Shiro Konuma took a job as head of medical and scientific affairs for Philip Morris Japan. He believed in the company's vision of a smoke-free world. But after just two months, he discovered how the company, by using other companies as intermediaries, managed to gain admission to two prestigious Japanese universities.
The aim was to fund research that was beneficial in terms of health for Iqos, the tobacco company's flagship product that sells more in Japan than the company's traditional Marlboro cigarette, and thereby influence politicians to provide relief for the product, which was also done. For example, it is still allowed to use Iqos in restaurants and bars in designated indoor rooms.
After Shiro Konuma raised the issue with the company's Japanese management, he was eventually fired.
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