By Peter Harris -- As the anti-smoking movement gains momentum, Japan Tobacco draws up its battle plans. Smoking bans in public is a global trend that is taking off everywhere—or everywhere except Japan, one of the world’s most smoker friendly nations. In a controversial new move, summer 2008 saw the Japanese government consider a threefold tax increase on cigarettes. The proposal submitted to the tax commission would see cigarettes reach prices of 1,000 yen a packet, up from the 300 yen ($3) a pack it is today. Compared to other industrialized nations, tobacco in Japan is sold at an astonishingly low price—cigarettes in Canada, the UK and Norway cost at least $10.

J@pan Inc revisits the topic of smoking in Japan and, we explain why we are sponsoring a publicity campaign to raise awareness about how adults could do more to protect children from the dangers of passive smoking. Read Now

This week's newsletter looks at smoking in Japan from a commercial, legal and social perspective. What part is played by Japan Tobacco, the government, social norms and women in keeping cigarrettes alight in Japan? Read Now