thumb|A Taspo card

thumb|Taspo age verification unit on a cigarette vending machine

, formerly known as , was a smart card using RFID developed by the Tobacco Institute of Japan (TIOJ), the , and the for introduction in 2008. Following its introduction, the card is necessary in order to purchase cigarettes from vending machines in Japan. The name "Taspo" is a portmanteau for .

The group announced plans for development of the Tobacco Card in 2001. The stated aim is to reduce smoking by underaged people.

See also

  • Smoking in Japan

References

  • Taspo official website
  • Tobacco Institute of Japan
  • Zenkoku Tabakoya
  • Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association