FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tokyo, April 13, 2006 --- Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) (TSE: 2914) announced today that the company would appoint Hiroshi Kimura, currently Executive Vice President of JT International (JTI) and JT Board Member, as the new President and CEO of the company, while Katsuhiko Honda, the current President and CEO, will become JT's Corporate Counselor.

This appointment is subject to approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders and the meeting of the company's Board of Directors, to be held in June 2006.

"I am extremely pleased to announce Mr. Kimura as my successor, who has played an instrumental role in the development of JT's international tobacco business over these past seven years," said Katsuhiko Honda, President and CEO of JT. "Mr. Kimura has been with JTI since the acquisition of RJR International, and has greatly contributed to the integration of two companies into one cohesive organization. I firmly believe that under Mr. Kimura's leadership, JT will continue to deliver strong, sustainable growth as a thriving global company."

"I was appointed as President and CEO of JT in 2000, just after the company acquired RJR International in 1999. I have been in this position for six years, and have led a significant investment in the evolution and performance of our company," said Honda. "During my tenure, the company faced and overcame drastic changes in the business environment, including domestic excise tax hikes and the discontinuation of the Marlboro licensing agreement with PM International Inc. for the Japan market. Despite these changes, fundamental improvements in our capabilities have ensured that we will achieve the commitments laid out in "JT PLAN-V," our mid-term management plan. I believe that this is the right time to pass the presidency on to a younger leader."

"I am honored to be appointed as President and CEO of this tremendous company," said Hiroshi Kimura, Executive Vice President of JTI and President Honda's appointed successor. "We continue to face increasing and rapid change in the environment in which all of our businesses operate. I look forward to expanding upon the strong foundations created by President Honda, and will devote my energy to ensuring that JT capitalizes on the changes and opportunities that lay ahead as we chart a course for continued financial and global growth."

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Japan Tobacco Inc. is the world's third largest international manufacturer of tobacco products. The company manufactures internationally recognized cigarette brands including Camel, Winston, Mild Seven and Salem. Since its privatization in 1985, JT has actively diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals and foods. The company's net sales were JPY 4.664 trillion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.