CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR VALUE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL CREATION PROCESS BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Integrated Report 2019 p022 Year ended December 31, 2019 p004 p014 p032 p068 p090
CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL 001 Foreword by the CEO 012 Our History 023 The JT Group’s Material Issues FOR SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION 002 At a Glance 014 Our Value Creation Process 024 Sustainability Strategy Overview 070 Respect for Human Rights 092 Financial Review 004 Message from the CEO 016 The Source of Our 030 Interview with Our CSO 071 Improving Our Social 100 Consolidated Financial Competitiveness 032 Business Strategy/ and Environmental Impact Statements 018 Investing in People Business Review 074 Good Governance and – Tobacco Business Business Standards 160 Glossary of Terms • International Tobacco – Dialogue between the 162 Awards and Recognition Business Chairman of the Board 164 Corporate Data Table of Contents • Japanese Domestic and an Outside Director Tobacco Business – Pharmaceutical Business – Processed Food Business 054 Message from the CFO 056 Key Performance Indicators 060 Risk Factors 064 Regulation and Other Relevant Laws 067 Litigation
Unless the context indicates otherwise, references in this Integrated Report Forward-looking statements upon assumptions, estimates and data that may be incorrect or imprecise 3. litigation around the world alleging adverse health and financial to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Japan Tobacco,” “JT Group” or “JT” are to Japan This report contains forward-looking statements. These statements and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward- effects resulting from, or relating to, tobacco products; Tobacco Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “JTI” are to appear in a number of places in this document and include statements looking statements regarding operating results are particularly subject to 4. our ability to further diversify our business beyond the traditional JTI Holding B.V., our consolidated subsidiary and its consolidated regarding the intent, belief, or current and future expectations of our a variety of assumptions, some or all of which may not be realized. tobacco industry; subsidiaries. References to “TableMark” are to TableMark Co., Ltd. and management with respect to our business, financial condition and results 5. our ability to successfully expand internationally and make its Group companies. References to “Japan Tobacco Inc.” are only to of operations. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements Risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause actual results to investments outside Japan; Japan Tobacco Inc. and references to “JT International Holding B.V.” are by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “intend,” differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement 6. competition and changing consumer preferences; only to JTI Holding B.V. References to “Audit & Supervisory Board” are to “project,” “plan,” “aim,” “seek,” “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” include, without limitation: 7. our ability to manage impacts derived from business diversification “kansayaku-kai” (as defined in the Companies Act of Japan) that performs “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other or business expansion; certain supervisory functions through its monitoring and audit activities similar terminology. These statements are not guarantees of future 1. increase in awareness of health concerns related to smoking; 8. economic, regulatory and political changes, such as nationalization, within the overall scheme of corporate governance pursuant to the performance and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual 2. regulatory developments; including, without limitation, tax terrorism, wars and civil unrest, in countries in which we operate; Companies Act of Japan. References to “Audit & Supervisory Board results, performance or achievements, or those of the industries in which increases and restrictions on sales, marketing, packaging, labeling 9. fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and the costs of raw materials; and Member” are to a member or members of an Audit & Supervisory Board, we operate, may differ materially from any future results, performance or and use of tobacco products, privately imposed restrictions and 10. catastrophes, including natural disasters. also referred to in Japanese as “kansayaku” (as defined in the Companies achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. governmental investigations; Act of Japan). In addition, these forward-looking statements are necessarily dependent CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
CORPORATE PROFILE Our Management Principles: “The 4S model” 001 Foreword by the CEO 002 At a Glance Our management principles pursue the 4S model. Under the 4S model, we strive to fulfill our responsibilities to our valued consumers, shareholders, employees and the 004 Message from the CEO wider society, carefully considering the respective interests of these four key stakehold- er groups and exceeding their expectations wherever we can. We believe that pursuing Foreword by the CEO this 4S model is the best approach to achieving sustainable profit growth over the mid- to long-term.
The JT Group is pleased to present its first Integrated Report to our stakeholders.
