Hello, I'm new here, actually this is my first post!
I am very curious about smoking in Japan.
I am a woman studying Japanese at my university and hope to study abroad or move there someday.
I have a few concerns....
First off being a smoker, I don't know the proper etiquette dealing with smoking. (I'm from America, where mostly we smoke outside or in our cars now)
Where do Japanese people go to smoke?
Is it bad if you are a woman and smoke?
Thank you for any answers!

Welcome

Smoking areas are easy to spot in Japan.. there will be an ashtray and a sign and a bunch of smokers.

Sometimes a smoking room - also easy to spot.

Smoking is not considered as evil in Japan as it is in some other countries... not so common amongst women, though...

You wont be the only woman probably.

The old dude made this on the topic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB5B4yF5cu4

Thank you! This was very helpful!

In japan,the area you can smoke is limited.And I think not so many women smoke outdoors.