In the VIZ translation of the manga, Akutsu has a toothpick instead of a cigarette. It looks very dumb. Manga seems to get away with more than anime does, language- and content-wise. But still, Akutsu is a delinquent -- I don't know why they couldn't show him smoking.

It's still quite acceptable in Japan to smoke, esp for adult men, so I'm not really sure how to take Nanjiroh's smoking. (In other sports series I've followed, smoking only has a negative connotation when it's done by kids.) Certainly, it shows him as no longer a sportsman.

I *thought* I'd seen Sakaki smoking in the manga or a promo image, but I could easily be wrong about that.

Perfect mix of analysis, speculation and Kaidoh

Hee! I'm trying to ensure everyone gets their RDA of Kaidoh.