Japan Today - News - Japan to import U.S. Marlboro cigarettes for 1st time in 32 years - Japan's Leading International News Network

Japan Today - News - Japan to import U.S. Marlboro cigarettes for 1st time in 32 years - Japan's Leading International News Network: "Japan to import U.S. Marlboro cigarettes for 1st time in 32 years"

TOKYO — Japan will import Marlboro cigarettes from the United States from May for the first time in 32 years as Japan Tobacco Inc's licensing agreement with the Philip Morris group to produce and sell the brand expires Saturday.

The accord with the global tobacco producer has since 1973 allowed JT to make Marlboro-brand cigarettes in Japan according to Philip Morris' quality standards but with a slightly different flavor that suits Japanese tastes. JT is expected to see its profit decline by some 50 billion yen as Marlboro cigarettes have a 9% share in the domestic market, JT officials said. (Kyodo News)
When I was in Okinawa the Marlboro's looked identical, until you tore into the filter and discovered they were charcoal filtered. I don't know about the Okinawan's, but I'm sure the Marines will be happy about this. Darren