speed rail networks in Japan and China.

In Japan, a passenger on the Tohoku Shinkansen caused a disturbance by using an electronic cigarette while seated. The smoke spread through the carriage, forcing other passengers to evacuate to the deck area. The individual was issued a strict warning and moved to a different seat. While Shinkansen trains are strictly non-smoking, including electronic cigarettes, the incident has sparked social media debate regarding the enforcement of rules and the impact of secondhand smoke in enclosed spaces.

In China, a passenger filed a lawsuit against Ningbo Railway Station and the China Railway Shanghai Group. The plaintiff alleged that the station provided ashtrays and smoking poles directly beneath “No Smoking” signs on the platforms, creating a contradictory environment that exposed travelers to secondhand smoke. The lawsuit seeks the removal of smoking implements and improved management. During the mediation process, the station reportedly removed the “No Smoking” signs while leaving the ashtrays in place, drawing criticism from the public.