Tokyo, December 21, 2011 --- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) has announced the redesigning of seven Pianissimo products, which will be sequentially rolled-out across Japan from mid-January 2012.

Pianissimo is the top-selling(*1) brand in the 100 mm slim menthol category, attracting a great many fans by offering its smooth, unassertive, and refreshing menthol flavor and aroma, in addition to a diverse product lineup that offers the functionality and individualistic design choices that consumers want.

To further increase loyalty to the brand, seven product packages in the Pianissimo lineup will be redesigned without modifying the flavor and aroma. Of these, excluding Pianissimo Pétil Menthol One, Pianissimo Fram Menthol One, and Pianissimo Lucia Menthol, the names of four products will be changed.

Pianissimo Aria Menthol (Currently ''Pianissimo One'')
Pianissimo Pétil Menthol One (No name change)
Pianissimo Fram Menthol One (No name change)
Pianissimo Precia Menthol (Currently ''Pianissimo Super Slims Menthol One'')
Pianissimo Icene Gracia (Currently ''Pianissimo Icene Menthol'')
Pianissimo Icene Crista (Currently ''Pianissimo Icene Menthol One'')
Pianissimo Lucia Menthol (No name change)

Aria, with its clean and clear menthol sensation and the kind of refreshing feel befitting a captivating melody, was named after an operatic term signifying an airy melodic solo.  The package expresses pure menthol sensation with the splendid white and refreshing waterlines accentuated by pink waves to symbolize the gentle, soft character of the product.

The natural skin-like pink gradation and sheen of the hologram embody an enveloping warmth and comfort.

The metallic pink and gentle fluttering of the brilliant flower motif expresses the optimistic and vivacious attitude of this compact product.

Derived from ''precious,'' the name ''Precia'' was chosen for this product because of the noticeably concentrated menthol sensation, as well as its sleek super slim shape.  The package has a refined gold base motif reminiscent of champagne, and exudes luxury and elegance.

The name ''Icene Gracia'' is a portmanteau of ''ice'' for the brisk, cool menthol sensation, and ''grace'' for the graceful feeling imparted by the product.  The sheen of the metallic purple package and hologram logo underscore the cool, breezy feel and the butterfly motif expresses the elegance of this product.

The name ''Icene Crista'' is a portmanteau of ''ice'' for the chilling sensation of the menthol and ''crystal'' for the clear, cool mood.  The contrast of black and silver accentuates the strong menthol sensation, and the bright moon and hologram are expressions of boldness and the pleasantly cool sensation.

The colors of the rainbow dance against the backdrop of a clean pearl white background, for a design that speaks to the refreshing flavor and elegant clarity of the cigarette.

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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(*) were JPY 1.946 trillion (US$23,415 million(**)) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

* Adjusted net sales on a consolidated basis do not include excise tax and revenue from the imported tobacco, domestic duty free, the China Division and other peripheral businesses in the Japanese domestic tobacco business.  Nor does it include excise tax and revenue from distribution, contract manufacturing and other peripheral businesses in the international tobacco business.

** Translated at the rate of JPY 83.15 per $1, as of March 31, 2011