Problem solved.
Throw me down the stairs my pants.
Of course this is Japanese. It says:
To the most honorable smoking guest
Smoking is not allowed inside the building if you please
Do it in the outdoor “smoking corner” we most humbly request.
Note the katakana KO-NA- = “corner” in the middle of the bottom line.
(BTW, this was a laborious effort for me, just so you know. )