JAPAN: 2018 Tobacco Industry Interference Index
1

Summary: This second report on the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on
2
Tobacco Control (FCTC) Article 5.3 shows there has been no progress. Japan is lagging far behind inpractically every aspect in the implementation of Article 5.3 Guidelines. There is strong interference
from the tobacco industry to weaken and/or delay tobacco control measures.
1. Industry participation in policy development: 15/20
The existence of tobacco business law, strong association between JT and the Government(through 33% ownership) and Policy Makers enables JT to participate in policy development whichfacilitates interference to weaken policies such as legislation on 100% smoke-free public places.
Finance Minister Taro Aso had questioned whether there is a connection between smoking
cigarettes and lung cancer.
2. Industry CSR activities: 5/5
JT conducts numerous CSR activities including sponsoring sports tournaments, games andcultural activities. The tobacco and Salt Museum is part owned by the government.
3. Benefits to the industry: 9/10
Allowing the tobacco industry to advertise, sponsor activities, applying ineffective text only
warnings on cigarette packs, allowing smoking in indoor public places through subsidies are all
benefits that the tobacco industry enjoys. The FCTC is not implemented effectively and thisbenefits the tobacco industry to continue to promote its business.
4. Unnecessary interaction: 10/15
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Tokyo Metropolitan government offer a
subsidy scheme, “Passive Smoking Prevention Measure Subsidy System” to hotels, restaurants
and local business to install smoking rooms. This is against Article 8 of the FCTC that call for100%
smoke-free policy in public and work places.
The tobacco industry has a close relationship with the Ministry of Finance and the ruling politicalparty, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
5. Transparency: 8/10
Meetings between top level officials, such as Ministers, with the JT are not publically disclosed.
There is no register for private tobacco companies operating in Japan such as PMI and BAT or
their lawyers and consultants acting on their behalf.
6. Conflict of Interest: 15/15
There is no prohibition on contributions from the tobacco industry to political campaigns. High level
officials, upon their retirement from government service, move to top leadership position in JT.
7. Preventive measures: 23/25
There is no public record of effort by the government to regularly raise awareness within its
departments on policies relating to FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines. The government has not put inplace a procedure for disclosing records of interaction with the tobacco industry and its
representatives. The government has not implemented a code of conduct for public officials,prescribing the standards they should comply in their dealings with the tobacco industry.
Recommendations:• The government must end all collaboration with JT’s CSR activities and sponsored events;• The government must end benefits given to JT to promote the tobacco business such as thesubsidy for smoking rooms, which violates FCTC Article 8 which requires all public and work
places to be 100% smoke-free.
• The Ministry of Finance must make transparent all interactions with the tobacco industry. The
government must have a procedure for dealing with the tobacco industry.
• The government must end the practice of “amakudari” as it negatively affects tobacco control
policy and public health.

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
1

This second report is based on publicly available evidence found between January – December 2017
WHO FCTC. Guidelines for implementation of Article 5.3; 2008
http://www.who.int/fctc/treaty_instruments/Guidelines_Article_5_3_English.pdf
2

	
  

1	
  

INDICATORS
Level of Industry Participation in Policy-Development
1. The government3 accepts, supports or endorses any offer forassistance by or in collaboration with the tobacco industry4 in setting
or implementing public health policies in relation to tobacco control5(Rec 3.1)

0 1

2 3

4

5
5

In 2016, the Health Ministry estimated about 15,000 people die annually in Japan from diseases
6
related to passive smoking. Indoor public places are not 100% smoke-free as required under FCTC
Article 8.
In 2017 the Health Ministry was forced to scale back a proposed bill for a blanket ban on public
7
smoking in the face of opposition by pro-smoking politicians, restaurateurs and Japan Tobacco. But
even the weaker bill foundered, due to opposition from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). By
June, pro-tobacco members of parliament in the Liberal Democratic Party succeeded in blocking the
introduction of legislation that would have banned smoking in bars and restaurants larger than 30
8 9square metres.

