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Tokyo, April 3, 2009--- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) announced today that the company would provide financial support for youth development activities and projects conducted by independent nonprofit organizations in Japan.

Each year since 1999, JT has invited a number of nonprofit organizations to apply for financial assistance through the company's program dedicated to the success of their youth development programs. The application period began October 1 and ended on November 20, 2008. This year marks the 11th round of funding by JT, and following deliberation by the company's NPO Support Promotion Committee, comprised primarily of outside experts, 43 organizations were selected out of a total of 176 NPOs that had applied. A total of JPY 53.9 million will be provided in support of the programs in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.

The JT Group, as a responsible corporate citizen, has been committed to a variety of social contribution activities in conjunction with communities. For the continued success of such programs, the Group formed the ''JT Group's Social Contribution Policy,'' which centers on four main areas of focus: ''Social Welfare;'' ''Culture and Art;'' ''Environmental Activities'' and ''Aid for Disaster-Stricken Areas.'' JT believes that the development of human resources, particularly with respect to youth development programs, is vital for regeneration and revitalization of local communities. It is in line with this philosophy that JT provides financial support to NPO initiatives conducted with local communities.

JT has conducted a number of programs including the introduction of a citizen participation clean-up campaign, dubbed the ''Pick Up, and You Will Love Your City'' campaign, as well as ten afforestation and forest conservation projects, and the company has been increasingly focused on environmental beautification and conservation initiatives dealing with youth development since 2007. Looking ahead, JT is fully committed to future engagements in a wide range of social contribution activities, including with NPOs, for the coexistence of business and society for years to come.

apan Tobacco Inc. is the world's third largest international manufacturer of tobacco products. The company manufactures internationally recognized cigarette brands including Winston, Camel, Mild Seven and Benson & Hedges. Since its privatization in 1985, JT has actively diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals and foods. The company's net sales were JPY 6.409 trillion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

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