I would like to point out that Roger Pulvers' May 16 Counterpoint article, "Reality check, 2010: 'Smoking doesn't cause cancer' (Japan Tobacco)," misquotes Japan Tobacco as stating "we don't believe smoking causes cancer." We are disappointed to learn that The Japan Times ran an article with an inaccurate headline and content in direct reference to Japan Tobacco.

Public authorities have determined that smoking causes or is an important risk factor in a number of diseases. Japan Tobacco supports efforts to advise smokers accordingly. We are of the opinion that no one should smoke without knowledge about the risks of smoking.

As a matter of fact, we are endeavoring to reduce the risks of smoking. While we do not believe that smoking risks can be completely eliminated, there are ways in which we may be able to reduce the risks. We are committed to developing cigarettes that have the potential to reduce the risks. I would like to add that these points are openly shared in the public domain including on our Web site.

hideyuki yamamoto