2. The government accepts, supports or endorses policies orlegislation drafted by or in collaboration with the tobacco industry.
(Rec 3.4)

5

The Tobacco Business Act, which in essence protects the tobacco industry, also covers regulation (orthe non-regulation) of tobacco advertising. There is no ban on tobacco advertising and promotions Self-regulation based on JT’s Global Marketing Principles.
Japan Tobacco claims, “The Tobacco Business Act, related acts and statutes and voluntary standards
set forth the regulations for the sale and promotion activities of tobacco products in Japan that include
the indication of warning labels on tobacco product advertisements and packages that urge caution
10
over the relationship between the consumption of tobacco products and health.”
The Tobacco Business Act requires JT to annually enter into purchase contracts with tobacco growers
about the aggregate cultivation area for specific varieties of leaf tobacco and the prices for leaf
tobacco by variety and grade. Leaf prices are decided by recommendation from Japan Tobacco Inc.
October 2017: The Leaf Tobacco Deliberative Council, chaired by Yoshio Kobayashi, released its
annual determinations for domestic tobacco leaf cultivation area and grower prices for 2018, in
11
response to a proposal submitted by JT. The Leaf Tobacco Deliberative Council is a council which
confers on important matters concerning the cultivation and purchase of domestically grown leaf
tobacco. The council consists of about 11 members, appointed by JT with the approval of the Minister

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
3

The term “government” refers to any public official whether or not acting within the scope of authority as long as
cloaked with such authority or holding out to another as having such authority
4
The term, “tobacco industry’ includes those representing its interests or working to further its interests, including
the State-owned tobacco industry.
5“Offer of assistance” may include draft legislation, technical input, recommendations, oversees study tour
6
Passive smoking kills 15,000 people a year in Japan, study finds. 1 May 2016, The Japan Times
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/05/31/national/science-health/passive-smoke-kills-15000-peopleannually-japan-health-study-finds/#.WVRgI1FLfDA
7
Elaine Lies. Japan Health Ministry to water down proposal on restaurant smoking: media; 17 Nov 2017,
Reuters; https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-smokingban/japan-health-ministry-to-water-down-proposal-onrestaurant-smoking-media-idUSKBN1DH0DR
8
Gavin Blair. A Tobacco-free 2020 Olympics … Or is Japan blowing smoke? SCMP. 18 Jun 2017;
http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/2098269/tobacco-free-2020-olympics-or-japan-blowing-smoke
9Japan fails to ignite ‘zero tolerance’ passive smoking ban under anti-cancer law; South China Morning Post; 24
Oct 2017 http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2116777/japan-fails-ignite-zero-tolerance-passivesmoking-ban-under-anti
10Japan Tobacco Inc. Annual Report 2016, Pg 64
https://www.jt.com/investors/results/annual_report/pdf/annual.fy2016_E_partition03.pdf
11
Japan Tobacco. Tobacco Council release determinants for 2018 tobacco cultivation, JT Press Release; 26 Oct
2017 https://www.jt.com/media/news/2017/pdf/20171026_E02.pdf
122017 Japan award for young agricultural researchers; 8 Nov 2017https://www.jircas.go.jp/en/reports/2017/r20171102
13
Push towards a smoke-free Olympics by Kanoko Matsuyama and Yuki Hagiwara Bloomberg News, 25 Apr
2017 https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-24/japanese-restaurants-thwart-push-toward-smokefree-olympics	
  	
  

	
  

2	
  

INDICATORS

0 1

2 3

4

5

of Finance from among representatives of domestic leaf tobacco growers and academic appointees.
Mr Yoshio Kobayashi was formerly the Vice Minister of Agriculture and now the Chairman of
12
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council (AFFRC).
In 2017 the Health Ministry filed a Bill in Parliament aimed to restrict smoking in public places such as
schools, hospitals, government buildings, bars and restaurants. There is no support for the bill fromthe majority ruling party. It was opposed by about 90 percent of the lawmakers in Japan’s ruling
13
Liberal Democratic Party argue it would put bars and restaurants out of business. Finally, Mr.
Shiozaki who was a Minister of Health Labor and Welfare resigned and new Minister proposed a billwhich does not meet an international standard accepting smoking in a restaurant or bar with the spaceless than 100 square meters. This was in accordance with the concept of TI. The Japanese
government owns 33 percent of JT.

