Japan Tobacco is to launch redesigned versions of seven of its popular Pianissimo brand of cigarettes in mid-January.

Pianissimo is the top-selling brand in Japan's 100mm slim menthol category and has proven particularly popular among female smokers for what Japan's largest tobacco company says is a "smooth, unassertive and refreshing menthol flavour and aroma".

Smoking rates are declining in Japan, although they remain higher for both men and women than in Europe and North America.