Japanese tobacco firms hope changes keep smokers happy

(The Independent) Japanese tobacco companies are adding to their lines and making changes to their products as they anticipate the impact of the largest tax hike on tobacco in Japan.
Tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products leapt more than 30 percent on October 1, with retailers reporting "panic buying" in the weeks leading up to that date. Figures released by the government show that cigarette sales were up a remarkable 88 percent in September. Continued