JT's Annual Survey Finds 19.7% of Japanese Adults Are Smokers

Tokyo, July 30, 2014 --- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) today announced the results of its Japan Smoking Rate Survey, a study that has been carried out annually since 1965. The survey, conducted in May 2014, showed that 19.7% of Japanese adults are smokers. Other results are summarized below.

1. Japanese smoking rate as of May 2014
2013 2014 Change since prior year
Men 32.2% 30.3% -1.9
percentage points
Women 10.5% 9.8% -0.7
percentage points
Total 20.9% 19.7% -1.2
percentage points
2. Japanese smoking population as of May 2014 (estimate based on the smoking rate)

(Unit: millions)

2013 2014 Change since prior year
Men 16.23 15.26 -0.97
Women 5.72 5.33 -0.39
Total 21.95 20.59 -1.36

The 2014 figures were calculated based on the adult population provided by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as of April 1, 2014, which were 50.36 million men and 54.40 million women, respectively. The 2013 figures were based on the population as of April 1, 2013, which were 50.39 million men and 54.44 million women.

The Company is of the view that the smoking rate in Japan has been on a declining trend. The decrease is due to various factors, including the aging of society, growing awareness about the health risks associated with smoking, tightening of smoking-related regulations and the tax and price hike.

JT will continue its efforts to realize a society in which smokers and non-smokers can co-exist in harmony.

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Japan Tobacco Inc. is a leading international tobacco product company. Its products are sold in over 120 countries and its internationally recognized brands include Winston, Camel, Mevius and Benson & Hedges. With diversified operations, JT is also actively present in pharmaceuticals, beverages and processed foods. The company's revenue was ¥2.400 trillion (US$23,318 million(*)) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014.

*Translated at the rate of ¥102.92 per $1, as of March 31, 2014

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