Tokyo, December 21, 2010 --- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) today announced it will roll-out smokeless tobacco "Zerostyle Mint" and its refill cartridges across Japan at a limited number of retailers from the beginning of January, 2011.

"Zerostyle Mint" is a new style snuff tobacco product. The new product does not require a flame, and thus is smokeless, allowing consumers to use it in a variety of locations, being considerate to neighbors at the same time. Through the introduction of "Zerostyle Mint", we believe that we are offering a wider variety of tobacco categories for consumers to choose from.

Since the launch of "Zerostyle Mint" in Tokyo in May, 2010, the product has been raising consumer expectation from diverse areas with requests for sales area expansions and purchases.

In response to those requests, we have decided on advance roll-out of "Zerostyle Mint" across Japan from the beginning of January 2011 through estimated 4,000 retailers excluding those located in Tokyo and Kanagawa where the product is already available. The decision follows our increased production capability through production increases in a manufacturing base established in November, 2010.

In order to promptly respond to consumer expectation, we will continue to aim for increases in our production capability.

We look forward to your continued support for smokeless tobacco "Zerostyle Mint".

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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 cigarette brands include Winston, Camel, Mild Seven and Benson & Hedges. With diversified operations, JT is also actively present in pharmaceuticals and foods. The company's adjusted net sales excluding tax(*) were JPY 1.980 trillion (US$21,291 million(**)) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010.

* Adjusted net sales excluding tax do not include revenue from the imported tobacco, domestic duty free, the China Division and other peripheral businesses in the domestic tobacco business. Nor does it include revenue from distribution, leaf tobacco, private label, contract manufacturing and other peripheral businesses in the international tobacco business.
** Translated at the rate of JPY 93.04 per $1, as of March 31, 2010