September 2026: Japan Tobacco Expands Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouch Portfolio Across Japan
Japan Tobacco is expanding its smoke-free oral nicotine portfolio in Japan with the launch of three new Nordic Spirit refresh pouch variants beginning October 6, 2026, alongside a nationwide retail expansion for two existing flavors. The new offerings -Sweet Mint Medium, Sweet Mint Strong, and Cool Mint X-Strong – will be available exclusively through the official CLUB JT online shop at ¥500 ($3.10) per pack, with each can containing 14 pouches. The additions broaden the brand’s lineup across three distinct nicotine stimulation levels, targeting adult consumers seeking discreet, hands-free, and odor-free oral nicotine alternatives.
Concurrently, Japan Tobacco is expanding the distribution of its previously limited Tropical Mix Medium and Cool Mint Strong variants to physical retail outlets nationwide, with each can similarly packed with 14 pouches. The products will be made available across major Japanese convenience store networks and transit hubs, including Seven-Eleven, Lawson, and NewDays. This broader rollout signals the company’s continued investment in building out Nordic Spirit’s retail footprint and reduced-risk product range in Japan by leveraging established customer demand across direct-to-consumer and traditional retail channels.
August 2026: Philip Morris Expands ZYN Portfolio in Japan with ‘Strong’ Series Rollout
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ), a subsidiary of Philip Morris International (PMI), has officially expanded its oral nicotine pouch offering in Japan with the launch of the ZYN Strong Series. The rollout introduces a higher-intensity option to the domestic market as part of PMI’s broader push to transition adult smokers away from traditional cigarettes. The new “Strong” line adds four distinct flavor variants to the Japanese market: ZYN Peach (Strong), ZYN Cool Mint (Strong), ZYN Spearmint (Strong) and ZYN Apple Mint (Strong).
With this addition, the “ZYN by IQOS” lineup in Japan now features three intensity levels – Low, Medium, and Strong – spanning a total of 12 products. ZYN pouches are used smoke-free and hands-free by placing a small pouch between the upper lip and gum, delivering nicotine without requiring combustion or electronic heating for approximately 30 minutes. Each pack contains 12 pouches and is priced at ¥500 (tax included; US$3.15).
The rollout spans digital and physical channels across Tokyo and major travel hubs. ZYN is available directly via the official online store and the flagship IQOS Store in Ginza. Broader retail distribution includes select IQOS shops inside major electronics chains (Yamada Denki, Bic Camera), designated IQOS corners in Don Quijote and Viva Home, and authorized local tobacco retailers. Additionally, the Strong series is stocked at duty-free outlets across major international airports—including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, and Fukuoka – as well as Lotte Duty Free Ginza.
April 2026: Philip Morris Expands ZYN Rollout in Tokyo with Broader Retail Distribution
Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced the expansion of its oral nicotine pouch product, “ZYN by IQOS,” into the Tokyo market, following an initial limited-area launch. The wider rollout is scheduled to begin on May 11, with availability across IQOS stores and Lawson outlets in Tokyo.
The Tokyo launch will include eight product variants across four flavors – Cool Mint, Spearmint, Apple Mint, and Peach – and each offered in two strength levels, described as “Low” and “Medium.” The expansion reflects a broader strategy to position nicotine pouches as a discreet and situationally flexible option, particularly in environments where minimizing impact on others is a consideration, such as public settings, travel, or work breaks.
March 2026: Japan Tobacco Launches Nordic Spirit Nicotine Pouches in Japan
Japan Tobacco (JT) has introduced its Nordic Spirit nicotine pouch brand to the Japanese market. The first variant, Nordic Spirit Cola Fizz Medium, became available on the CLUB JT online shop on March 3, 2026, with a nationwide rollout at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and NewDays convenience stores scheduled for April 2026. A second variant, Nordic Spirit Berry Mix Medium, will follow on the CLUB JT online shop from mid-March. A 14-pouch can is priced at ¥500 (US$3.20).
Manufactured in Sweden, Nordic Spirit is marketed as a “refreshment pouch” offering a smoke-free alternative within the oral nicotine category. Cola Fizz Medium delivers a sweet cola-inspired flavor profile with sparkling notes, while Berry Mix Medium combines blackcurrant and wild berry flavors with a balanced sweet-and-sour taste. JT plans to expand the range with additional flavors in the coming months.
January 2026: British American Tobacco Introduces Two New VELO Nicotine Pouch Products
British American Tobacco (BAT) announced the launch of two new VELO nicotine pouch variants in Japan: VELO Smooth Peppermint Medium and VELO Breezy Mango Intense. VELO Smooth Peppermint Medium features a 4 mg nicotine strength and offers a refreshing flavor profile that blends sweet peppermint with a light touch of menthol. The product is positioned to appeal to consumers who are new to the oral nicotine category.
VELO Breezy Mango Intense, meanwhile, comes in a stronger 6 mg nicotine format and delivers a tropical aroma of ripe mango, complemented by a juicy flavor mix of passion fruit and orange. Both products are priced at ¥360 ($2.3) per can, each containing 15 pouches. With these additions, the VELO portfolio in Japan expands to a total of 17 variants.
