Two years after the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) took effect, many countries are coordinating efforts to curb tobacco use.
Nevertheless, Japan Tobacco Inc. is trying to stall moves by the central government and local authorities to restrict smoking. JT and the Finance Ministry, the majority shareholder in the company, are facing increasing public criticism for doing little to control tobacco.
For example, from last December to January, Kanagawa Prefecture authorities conducted a poll on the Internet on their plan to introduce an ordinance banning smoking at all public places. According to news reports, JT asked its employees and tobacco vendors to oppose the proposed ordinance, and the number of opponents exceeded supporters just before the deadline. Thus serious doubt was cast on the poll's credibility.