Our 4S model represents our commitment to serving our four stakeholder groups: our valued consumers, shareholders, employees and the wider society. We strive to fulfill our responsibilities towards Shareholders our stakeholder groups by carefully considering their respective inter- ests and exceeding their expectations wherever we can.
We are facing more volatile circumstances in our business environ- ment, such as changes in consumer demands, the expansion of Reduced-Risk Products, stricter regulation on E-Vapor and tax increases in our markets. Not only do we need to take these circumstances into account, but must take into account how complex our society itself is becoming. These changes include Consumers more awareness on sustainability, innovation in IoT and connectivi- ty, as well as changes in business models such as big data analysis and the subscription business model.
While we perceive these changes as clear opportunities, we must simultaneously be aware that timely adaptation is obligatory; Employees Society otherwise, we may be eliminated from competition. In order for us to continue creating sustainable value, we understand it is crucial to provide a clearer, more convincing approach encompassing a broader, long-term perspective.
As tools to communicate with our stakeholders, we separately issued an Annual Report and a Sustainability Report until 2018. However, with increasing needs to communicate our business Editorial Policy through a longer perspective with both financial and non-financial indicators, in 2019, we have decided to publish an Integrated Period Covered Report. The JT Group is committed to transparency in providing our In principle, this report covers the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, but also stakeholders with relevant information through this report. We includes some information related to activities before and after this period. trust that this report will help our stakeholders deepen their Scope of Report knowledge and understanding of our business. Japan Tobacco Inc. and consolidated subsidiaries
Published March 2020
Referenced Guidelines Masamichi Terabatake The International Integrated Reporting Council’s “International Integrated Reporting Framework” Representative Director and President, was referred to in the writing of this report. In addition, the GRI Standards of the Global Reporting Chief Executive Officer Initiative were referred to with regard to ESG information.
Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated Report 2019 001 CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY At a Glance
Cigarette market share in the tobacco business The presence of JT Group ITALY 24.5% The JT Group is a leading global tobacco in our key markets company operating in over 70 countries/ RUSSIA regions. Our products are sold in over 130 countries/regions and our internationally recognized brands include Winston, Camel, MEVIUS and LD. Our pharmaceutical and 39.0% processed food businesses complement the Group's profit growth and we are developing U.K. these businesses for sustainable growth. JT FRANCE JAPAN is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. oc oo b n TURKEY (JT ticker 2914) 7.3% 43.6% 0.3% TAIWAN 24.5% % a ac ca 60.4 b n SPAIN 28.3% % Cigarette and Tobacco-Related Factories 4.1 45.2%
International 35 Japan o c 2,175.6 25.7% obacco b n Japanese domestic 6 % 28.1 Source: JT estimate, IRI, Nielsen and Logista Total 41
In na ona obacco Our Businesses b n
Total Revenue Number of Employees 60.3% International Tobacco Business Japanese Domestic Tobacco Business (2019) (As of December 31, 2019)
In the international tobacco business, we manufacture and The Japanese domestic tobacco business is headquartered oc oo b n oc oo b n offer conventional tobacco products, including cigarettes, in Tokyo, and manufactures and offers products for Japan, 7.3% 0.3% 8.3% 1.5% cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, waterpipe tobacco one of the biggest tobacco markets in the world, where JT and kretek as well as RRP.* Our key markets include France, has established substantial presence with its leading a ac ca a ac ca b n Italy, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey and the U.K. Our interna- position. Its strong product portfolio includes Ploom TECH, b n tional brand portfolio is very competitive and well-balanced, Ploom TECH+ and Ploom S in the RRP category and the key 4.1% 2.4% with strong equity brands across all relevant product catego- brands of MEVIUS, Seven Stars, Natural American Spirit, Japan o c ries and price segments. The portfolio includes leading brands Winston and Camel in the cigarette category. obacco b n Japan o c 2,175.6 61,975 in cigarettes and Fine Cut, such as Winston, Camel, MEVIUS obacco b n 17.0% e p o ee and LD, as well as in RRP, such as Ploom and Logic.
