Japan Tobacco Inc. will start printing larger health warnings on the packages of some of its cigarette brands later this month in preparation for stricter labeling regulations that kick in at the end of June.

Despite the move, however, antismoking advocates are already lashing out at the new warnings, saying the bureaucrat-penned statements beat around the bush and lack a punch.

JT said it will begin shipping packs with the stronger health warnings later this month, starting with the hi-lite brand. Another 10 brands will sport the new messages from January.