Japan has set a world record with the 15th consecutive year of low smoking rates according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday by Japan Tobacco Inc.
The survey was conducted in May by the world's third-largest tobacco producer by volume. 23.9% of respondents said they considered themselves to be smokers. Last year it was 24.9%.
The result marks the lowest level since the company, known as JT, started compiling such data in 1965. Smoking rates were as high as 49.4% in 1966. But the number of smokers has declined gradually, due in part to an aging population, increased health consciousness and more stringent smoking regulations. However smoking rate among women slightly increased 12.1% from 11.9%.
The JT questionnaire was mailed to 32,000 adult men and women, of which 20,631, or 64%, responded.
JT now is looking at markets in Russia and the Middle East. In 2007, the Japanese firm spent GBP7.5 billion to acquire U.K. tobacco maker Gallaher Group PLC. JT is also seeking to diversify its sources of revenue to food and pharmaceuticals.
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