28.1% Global Flagship Brands Key Brands
In na ona obacco In na ona obacco b n b n RRP Brands RRP Brands 60.3% 70.8%
Pharmaceutical Business Processed Food Business oc oo b n 8.3% 1.5% The pharmaceutical business focuses on the R&D, manufactur- The processed food business primarily engages in key a ac ca ing and sale of prescription drugs, concentrating on three specific product categories that include frozen noodles, packed b n therapeutic areas: metabolic diseases; autoimmune/inflammato- cooked rice and frozen baked bread, seasonings and bakery. * Reduced-Risk Products (RRP): Products with the potential to reduce the risks ry diseases; and viral infection. 2.4% associated with smoking. Japan o c obacco b n 002 Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated61,975 Report 2019 Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated Report 2019 003 17.0% e p o ee
In na ona obacco b n 70.8% CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY Message from the CEO
Business Plan 2020 Our Resource Allocation Policy and Shareholder Return Policy Under our three-year Business Plan 2020* starting in 2020, we remain committed to pursuing sustainable profit growth over Our resource allocation policy is based on the 4S model and the mid- to long-term. We will continue aiming to achieve mid prioritizes business investment leading to sustainable profit to high single digit annual average growth of adjusted operating growth. Furthermore, we continue to prioritize investments profit at constant FX over the mid- to long-term. This indicator towards the growth of the tobacco business. of business performance excludes foreign exchange impacts, temporary effects and extraordinary factors. We aim to enhance shareholder returns, considering profit growth over the mid- to long-term while we continue to In 2019, while the Japanese domestic tobacco business secure a solid financial base. We also continue to prioritize encountered a challenging operating environment, the stable and sustainable dividend per share growth while international tobacco business maintained its strong momen- considering adjusted operating profit at constant FX—our tum. As a result, adjusted operating profit at constant FX primary indicator—along with profit reflecting currency increased year-on-year driven by the growth of the tobacco impacts to determine the dividend per share. business as a whole. In addition, we have strengthened our foundations to ensure that each business can sustain profit Under these policies, the proposed dividend in 2020 is 154 growth into the foreseeable future. yen, set at the same amount as it was in 2019. We will focus on continuing to ensure the stability of the dividend The key to the successful implementation of Business Plan going forward. 2020 is profit growth in the tobacco business, which remains the core and main driver of the Group’s profit growth. We Sustainability Strategy will further grow the tobacco business as a whole by thinking proactively, acting with speed and with a consum- For our Group to grow sustainably, it is vital for us to Masamichi Terabatake er-centric mindset. contribute to the sustainable development of our society Representative Director and President, Chief Executive Officer through our business activities. As sustainability is at the It is necessary that we have strong commitment from the top heart of our management, we have set out a Group-wide management and faster decision making by reducing deci- sustainability strategy. We have also formulated a sustain- sion-making layers. That is why starting this year, I am serving ability strategy for each of our businesses, bearing in mind transforming with a long-term perspective, notwithstanding as the head of the tobacco business, where I will take the the unique challenges they face. significant changes in its business environment, such as the overall lead. peaking-out of the Japanese domestic tobacco market and Three absolute requirements of our Group-wide sustainabili- To remain the preferred choice of the tightening of regulations. To mention a just few success- In the Japanese domestic tobacco business, it goes without ty strategy are “respect for human rights,” “an improved consumers, shareholders, employees and es, we have achieved business expansion abroad through the saying that generating profits in a stable and sustainable social and environmental impact,” and “good governance the wider society, we will continuously large-scale acquisitions of RJR Nabisco Inc.’s non-U.S. manner is key to growing the tobacco business in the future. and business standards.” These are the foundations for a work to exceed their expectations through business and the entire Gallaher Group Plc (U.K.), rebranded While we expect the situation to remain difficult in the short- sustainable business. For our tobacco business, our core sustainable profit growth. MILD SEVEN as MEVIUS and pursued geographic expansion term, we continue to aim for profit generation by strengthening business, we have set four focus areas: “products and into emerging markets. the top-line in both the RRP and cigarette categories. services,” “people,” “supply chain,” and “regulatory environment and illegal trade.” For these four focus areas, It goes without saying that the business environment With respect to the international tobacco business, we we have also established 11 specific targets and initiatives. surrounding the JT Group is not becoming any more