3. The government allows/invites the tobacco industry to sit ingovernment interagency/ multi-sectoral committee/ advisory groupbody that sets public health policy. (Rec 4.8)
1 Never 5 Yes

5Since the government part owns JT and has a Tobacco and Salt Industries Bureau in the Ministry of
Finance, JT’s interests are taken into account in public health policy development.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is championing a law to ban smoking in all public places in
preparation for the coming 2020 Olympics. A Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare expert panel
compiled a white paper on smoking in July 2016 that said "there is sufficient evidence to assume acausal relationship" between smoking and lung cancer. During debate on the law, in February 2017,
Finance Minister Taro Aso had questioned whether there is a connection between smoking cigarettes
14
and lung cancer.
Mr Aso told a parliamentary session in 2017 that tobacco sales provide more than 2 trillion yen ($19billion) in tax revenues annually and a loss of that income would have a major impact on government
15
finances. 	
 In the exposé on tobacco industry by Reuters in July 2017, Mr Aso was identified to be pro-tobacco.

4. The government nominates or allows representatives from thetobacco industry (including State-owned) in the delegation to the
COP or other subsidiary bodies or accepts their sponsorship fordelegates. (i.e. COP 6 & 7) (Rec 4.9 & 8.3)

160

For evidence: http://www.who.int/fctc/en/ click on “Conference of the Parties”, “COP Sessions”, selectrelevant COP, click “Documentation”, “List of Participants”
There was no COP meeting in 2017

So-called CSR activities
5. A. The government agencies or its officials endorses, supports,
forms partnerships with or participates in so-called CSR activities
organized by the tobacco industry. (Rec 6.2)
B. The government (its agencies and officials) receives
contributions17 (monetary or otherwise) from the tobacco industry(including so-called CSR contributions). (Rec 6.4)
NOTE: exclude enforcement activities as this is covered in anotherquestion

5

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
14

Finance Minister Aso questions cigarettes-lung cancer link The Asahi Shimbun; 22 Feb 2017
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201702220031.html
15
Mari Yamaguchi. WHO: Japan needs anti-smoking law before Tokyo Olympics; he Associated Press, 7 April
2017 http://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=5151075&itype=CMSID
16
A Kalra et al. The Philip Morris Files; Slide No.16 https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/pmi-whofctc/

	
  

3	
  

INDICATORS

0 1

2 3

4

5

JT volley ball team:‘JT Thunders Volley Ball Classroom’ sponsored events involve elementary schools which will involve
endorsement by the Education authorities, and the events are held in public sports avenue in cities. JT
owns volley ball teams JT Marvelous (women) and JT Thunders (male) that play league level andevery year they hold Volley ball World Cup in Japan. These events are heavily promoted.
JT Thunders (Pro Volley Ball) http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/thunders/index.html	
  JT Marvelous (Pro Volley Ball) http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/marvelous/index.html	
  Provision of smoking space on streets
In cooperation with municipalities around the country, JT has established "smoking spaces" so thatsmokers and non-smokers both can be satisfied. Currently, JT has implemented this effort at 943
locations in collaboration with 212 municipalities nationwide. As of April 2011 initiatives to establish
smoking spaces are aimed at improving smoking etiquette such as when walking while smoking anddiscarding litter.
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/collabo/jireishu/02/index.html
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/collabo/list/index.html
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/collabo/jireishu/02/index.html
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/collabo/list/index.html	
  Campaign to promote cleaning-up the district:
JT conducts community level "picking up" garbage program called "campaign to promote cleaning up
the district" which uses youth citizen participation in collecting trash. City officials are involved in these
activities.
Clean up street http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/clean/index.html	
  Tobacco and salt museum which is endorsed by Japanese Government.
Tobacco and Salt museum http://www.jti.co.jp/Culture/museum/index.html	
  Physical distribution of JT is authorized as an eco-rail mark industry by the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport.
JT scholarship.
JT Biohistory Research Hall endorsed by a Japanese Government, and affiliated with the University ofOsaka.
JT Japanese Chess Championship
JT Cup Golf Japan series.
Affinis Cultural Foundation endorsed by Japanese Government, and JT Art Hall Affinis.
JT’s forest - in 8 places in Japan. Green bird to pick up tobacco butts.
Golf Japan Series JT cup http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/jtcup/index.html	
  JT Japanese Chess Japan Series http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/shogi/index.html	
  JT Forum (Culture event) http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/forum/index.html	
  JT Art Hall (Affinis) http://www.affinis.or.jp/	
  TV CM by JT http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/tvcm/index.html
JT Ｂｉｏｈｉｓｔｏｒｙ Research Hall http://www.brh.co.jp/	
  JT Forest http://www.jti.co.jp/csr/forest/index.html
JT Ｒａｋｕｇｏ http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/arthall/performance/rakugo/index.html
ＪＴ ＮＰＯ contribution http://www.jti.co.jp/csr/contribution/social/npo/index.html
JT Asia Scholarship http://www.jti.co.jp/csr/contribution/social/scholarship/outline/index.html
JT Sports School http://www.jti.co.jp/csr/contribution/social/sports/index.html

