A sanctuary³ in a hostile land. That's what Tokyo smokers got when Japan Tobacco Inc. rolled out a trailer that was remodeled for use as a free-smoking space.

Dubbed⁴ the SmoCar, the trailer is parked in a space in front of a big office building in Tokyo's central Chiyoda ward⁵.

Smoking on the street was banned in the busy parts of the ward since last October, and a system of fines -- up to 0 for multiple offences -- began in November.

"I smoke pretty heavily so having this kind of space makes me happy," said 28-year-old Hirokazu Sato, who stopped by to take a puff² inside the new smokers' paradise.

The 27-foot-long silver trailer does not come with any seats, but has counters equipped with ashtrays⁶ and room enough for around 20 smokers to puff away to their heart's content.

If the trailer gains popularity Japan Tobacco may introduce more of them, a JT official said.

Smokers welcomed the idea.

"It would become even easier to use if there were more of them and if they were placed near the train station," Sato said.