predict- intend to continue delivering strong profit growth. In existing By working towards the targets and promoting the initia- Our Management Principles: The “4S model” able, not to mention the growth of the RRP category. We are markets, our efforts will focus on enhancing brand equity to tives, we will be supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable at an inflection point, ready to transform again. I will strive to gain further market share and seizing pricing opportunities. Development Goals (SDGs). Our management principles pursue the 4S model. Under the ensure the Group’s sustainable profit growth with the Regarding geographic expansion, investments will drive 4S model, we strive to fulfill our responsibilities to our ambition of being the first to offer new value to our consumers organic growth while we leverage M&A opportunities when In 2019, for the first time, we reported to our stakeholders valued consumers, shareholders, employees and the wider in RRP. appropriate. Overall, we will continue to strengthen our on our progress toward the 11 specific targets for our society, carefully considering the respective interests of profitable business base. In the RRP market, we intend to tobacco business. Our pharmaceutical and processed food these four key stakeholder groups and continuously working The 4S model, which forms our management principles, expand our presence. Meanwhile, although both the businesses both finished setting out their respective focus to exceed their expectations. We believe that pursuing this remains the cornerstone for all our decision-making processes pharmaceutical and processed food businesses will continue areas and targets, so we now have a sustainability strategy 4S model is the best approach to achieving sustainable profit and activities. to face a challenging business environment, we aim to for all of our business segments. Going forward, we will growth over the mid- to long-term and increasing our complement the Group’s profit growth by continuing to continue to engage with our stakeholders and make concert- corporate value. Doing this conveys benefits to the four In order to remain the preferred choice of consumers, implement our strategies. ed efforts to ensure that we can all grow together to secure stakeholder groups. shareholders, employees and the wider society, we will a sustainable future. strive to fulfill our responsibilities, exceeding expectations * Every year we publish a three-year rolling business plan, reflecting the challenges identified in our operating environment, which presents Please refer to business targets for more details. Over the years, the JT Group has continued growing by wherever we can, through our sustainable profit growth. continuously changing uncertainties, in order to strengthen our proactively dealing with operational challenges and by competitiveness with agility. 004 Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated Report 2019 Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated Report 2019 005 CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
progression, we expected strong returns over the mid- to this situation, we are currently engaged in a paradigm shift, long-term. This new investment approach has become a moving from a headquarter-led business to one driven by This Integrated Report provides an opportunity to discuss and share with shareholders, consumers, cornerstone of the international tobacco business’s strategy. the frontline. Growth in the RRP category has slowed in business partners and other stakeholders the key areas of focus in my capacity as CEO of the JT Japan, and competitors have been trying to secure a Group, the initiatives currently underway, our strategic direction as well as my management Revitalizing the Consumer-Centric Mindset captive consumer base. We need to capture a share by approach and the experiences that guide this approach. tapping the competitors’ consumer base. For that to In 2019, we announced the implementation of a transfor- happen, we have been striving to upgrade the existing mation of our international tobacco business. Transforma- products as well as develop next generation products. In tion was something that came up when I was still Deputy this process, we remind ourselves that we aim to be the CEO of the international tobacco business, as the manage- first to deliver new value to our consumers. For example, Sowing Seeds for the Future It is not to say that the international tobacco business did not ment team was thinking about the business requirements regarding the development of Ploom S, the first Heated have a mid- to long-term perspective. Back in RJR days, the to further enhance our competitiveness. Further acknowl- Tobacco device launched in Japan by JT, in line with our In the last Annual Report, I shared my first impressions upon operations were more focused on maximizing the profits by edged was that the consumer-centric approach was ethos as a Japanese manufacturer, we prioritized safety returning to Japan as the new JT Group CEO after serving as reducing necessary investments; however, after we acquired required in the mid- to long-term. The geographical expan- over cost and undertook development after deliberately deputy CEO of JTI. My main takeaway was simple: I did not the business and decided to increase marketing investments sion of the business had progressed rapidly, through two lowering the power output of the