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
17

	
  political, social financial, educations, community, technical expertise or training to counter smuggling or any
other forms of contributions
	
  

4	
  

INDICATORS

0 1

2 3

4

5

JT Citizenship event http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/arthall/performance/contribution/index.html
JT Contribution to Child Labour http://www.jti.co.jp/csr/contribution/social/child_labor/index.html
JT group corporations http://www.jti.co.jp/corporate/outline/group/index.html	
  JT logo item present http://www.jti.co.jp/knowledge/thunders/news/2009/11_03/	
  Provide smoking places in an office http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/office/list/index.html	
  Provide smoking places in institution http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/institution/list/index.html
Like this : http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/institution/list/index.html	
  Provide smoking space in restaurants
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/restaurant/special/01/index.html	
  Provide smoking places in Rail Way Station
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/station/jireishu/index.html	
  Provide smoking places in Airport
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/airport/jireishu/index.html	
  Other smoking places
http://www.jti.co.jp/sstyle/manners/bunen/jirei/other/jireishu/index.html
Giving stand ash tray
http://www.jti.co.jp/investors/press_releases/2009/0709_01/appendix_01/	  Benefits to the Tobacco Industry
6. The government accommodates requests from the tobacco industry
for a longer time frame for implementation or postponement of
tobacco control law. (e.g. 180 days is common for PHW, Tax
increase can be implemented within 1 month) (Rec 7.1)

4

Health promotion law. Revised in June or July, 2018 (it is now being debated)thJapan is debating prevention passive smoking law in Tokyo (which will pass at 27 June, 2018). Mostof the public places are going to be smoke-free by the 2020 Olympic.
Japan has not banned tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorship, instead applies selfregulation.
No pictorial warnings on cigarette packs although JTI exports its brands with PHW to many countries
that require this. The ineffective text only health warning on packs have not changed in many years.

7. The government gives privileges, incentives, exemptions or benefits
to the tobacco industry (Rec 7.3)

5

Existence of the Tobacco Business Act is evidence that the government protects the tobacco industry
and gives it benefits to protect its business. The government’s 33% ownership of JT gives incentives
to the government to protect JT’s success and increased profits.
The Ministry of Finance fixes the price of tobacco leaves at $16.90 (¥1,877.57) and ensures all thetobacco leaves produced by the growers are purchased. This will ensure their income is protected.
2017: https://www.jt.com/media/news/2016/pdf/20161109_E02.pdf
According to a Japan Times report, “Cigarette prices in Japan are kept lower than in many other
	
  

5	
  

INDICATORS

0 1

2 3

4

5

countries because the government manipulates them to prevent a sharp decline in consumption.
According to a tobacco industry insider, Japan is unique in that the government determines the retailprices of cigarettes, and that manufacturers have no freedom to set prices on their own. Thus, hesays, the government controls supply and demand from the standpoint of securing tax revenue.”
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2017/04/23/commentary/japan-commentary/poverty-politicstobacco-policy/#.WYWe51FLfIU [2017 April issue of Sentaku]

Forms of Unnecessary Interaction
8. Top level government officials (such as President/ Prime Minister or
Minister18) meet with/ foster relations with the tobacco companies
such as attending social functions and other events sponsored ororganized by the tobacco companies or those furthering its interests.
(Rec 2.1)

3

JT was named a ‘White 500’ company in 2017, in recognition of efforts towards its employee health.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) awarded JT with the ‘White 500’ award for19“making outstanding progress towards better health and productivity among their employees.”

