Towards the compilation of the tax reform guideline by the government tax commission, discussion on raising cigarette tax has been activated, such as Prime Minister Hatoyama’s remark to regard increasing cigarette tax as necessary for promoting health even if it may lead to a decline in the tax revenue. On the other hand, there have been many questions posed relating to tobacco price. Won’t a drop in the smoking population caused by a price hike lead to a decrease in the tax revenue? What is the relationship between the tobacco price and the percentage of smokers who decide to quit smoking? 

We would, therefore, like to open the urgent session for realizing the increase in tobacco tax, in coordination with key figures in various fields, including Ms. Yoko Komiyama, a Lower House member and one of the representatives of the Parliamentary group on anti-smoking.