battery. Unfortunately, see an operation that showed overall optimization. Instead, I to enhance brand equity, the entire organization was able to major M&A transactions. However, this rapid growth did such value was not entirely understood and appreciated by saw an organization that was too rigid and fragmented, with move to a more mid- to long-term growth mindset. Further- not allow for an effective review of the allocation of roles consumers. This was most likely attributable to the fact each division tending toward narrower perspectives and more, JT’s management principles described in the 4S between corporate functions, regions, markets and that we did not fully focus on the consumer’s expectations. internal optimization. model had gradually permeated the organization of the factories. As a result, the organization gradually became I feel that this remains an area of improvement for us. international tobacco business, also leading to more mid- to bloated. It became clear a transformation was mandatory to As this situation was clearly sub-optimal, I announced long-term growth mindset. remove bureaucracy and increase the speed of deci- My aim as the head of the tobacco business is to stream- several measures in 2019, my second year in office, to sion-making. The aim of the international tobacco business’s line the decision-making process. I think we need to loosen up the rigidity of the organization and enable swift Although the international tobacco business had a long-term ongoing transformation is to streamline the organization empower our employees more, with an intention to decision making by streamlining the decision-making perspective, usually when business is growing steadily, and related operations, in order to create a stronger and encourage endeavors in unknown fields and new initiatives processes, relocating the headquarters in Japan and people tend to minimize the importance of thinking with a more dynamic business model that can operate consistent- that employees will find necessary from earnest engage- rethinking the working environment. Even our international longer-term perspective. I realized we continued to leverage ly with a consumer-centric approach. ment with consumers. And, to ensure we ourselves tobacco business had several inefficiencies so we are the same winning strategies but that our actions did not change swiftly, we especially need quick decision-making transforming it as well. Further, I am taking a stronger leader- necessarily fully embed the mid- to long-term outlook. Tobacco products, historically our key focus, have a limited and commitment by the top management. I am more ship role in the tobacco business myself. While the impact room for innovation, so we have been optimizing by making determined than ever that I should promote this transfor- from these measures will need some time to be recognized With the management team, we decided it was critical for adjustments for each market, individually. However, as the mation myself. across the organization and become visible from the outside, the international tobacco business to increase the focus on RRP category expands further, there will be instances rest assured that the JT Group is changing. the mid- to long-term in order to realize sustainable growth where the established operating models for tobacco may for the future. As Deputy CEO, I made sure to re-ingrain this not be relied upon. RRP is still in its early stages and the My personal belief has always been that a successful mindset into the organization and change the overall platforms themselves are evolving quickly; that is not organization must adopt a mid- to long-term perspective. direction of management. I ensured that our business conducive to market-specific optimization. Also from an Any decision we take should start from an objective planning and operations kept up with that mid- to long-term effective use of Group-wide resources, product develop- assessment of the current environment against the end perspective. Further, I encouraged and supported employees ment for RRP should be consolidated globally. For these goal we have defined. From there on, it is all about execut- to put this into practice, wherever and whenever I could. For efforts to succeed, it will be important to continue compet- ing the plans. example, when the international tobacco business needed to ing with an entrepreneurial mindset without being anchored focus on strengthening its foundation in order to ensure to previous successes. For example, an increasing number This conviction was strengthened during my years working future sustainable performance, I liaised with the manage- of venture companies have been disrupting various indus- as Deputy CEO of JTI. When I joined our international ment team in Japan to revisit the aggressive profit growth tries with unique methods that major corporations were not tobacco business in 2013, it already represented the largest targets for that year. In a way, I thought of this as an able to catch up in a timely manner. RRP gives me the profit contributor of the JT Group. The acquisitions of RJRI in investment towards the mid- to long-term and worked to impression of being a very similar situation. We must 1999 and the Gallaher Group in 2007 had transformed the JT gain the understanding of the parent company, JT, while increase our speed and explore new business opportunities Group into a global tobacco manufacturer with steady profit