Philip Morris to stop cigarette sale in Japan within 10 years

Conventional cigarettes are set to be phased out in Japan within 10 years, according to tobbaco giant Philip Morris.

In an interview with Nikkei business daily on Friday, newly appointed CEO Jacek Olczak said the company "will realise a smoke-free society in Japan within 10 years.

"We want Japan to be the first market for the phase-out," he said.

Previously the Marlboro maker had announced a long-term goal to stop selling cigarettes and replace them with less harmful alternatives.

But this is the first time it has given a clear deadline.

"We plan to introduce devices using new technologies," he added.

Smoking regular cigarettes have been banned in most restaurants in Japan, under a law that came into effect last year which also allows heated products while eating and drinking when certain conditions are met.

According to an AFP report, Japan's government earns billions of dollars annually in cigarette tax revenue and owns one-third stake in Japan Tobacco, the world's largest tobacco company.