The Japanese city is “beautifying” itself ahead of hosting the World Expo — not by planting flowers, but by banning cigarettes.

Osaka mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama says the ban will make city ‘safe’. Meanwhile the Osaka region is extending a ban on smoking in restaurants.

The move comes "to improve the environment and beautify the city in a way that is appropriate for an international tourist city," according to the statement.

The city of Osaka on Monday imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year's World Expo. Around 160 countries and regions are participating in Expo 2025,