ensuring the efforts undertaken were generating the with a greater sense of urgency. So, does our company growth and strong cigarette brands regularly outperforming expected returns. have enough risk-taking capabilities and the appropriate competition in many markets. From the outside, it seemed expertise? Unfortunately, it is probably correct to say that as though the strategic and operating models were working My role was to seed for the future and encourage a mean- we do not have enough capabilities yet and therefore we perfectly. However, at that point, I thought that the interna- ingful business transformation. The effects of measures put have not been able to fully exploit the opportunities provid- tional tobacco business became short-term result oriented. in place back then can still be felt today. For example, an ed by the operating environmental changes. This was concerning from a mid- to long-term perspective, important turning point was the establishment of the global as we were not prepared to deal with any earnings slow- RRP organization in 2014. Another was the deployment of In the Japanese domestic tobacco business, the prevailing down from key markets. new focused investments in emerging regions, notably in the top-down approach has hindered our ability to continue Middle East and South East Asia, which we defined as outperforming the competition in a business environment “markets that matter” where, in line with projected economic like RRP, where rapid changes are unavoidable. To address
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those experiences were tough, they enabled me to rapidly companies individually. We must think about how to use our understand the importance of effectively fueling the limited resources most effectively and dynamically. More motivation of the frontlines. recently, with the aim of building an organization that can compete globally and optimally allocate resources across the During my term at Manchester Tobacco, there were times Group, we are consolidating the R&D, Corporate Strategy when I had to disregard interesting proposals put forward and Business Development functions of JT and JTI. To by colleagues on the frontline because of the specific ensure that our diverse workforce can leverage these directions provided by the headquarters in Tokyo. Partly strengths without any friction, we will continue to focus on due to lack of experience, this kind of response did not improving the working environment and training personnel. help motivate my colleagues. I truly felt that when an individual or a team is really empowered to do something, The Value We Offer to Consumers their commitment, awareness and business impact increase exponentially. Originally, we defined the JT Group Mission as to create, develop and nurture our brands to meet consumers’ needs During the integration of RJRI, I built on this experience. while understanding and respecting the diversity present in The acquisition of RJRI was an investment of unprecedent- society. Our value creation process reconfirms that providing ed scale for JT at the time and was a project with the consumers with value unique to the JT Group is critical to Company’s destiny on the line. The headquarters in Japan seize growth opportunities over the mid- to long-term and to carefully monitored progress to the point that it seemed create a positive impact on the Company and society. likely to fall into micromanagement, with people asking things like, “How is this part getting along?,” “Shouldn’t Social environment has been changing substantially, and it is Embracing New Ways of Working and ment effective for collaboration and communication. By we use a Japanese company as the supplier?,” and inevitable that we will reach unexpected inflection points in Empowering the Frontline facilitating collaboration and communication between “Wouldn’t it be better to use this kind of Japanese meth- various aspects of business, not just in the RRP category. To departments, we can foster decision-making to maximize the od?” This style made me think that if we forced Japanese ensure we continue to create value without being disrupted In the last two years, I have visited many of our Japanese and power of the frontlines and support front line initiatives. methods and headquarters directives on the acquired by such a change, we should return to our fundamentals, international sites. As I heard from the people on the front- company, who had their own locally cultivated experience which work for all our business activities; engaging with lines, I gained a clear understanding of the challenges faced In the Japanese domestic tobacco business, we regrettably and expertise, we would end up destroying the value of the consumers. We can then re-define the “value unique to the by the entire JT Group. made two downward revisions to our RRP sales volume company. Based on my experience with Manchester JT Group” we are trying to deliver to consumers. At the assumptions in 2019. While increasing profit in the short-term Tobacco, I had strong reservations about the micromanage- same time, we ask ourselves, “What is the unique value For example, I found that our colleagues on the frontlines, is difficult, 2020 is the first year in which we can fully com- ment approach and worked desperately to persuade the JT that the JT Group can provide for all the stakeholders in the regardless of their departments or locations, had some pete