9. The government accepts assistance/ offers of assistance from thetobacco industry on enforcement such as conducting raids on
tobacco smuggling or enforcing smoke free policies or no sales tominors. (including monetary contribution for these activities) (Rec4.3)

3

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Tokyo Metropolitan government offer a subsidy
scheme known as “Passive Smoking Prevention Measure Subsidy System”. This subsidy is given to20
hotels, restaurants and local business to install smoking rooms. This scheme is promoted on Tokyo
21
Metropolitan Government website and JT’s website.
Establishment of smoking room in the SME business:
The subsidy rate / grant amount is 1/2 of the cost (maximum 1 million yen); however, in the case of arestaurant where the establishment of a smoking room is taken, 2/3. Equipment cost, equipment cost,equipment cost, machinery equipment cost etc for installation of smoking room etc.
Equipment cost, equipment cost, equipment cost, machinery equipment cost etc for installation ofsmoking room etc.
According to Japan Tobacco website: “JT will continue to fight against illicit trade in collaboration withgovernments, including the Japanese government.”
https://www.jt.com/about/division/tobacco/anti_contraband/index.html

10. The government accepts, supports, endorses, or enters into
partnerships or agreements with the tobacco industry. (Rec 3.1)

4

NOTE: This must not involve CSR, enforcement activity, or tobacco control
policy development since these are already covered in the previous
questions.
Tobacco and salt industries office is a department within the MOF. This official route for collaborationis always open.
There is no penalty for violation of smoking in no-smoking areas. Japan Tobacco conducts ‘manners
campaign’.
According to JT website: “Toward the goal of creating a society where smokers and non-smokers cancoexist in harmony, in Japan, JT has been carrying out various activities, such as calling for bettersmoking manners and promoting separation between smoking and non-smoking areas. By doing so,

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
18

Include immediate members of the families of the high level officials
Japan Tobacco. 2017 Annual report;
https://www.jt.com/investors/results/annual_report/pdf/2017/annual.fy2017_E_all.pdf
20Japan Tobacco. Subsidy system; https://www.jti.co.jp/tobacco/bunen/subsidy/index.html
21
Tokyo Metropolitan government http://www.sangyo-rodo.metro.tokyo.jp/tourism/kakusyu/syukuhaku/
19

	
  

6	
  

INDICATORS

0 1

2 3

4

5

we will aim to create a society comfortable for both smokers and non-smokers.”
https://www.jt.com/about/division/tobacco/index.html
By virtue of the government owning 33% of JT, it also owns the Tobacco and Salt Museum which is apromotional outfit for JT. The Museum was renovated in 2015 and holds regular exhibitions and isopen to children. https://www.jti.co.jp/Culture/museum_e/index.html

Transparency
11. The government does not publicly disclose meetings/ interactions
with the tobacco industry in cases where such interactions arestrictly necessary for regulation. (Rec 2.2)

3

The Finance Ministry gets annual dividend revenue from Japan Tobacco shares - more than ¥70
billion. That revenue is kept in a special account for fiscal investment and loans, and according to the
Finance Ministry is spent on industrial investment projects that are too risky for the private sector to22
undertake.
The Reuters expose on the tobacco industry shows political mapping of pro-tobacco ministers in
Prime Minister Abe’s Cabinet. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/pmi-who-fctc/ Philip
Morris Training document Slide No.16: Meetings of Ministers with the JT are not publically disclosed.
Slide No.17 provides evidence of Philip Morris Fiscal Affairs and International Trade Executive
meeting with Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials on taxation issue in Japan.
Purpose of this meeting is to influence the COP outcome.
Through the high rank OB meeting of the MOF. This meeting is confidential, though the tax rate is
widely discussed according to the JT's profit.

12. The government requires rules for the disclosure or registration of
tobacco industry entities, affiliated organizations, and individuals
acting on their behalf including lobbyists

5

While government officials who work for the Tobacco and Salt Industries Office are easily identified,
however there is no register for private tobacco companies operating in Japan such as PMI, or its
lawyers and consultants acting on its behalf.

Conflict of Interest
13. The government does not prohibit contributions from the tobacco
industry or any entity working to further its interests to politicalparties, candidates, or campaigns or to require full disclosure ofsuch contributions. (Rec 4.11)
1 Never 5 Yes

5There is no prohibition on contributions from the tobacco industry.

