Brand axed

Japan Tobacco (JT) will terminate sales of its Golden Bat cigarettes this fall in response to new tax rules.

Golden Bat was released in 1906 by JT’s predecessor, Japan Tobacco and Salt Public Corp. as a “third-class” product. Third class products are subject to lower tax than are other tobacco products.

However, the preferential treatment will be scrapped at the end of September.

Sales of Golden Bat will cease as soon as JT runs out of stock.