with a portfolio of low-temperature and high-temperature headquarters to change their stance. Thankfully, the top 4S model?” and, “How can we evolve and enhance such interesting ideas, but these ideas did not translate into action. heating products. We need to build an organization that can management at the time took my concerns seriously. They value?” We will continue to pursue the answers, and I In such cases, sometimes it was because the headquarters win the competition in the RRP market, and I want to focus fully understood the danger and offered support, telling believe that this pursuit will lead us to our long-term vision. did not support the ideas due to a conservative approach to our efforts on finding that path to success. It is not the right those at the JT headquarters to trust the locals and leave it avoid failures. Other times, the proposals from the frontlines time to spend our efforts on remedies like fundamental up to them. When directives that seemed unlikely to Our consumer-centric approach, a sincere engagement with simply did not reach appropriate decision-makers who could restructuring, which may be effective but could have strong contribute to business growth came from the departments the consumers above all, has permeated the Group in the have supported them. There are numerous instances of side effects. I believe that we should focus on revitalizing the at headquarters, I didn’t outright refuse them, but I took my form of our action principles, most notably the 4S model. communication breakdowns, which I think is one of our organization first, in order for the frontlines to challenge time to lay out the case in a way my counterparts could This should be the starting point for all our actions. Take the problems. I have found this problem as especially true for the themselves, after thinking through the consumer expecta- agree with and then put that into action proactively. As a tobacco business, for example. In our increasingly stressful current headquarters building in Tokyo, even before I became tions, and then maximize the impact of those initiatives. For result, we were able to adopt the methods that the people modern society, we need to think deeply about what we, as Group CEO. It seemed like each floor was divided into small example, we are currently working to reform the sales force on the frontline thought were best, and thus maximize their a manufacturer, can produce that provides consumers with a segments, both fostering and reinforcing an internally mindset, given its close proximity to consumers, so that the power; I think this helped make the integration process go moment to unwind and a moment of pleasure. Similarly, in fragmented departmental mindset. This created a bottleneck insights gathered on the field can be translated into actions in very smoothly. the pharmaceutical business, we are striving to create for information sharing and work process as well as a timely manner. In 2020, we introduced a new evaluation original and innovative drugs for patients around the world in cross-functional communications. system to encourage such new mindset throughout the sales One of our greatest strengths is the diverse workforce we the shortest time possible. In the processed food business, force. The new system evaluates taking up new challenges, can rely on. During the integration with RJRI, we could not we seek to provide safe and delicious food for consumers, Keenly aware of the risk that rigidity and fragmentation could which had no direct ties to evaluations previously. As a result, have succeeded in a smooth integration without this diverse with the hope that they choose our products for their loved create, I mulled over a solution that could harness the power the system now evaluates and rewards employees who workforce. The diversity has increased further to date, and, ones. In any business, we should put consumers first and of the frontlines and turn this situation around. This led to the develop new ways to engage with consumers. in terms of nationalities, we have people from more than focus on that. By doing so, I believe that the value we create decision to relocate the headquarters in 2020. By physically 100 countries. The concept of diversity and inclusion really will become more sustainable. changing the environment, we are changing the way people Entrusting and Encouraging Our resonates with me; the company’s sustainable growth is communicate at the workplace, and ultimately changing the Frontline Strength connected to respecting not just people’s nationality, gender In this Integrated Report, we lay out our value creation way people collaborate. We planned the layout of the new and age, but also their experience, expertise and other process. By positioning this process at our foundation while headquarters to create an environment where people can My belief in the power of the frontlines is rooted in experienc- differences in backgrounds and values. However, if we consistently evolving it, we will continue to refine and freely consult and discuss with various departments by es from my initial international assignment after the acquisi- compare the JT Group to tobacco competitors simply in enhance the value unique to the JT Group that we can offer expanding the floor space and making the seating arrange- tion of Manchester Tobacco in 1992 and RJRI in 1999. While terms of scale, we are around half the size of the top two to all our stakeholders.
