The fight – well, let's say the antagonism – between smokers and non-smokers is getting more heated in Japan. In an apartment building where the majority are non-smokers poor Mr. Hojo has been ostracized to the point where he considers leaving. As soon as he goes to smoke on the balcony, the tenant upstairs phones him saying that his laundry hanging to dry is inhaling the smell (actually, he uses another less neutral term) of tobacco. Other times the neighbors complain that the fan spreads the smoke from his apartment up the stairs…
In another case, the wife who invites (smoking) guests to dinner sprays deodorant on them when they show up at the door. In a survey on smoking etiquette, a sample of non-smokers was asked how they would behave if someone started smoking at a business meeting. Almost half of the answers said: I get up and leave without saying a word. Not to mention the 'dating' encounters, when, at the slightest hint of smoke, the other half immediately 'fires' the unfortunate man or woman.
