In Japan, a "clean cigarette" was introduced in August 1995 by R.J. Reynolds and branded as Salem Pianissimo, which was designed to decrease the scent of the cigarette, and generate a pleasant smell and taste in a society which holds hygiene as a high attribute.

For many decades, they were one of the best selling cigarettes in the USA. The brand slogan was "You can take Salem out of the country, but...you can't take the country out of Salem." Later, the slogan "springtime... it happens every Salem" There are now two main varieties of Salem: Green Label and Black Label. The Green Label is marketed as being more smooth-tasting, while the Black Label is said to be stronger or "harsher" tasting.