Japanese smokers get higher tax

TOKYO, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Japan is considering raising the tobacco tax to European levels in 2010, government officials announced.

The current tax on tobacco is about half that of most developed countries; 300 compared to 600 yen ($3.36-$6.73) for a 20-pack of cigarettes, Japan's Kyodo News reported Sunday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said Friday that a rise in the tobacco tax is "possible" given the harmful effects of smoking on public health, the News reported.

"Tobacco poses health problems. It may be necessary to raise it (the tobacco tax) to the levels in Europe," health minister Akira Nagatsuma said.

Authorities admit they expect opposition from tobacco farmers and tobacco-related industries but say they will work to obtain the people's understanding.