Lawmakers formed a nonpartisan group Friday to discuss the issues surrounding tobacco, including tax revenue and health risks, amid calls by some to triple the price of a pack of smokes to ¥1,000.
Influential politicians are in the group, including former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa and ex-Democratic Party of Japan President Seiji Maehara.
At its inaugural meeting, members said they were aiming to draft an action outline during the extraordinary Diet session expected in the fall, when debate on major tax reforms is expected to ensue.