It has been very interesting to read articles and view points by Dr
Dennis Raphael. The issue he raised on the above subject relates to
the social determinants of health. In this instance, the income level
and social class of Japanese citizens.

I think there must be other positive confounding factors, either
their social environment or biological make-up, that "nullifies" the
toxic effects of smoking (e.g. high fish diet, etc.)

It surprises me to see smokers buying cigarettes in front of a very
obvious warning notice that smoking kills - here in Australia (and
perhaps many parts of the world). How could intelligent and literate
people ignore such health warnings?

I would be very interested to hear of some community banning smoking
altogether and classifying it on the same category as other illegal
drugs. Sounds very drastic and undemocratic but it could be an
opening to controlling the smoking epidemic in society.
Josaia Samuela