Taspo Card

Beginning from July 2008, a "Taspo Card" will be needed when purchasing cigarettes from vending machines. This is an initiative instigated by the Tobacco Institute of Japan (TIOJ), the Japan Federation of Tobacco Retail Associations and the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association to prevent under-age smoking.

Smokers aged over 20 years old may apply to receive a "Taspo". Applying for a "Taspo" card does not involve any processing or annual fees. Applications are available at local cigarette retailers (main branch stores), or can be downloaded from the website of Tobacco Institute of Japan (the form is only available in Japanese at the moment). Once the application is completed, with necessary documents enclosed and a photo affixed, it can be mailed to the Taspo Business Center for issuance. There is no need to show your "Taspo" card if you are purchasing cigarettes directly from a store.

For more information, please contact Taspo Business Center (phone: 0120-222-180) or see their website.