[Intl-tobacco] Japan's cigarette maker to hold smokers-only preview of 'Sin City'

[Robert Weissman]

      9/14/05


      Japan's cigarette maker to hold smokers-only preview of 'Sin City'

(AP) - TOKYO-With smokers being increasingly shunned in public places,
Japan's largest cigarette maker is offering a rare treat - tickets to a
film preview where they can smoke all they want.

Japan Tobacco, which sells nearly two-thirds of the nation's cigarette
products, will invite 150 lucky smokers who won a lottery to a private
showing of the film-noir thriller "Sin City" next Monday, said company
spokesman Tsuyoshi Miyashita.



Anyone over 20 years of age could apply, but there was one condition
attached - they had to pledge that they smoke.

"The event is to provide a rare opportunity for smokers to light up
freely while watching the movie, so they can enjoy the film without
suppressing their urge to smoke," Miyashita said. "I remember seeing
filmgoers smoke in theaters, though it's impossible today."

The planned event, believed to be the first in Japan, is also part of
JT's "Smart Smoke" campaign to promote its new products with reduced
cigarette odor, but the guests can smoke any cigarettes they like, the
spokesman said.

Though Japan's smoking rate remains one of the highest in the developed
world, smoking has been banned in movie theaters, train stations and
other public facilities.

Japan's overall smoking rate fell for the ninth consecutive year in 2004
to just below 30 percent of adult population, JT said.