The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: As the WHO Framework Conference on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has come into force since February, 2005, Japanese government is required to implement new policy. To carry health warnings which occupy 30% or more of principle display of tobacco packages is one of the requirements of FCTC and it is a new policy for Japan and it has been enforced since July, 2005. We observed those new health warning labellings and investigate their appropriateness in line of FCTC requirement.

Methods: We analyzed the new health warnings and messages printed on tobacco product packages and the new Japanese regulations on tobacco related policy and investigated them according to the FCTC Articles.

Results: Eight different health warnings which are authorized by the Ministry of Finance are well rotated. The shorter messages are all printed clearly in a large font and they are visible and legible. However the longer messages consist of too many small characters and they are not visible. None of them are printed in more than one color which is not eye-catching. Some of the warnings occupy less than 30% of the principal display area and there is not a single of picture or pictogram in the health warnings. The words, “Lights”, “Mild”, as brand names are used as before. The messages are scientifically accurate but the sentences are dry and some difficult technical terms are used. The health warnings are supposed to be approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and should be improved to picture-based warnings.