Health Minister Yoko Komiyama said the domestic cigarette tax is low by international standards and called for annual increases to discourage smokers, according to Mainichi Daily News.

Tax increases should raise the cost of a pack to at least JPY 700 (EUR 6.45) from JPY 410-470, Komiyama reportedly said. Last October the government imposed a record excise-tax increase that raised the cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes by about one-third.
"The issue should no longer be treated as financial. It is a health problem that we need to address immediately," Komiyama reportedly said. Finance Minister Jun Azumi reportedly criticized Komiyama's comments, and added his ministry has jurisdiction over cigarette levies. (pi)