May 1, 2018
Continuing to review the key provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Article 13: Ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship
To reduce tobacco harm, all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship must be completely banned without exception.
Deceptive tobacco advertisements that conceal health risks or dangers must not be conducted.
Moreover, displaying tobacco products in retail stores is prohibited because that constitutes advertising and promotional activities.
However, in Japanese convenience stores, over 100 types of tobacco are displayed, and they can be easily purchased by pressing the "adult button" at the register.
This is a clear violation of the convention.
In Thailand, tobacco is displayed in locked cabinets and it can be unlocked only at the time of sale.
Japan should follow Thailand's example.
Vending machines are banned because their very existence constitutes advertising.
Furthermore, vending machines provide an easy means for minors to obtain tobacco.
The Japanese government has introduced an adult identification card called "Taspo" but has otherwise left vending machines unchecked.
These easily lendable cards cannot prevent minors from purchasing tobacco, which is also a clear violation of the convention.
In advanced European countries like France and Belgium, tobacco vending machines are completely banned by national law.
Japan should obviously follow their lead.
The packaging and design of tobacco boxes are significant means of advertising and promotion, so plain packaging with no advertisements is mandated.
For example, Australian tobacco boxes have 98% of their surface covered with photos and warnings about tobacco harm, with only 2% used for branding.
This is vastly different from Japanese tobacco packaging.
Online sales of tobacco, which serve as advertising and promotional tools, are also prohibited.
In Japan, this is unchecked and another violation of the convention.
Any form of donation or sponsorship activities by tobacco companies under the guise of "corporate social responsibility" is prohibited.
In Japan, JT (Japan Tobacco) owns a volleyball team and sponsors the volleyball league.
JT also sponsors golf, shogi (Japanese chess), and provides scholarships to students, all of which are convention violations.
Such activities are completely banned overseas.
JT should immediately cease these deceptive "social activities."
Article 16: Ban on Sales to Minors
In other countries, tobacco sales are limited to face-to-face transactions to make it harder for minors to purchase.
However, as described in the explanation of Article 13, the situation in Japan is lawless.
To be continued
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