April 1, 2018

Continuing to review the key provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Article 11: Strengthen Warnings on Tobacco Product Packaging and Labels

False or deceptive terms or names must not be displayed on tobacco packaging and labels.

As mentioned in last December's issue, terms like "low tar," "light," and "ultra-light" are misleading consumers and should not be used.

In this regard, JT (Japan Tobacco) is violating the convention.

More than 50% of the display surface of tobacco boxes must clearly show warnings about the harmful effects of smoking.

The warnings on Japanese tobacco boxes are small in font size and do not cover more than 50% of the display surface.

The content is also vague, with statements like "Nicotine can cause dependency in some people," which are ambiguous and equivocal.

There are no straightforward statements like "Smoking causes death" or pictorial warnings.

Japanese warning labels do not comply with the convention.

On the American Marlboro box, it is clearly stated "Smoking kills" in large, bold black letters.

In Thailand, tobacco packs feature pictures of patients who have undergone laryngeal cancer surgery.

Article 12: Educate about the Dangers of Tobacco

Countries that are parties to the convention must use all available means to inform the public about the dangers of tobacco smoke and the benefits of quitting smoking.

They must implement policies to regulate tobacco.

There is a need for the "denormalization" of smoking, promoting the idea that smoking is not normal.

The Japanese government has done very little to build a social infrastructure focused on tobacco regulation or to enlighten the public.

It remains silent on how cunningly JT has concealed the dangers of tobacco and deceived consumers.

The attitude of the Japanese government, which is united with JT, to avoid regulation and do as little as possible is criticized by many countries.

At the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Japanese delegation persistently requested a change in the term "denormalization," which was met with derision by other participating countries.

Of course, Japan's foolish request was not accepted.

To be continued