FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tokyo, August 6, 2008 --- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) announced today the nationwide launch of a new sugar-free canned black coffee beverage on August 25 in Japan. The product, called ''Konogoro Kininaru Jibun-no Seikatsu,'' which translates to ''my recent concern for a better lifestyle,'' contains indigestible dextrin which contributes to moderating the absorption of glucose in the body, and is certified as a ''Food for Specified Health Uses(*1)'' (FOSHU) by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).

In recent years, a growing number of Japanese people have been diagnosed with lifestyle-related diseases, which are often linked to changes in lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits in today's modern Japanese society. Against the backdrop of these heightened concerns, ''metabo,'' short for ''metabolic syndrome,'' has become one of the Japan's hottest buzzwords. As a result, functional food and beverage products have been on the rise in Japan, particularly those certified as FOSHU have been becoming increasingly popular. In addition, people are expected to become more health conscious with the introduction of the new health check system in Japan in April 2008, which includes standard metabolic syndrome examinations.

JT believes that glucose may be linked with certain lifestyle-related diseases, as it is likely to be ingested in excess. Taking this into account, JT decided to introduce the first ready-to-drink coffee product for after-meal consumption to moderate increases in blood glucose levels, which is certified as FOSHU by the MHLW. The product targets males aged 40 and over -- a demographic that is increasingly more concerned about maintaining a healthy dietary lifestyle, as well as one that represents a large group of coffee drinkers in Japan. The company believes that this new product will offer consumers more convenience and match their dietary lifestyle.

JT has positioned its foods business, which includes the beverage business, as one of the Group's three main business pillars. Net sales and operating income for JT's foods business was JPY 336.4 billion and JPY 0.6 billion respectively, in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2008. In the beverage sector, the company steadily expanded its vending machine sales channels, and aims to continue to differentiate itself from amongst its competitors by actively developing and launching new, innovative products in the future.

(*1) ''Food for Specified Health Uses'' (FOSHU) refers to foods containing ingredient(s) with functions to improve health, which are officially certified by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Certification of FOSHU products requires testing of safety and healthful effects.

Product Description

Name	Volume	Suggested retailed price	Launch date
''Konogoro Kininaru Jibun-no Seikatsu''	150-milliliter can	JPY 124 (excluding tax)	August 25, 2008

Functional ingredient: indigestible dextrin; 8.6 grams per bottle

Description of substance: Indigestible dextrin is an alimentary fiber that functions to moderate the absorption of glucose into body and is suitable for people concerned about their postprandial glucose levels.

Suggested serving: 150 milliliters; for after-meal consumption

Attachment (i): Food for Specified Health Uses
Attachment (ii): Market Profile of FOSHU Products
Attachment (iii): Scientific basis of the JT's new Product