14. Retired senior government officials form part of the tobacco industry(former Prime Minister, Minister, Attorney General) (Rec 4.4)

523High level officials, upon retirement from government service, move to top leadership position in JT
Chairman of JT, Yasutake Tango, Chairman of the Board: started his career in Ministry of Finance in1974 rising to position of Administrative Vice Minister of MOF in 2009; being appointed Special
Advisor to the Cabinet (2012 – Apr 2014). Appointed Chair of JT in June 2014.

Private connection between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Katsuhiko Honda, who is former president

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
22

The poverty of politics and tobacco poverty, Commentary, The Japan Times, 23 April 2017,
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2017/04/23/commentary/japan-commentary/poverty-politics-tobaccopolicy/#.WVSLdFFLfDA
23
Japan Tobacco Inc. Annual Report 2016, Pages 50-55,
https://www.jt.com/investors/results/annual_report/pdf/annual.fy2016_E_partition03.pdf

	
  

7	
  

INDICATORS

0 1

2 3

4

5

of JT. Honda is said to be a private teacher when Abe studied for the entrance examination of the
University. Honda was a second person of business committee of the NHK(national broadcasting
company). He quitted his job in January of this year. http://www.nosmoke55.jp/action/1310jt_nhk.html 	
  This practice of “amakudari,” is the practice of former civil servants getting comfortable, well-paid jobs
at companies and other organisations in fields related to their ministries. Successive governments
have promised to end the practice, with limited success. It’s not just to Japan Tobacco,24
but amakudari to other tobacco-related companies and there’s big money involved.

15. Current government officials and relatives hold positions in the
tobacco business including consultancy positions. (Rec 4.5, 4.8,
4.10)

5

Officials representing the Tobacco and Salt Industries Office under the Financial Bureau of the
Ministry of Finance, represent the industry

Preventive Measures
SCORING for this section: 1. Yes, 2. Yes but partial only, 3. Policy/ Program being
developed 4. Committed to develop such a policy/ program 5. None
16. The government has put in place a procedure for disclosing therecords of the interaction (such as agenda, attendees, minutes andoutcome) with the tobacco industry and its representatives. (Rec
5.1)

5

None

17. The government has formulated, adopted or implemented a code of
conduct for public officials, prescribing the standards with which theyshould comply in their dealings with the tobacco industry. (Rec 4.2)

5

None

18. The government requires the tobacco industry to periodically submit
information on tobacco production, manufacture, market share,marketing expenditures, revenues and any other activity, including
lobbying, philanthropy, political contributions and all other activities.
(5.2)

3

JT, being part owned (33%) by the government submits records on production, manufacture, market
share, revenues. However no record is available on lobbying expenditure, political contributions.
According to news reports Japan Tobacco spends ¥20 billion a year on advertising, almost all ofwhich promotes “manners.” The real reason, according to Sentaku (magazine), that Japan Tobacco
buys space and air time is to quash anti-smoking reporting by making media dependent on JT-related
25
ad revenue.

19. The government has a program / system/ plan to consistently26 raiseawareness within its departments on policies relating to FCTC
Article 5.3 Guidelines. (Rec 1.1, 1.2)

5

None

	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  	
  
24

Gavin Blair. A Tobacco-free 2020 Olympics … Or is Japan blowing smoke? SCMP. 18 Jun 2017;
http://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/2098269/tobacco-free-2020-olympics-or-japan-blowing-smoke
25Media sidesteps calling Japan Tobacco out on advertising conflicts, Philip Brasor, The Japan Times, 14Janhttp://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/01/14/national/media-national/media-sidesteps-calling-japan-tobaccoadvertising-conflicts/#.WVSPzFFLfDA
26
For purposes of this question, “consistently” means: a. Each time the FCTC is discussed, 5.3 is explained. AND
b. Whenever the opportunity arises such when the tobacco industry intervention is discovered or reported.

	
  

8	
  

INDICATORS
20. The government has put in place a policy to disallow the acceptanceof all forms of contributions/ gifts from the tobacco industry(monetary or otherwise) including offers of assistance, policy drafts,
or study visit invitations given or offered to the government, its
agencies, officials and their relatives. (3.4)

0 1

2 3

4

5
5

None

TOTAL 85

	  9