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VALUE CREATION
012 Our History 014 Our Value Creation Process 016 The Source of Our Competitiveness 018 Investing in People
010 Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated Report 2019 Japan Tobacco Inc. Integrated Report 2019 011 CORPORATE PROFILE VALUE CREATION STRATEGY ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY Our History
The JT Group has achieved sustainable growth by globalizing and diversifying its businesses through both organic growth and M&A.
The Three Strengths 1970s and earlier 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s Underpinned by Our History Origins of the modern Privatizing and creating the Growing to become the third largest Strengthening our position as Providing new value by addressing and Accomplishments Japanese tobacco industry business foundation global tobacco company through M&A a global tobacco company by accelerating the dynamic and diversifying needs our global expansion of our consumers
Japan Tobacco and Salt Public The public corporation privatizes under By acquiring RJR Nabisco Inc.’s non-U.S. tobacco By acquiring Gallaher Group Plc, JT secures a new JT strengthens the international tobacco business Corporation, under the authority of the the name Japan Tobacco Inc., business, JT secures the third position in terms market platform and diverse brands, further expanding through geographical expansion driven by M&A A solid financial base Ministry of Finance, lays the foundation founding the tobacco, processed food of sales volume. the international tobacco business. and starts providing a wide range of product choices, • Sustainable profit growth of Japan’s tobacco industry. and pharmaceutical businesses, including RRP. backed by a combination of which persist to this day. Consolidated net income organic growth and M&A (Billions of yen) • Ability to generate stable . cash flows underpinned by profit growth
1949 Japan Tobacco and Salt 1985 Japan Tobacco Inc. is 1992 JT acquires Manchester Tobacco Company 2005 JT acquires CRES Neva Ltd. (Russia). 2013 MILD SEVEN is renamed MEVIUS Public Corporation is established. Ltd. (U.K.). in Japan. founded. 2006 JT acquires AD Duvanska Industrija Senta 1985 The Business Development 1993 The Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute (Serbia). 2014 JT acquires e-cigarette company, . Superior brand equity 1957 HOPE (10) is launched Division is established to is established. Zandera Ltd. (U.K.). as Japan's first promote new businesses. 2007 JT acquires Gallaher Group Plc (U.K.), taking • High brand equity through domestically produced The division is later 1998 JT acquires a majority stake in Torii over the global brands of LD, Benson & 2015 JT acquires e-cigarette company, continuous investment in filter cigarette. reorganized into the food Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Hedges and more. Logic (U.S.). MEVIUS, our leading brand in Japan, as well as in Winston, and pharmaceutical Camel, LD and other global Seven Stars is launched businesses. JT acquires RJR Nabisco Inc.’s non-U.S. JT acquires a majority stake in Katokichi Co., JT acquires Natural American Spirit’s 1969 1999 2008 2016 brands acquired through M&A as Japan’s first tobacco business, taking over the global Ltd. (currently TableMark Co., Ltd.) and Fuji non-U.S. tobacco business from . • Strong R&D and innovative domestically produced 1988 JT is introduced as the brands of Winston and Camel. Foods Corporation. Reynolds American Inc. (U.S.). product development charcoal filter cigarette. Company’s public capabilities communication name. 1999 JT acquires Asahi Kasei Corporation’s food 2016 T-Vapor product Ploom TECH 1977 MILD SEVEN is launched. business, including Asahi Foods and seven is launched. other subsidiaries. 2016 JT conducts tobacco business acquisitions, notably in the Philippines, . 2018 Indonesia, Russia and Bangladesh. A diverse workforce 2019 T-Vapor products, Ploom TECH+ and • A corporate culture that respects Ploom S, are launched. diversity and leverages it into the value creation process • A Group that maximizes the