Japan unveils world's first smoke-free ciggie

Japan's largest cigarette manufacturer has unveiled what it claims is the world's first smoke-free cigarette.

Zerostyle Mint, brainchild of Japan Tobacco Inc, was created in response to increasing restrictions on smoking, reports The Telegraph.

The company hopes that the product will catch on among people who want to smoke but do not want to disturb others with second-hand fumes.

The product resembles a regular cigarette but contains a replaceable cartridge that holds ground tobacco leaves. The cigarette emits no smoke.

"While the majority of consumers in Japan are smoking cigarettes, demand is increasing for tobacco products designed to be used in places where consideration needs to be given to those nearby," the company said in a statement.