{"product":{"catalog_id":"524b1c52-c818-4524-ba7b-956da429d0c8","is_eligible_search":true,"is_eligible_checkout":false,"item_id":"45402064421052","title":"Queue Metal Lighter","description":"The Tsubota Pearl Queue is a refillable petrol lighter crafted in Tokyo from brass, steel, and cotton, with a slim rectangular body (85 × 8 × 8 mm, 19 g) available in black, silver, or gold. It is designed for extended reach when lighting candles, incense, or pipes, and operates like a Zippo, using standard lighter fluid and Zippo-compatible flints; user feedback notes that fuel evaporates over time and wick positioning may require adjustment for reliable ignition.","url":"https://pudl.store/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-metal-lighter","brand":"Tsubota Pearl","condition":"new","product_category":"Hardware > Tools > Lighters & Matches > Metal Lighters","material":"Brass, steel and cotton","dimensions":"85 x 8 x 8 mm","length":"85","width":"8","height":"8","dimensions_unit":"mm","weight":"0.039 kg","item_weight_unit":"kg","age_group":"adult","image_url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Silver.jpg?v=1768713656","additional_image_urls":["https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Gold.jpg?v=1768713656","https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Black.jpg?v=1768713656"],"images":[{"id":"img-1785866465290-0","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Silver.jpg?v=1768713656","width":2752,"height":4128,"alt_text":"Queue Metal Lighter product image (primary)","position":1,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio-style photograph with a neutral warm-beige background, soft even lighting, small soft shadows beneath items, and shallow depth framing the top of the lighter near the vertical center of the image.","observations":[{"key":"Background and lighting","kind":"feature","value":"Uniform warm beige background with soft, diffuse lighting that produces subtle reflections on the metal surfaces and soft shadows on the surface below the objects.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Composition and cropping","kind":"feature","value":"Image is vertically oriented with the lighter centered horizontally above the midline; most negative space is above the lighter head.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shadows","kind":"feature","value":"Soft, low-contrast shadows appear beneath the lighter body and the separate cap on the surface.","regions":[{"x":0.12,"y":0.86,"width":0.2,"height":0.1,"confidence":"medium"},{"x":0.44,"y":0.86,"width":0.14,"height":0.1,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Image quality","kind":"feature","value":"Sharp focus on the lighter head and cap; background is smooth and free of noise or texture.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"polished silver","part":"body","regions":[{"x":0.47,"y":0.2,"width":0.08,"height":0.64,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.16,"y":0.76,"width":0.08,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Smooth polished silver metal with subtle specular highlights and neutral midtone reflections.","estimated_hex":"#C9C9C6"},{"name":"dark gray","part":"ignition wheel","regions":[{"x":0.515,"y":0.12,"width":0.04,"height":0.04,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Matte dark gray to near-black textured wheel at the top of the mechanism.","estimated_hex":"#2B2B2B"},{"name":"bright white","part":"wick","regions":[{"x":0.554,"y":0.16,"width":0.018,"height":0.045,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Short fibrous wick appearing bright white against the metal.","estimated_hex":"#FFFFFF"}],"product":{"summary":"A tall, slim rectangular metal lighter shown upright without its cap; the metal ignition mechanism and a short white wick are visible at the top. The cap is shown removed and set on the surface to the left of the lighter body.","observations":[{"key":"Overall body shape","kind":"feature","value":"Vertical rectangular prism body with straight edges and flat faces, photographed upright with the top ignition assembly exposed.","regions":[{"x":0.47,"y":0.2,"width":0.08,"height":0.64,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Top ignition assembly","kind":"feature","value":"Small metal ignition module mounted on the top of the rectangular body; includes a textured black rotary wheel and a short cylindrical post holding a white wick.","regions":[{"x":0.5,"y":0.14,"width":0.1,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Wick detail","kind":"feature","value":"Short white fibrous wick protruding from a small metal tube adjacent to the ignition wheel.","regions":[{"x":0.554,"y":0.16,"width":0.018,"height":0.045,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Removed cap","kind":"feature","value":"Separate small rectangular metal cap placed on the surface to the left of the lighter; matches the body finish and stands on its short face.","regions":[{"x":0.16,"y":0.76,"width":0.08,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Surface finish","kind":"feature","value":"Smooth reflective metallic finish on body and cap with subtle specular highlights and slightly darker edges where light falls off.","regions":[{"x":0.46,"y":0.2,"width":0.1,"height":0.64,"confidence":"medium"},{"x":0.16,"y":0.76,"width":0.08,"height":0.14,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Ignition wheel texture","kind":"feature","value":"Dark textured rotary wheel with toothed perimeter visible at the very top front of the mechanism.","regions":[{"x":0.515,"y":0.12,"width":0.04,"height":0.04,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["45402064421052","45402064453820","45596001435836"]},{"id":"img-1785866465290-1","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Gold.jpg?v=1768713656","width":2752,"height":4128,"alt_text":"Queue Metal Lighter product image 2","position":2,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio-style product shot on a neutral matte background with soft directional lighting from above-left producing subtle shadows beneath the pieces.","observations":[{"key":"Background and surface","kind":"feature","value":"Uniform warm gray matte background and horizontal surface that meet near the lower third of the frame; no printed packaging or labels present.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Lighting and shadows","kind":"feature","value":"Soft directional lighting creating gentle diffuse shadows to the lower-right of both the tall body and the cap; highlights visible on vertical faces.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Vertical composition with the tall lighter centered horizontally and occupying the lower half of the frame; significant empty background area above the product.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"gold","part":"body","regions":[{"x":0.475,"y":0.315,"width":0.06,"height":0.55,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.245,"y":0.78,"width":0.06,"height":0.16,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Warm metallic gold finish on the rectangular body with a subtle satin reflection under studio lighting.","estimated_hex":"#D8B22A"},{"name":"polished silver","part":"ignition top / collar","regions":[{"x":0.462,"y":0.27,"width":0.09,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Polished silver metallic components at the top including the collar, flint wheel, and small chimney.","sampled_hex":"#A89A91","estimated_hex":"#C0C0C0"},{"name":"white","part":"wick","regions":[{"x":0.52,"y":0.285,"width":0.02,"height":0.055,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Small exposed fibrous wick that appears white and matte against the metal tube.","estimated_hex":"#FFFFFF"}],"product":{"summary":"A tall rectangular gold metal lighter shown without its cap; the exposed metal ignition mechanism and white wick are visible at the top. A separate matching rectangular gold cap sits upright to the left on the surface.","observations":[{"key":"Overall body shape","kind":"feature","value":"Tall vertical rectangular prism body with straight edges and a square cross-section; the body stands upright on the surface with its top open to reveal the ignition assembly.","regions":[{"x":0.475,"y":0.315,"width":0.06,"height":0.55,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Detached cap","kind":"feature","value":"Short rectangular prism cap of the same finish placed upright to the left of the body on the surface.","regions":[{"x":0.245,"y":0.78,"width":0.06,"height":0.16,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Ignition assembly","kind":"feature","value":"Exposed metal ignition top with a serrated flint wheel visible at the very top, a small cylindrical metal chimney next to the wheel, and a square metal collar connecting the mechanism to the body.","regions":[{"x":0.468,"y":0.27,"width":0.088,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Wick","kind":"feature","value":"Short white fibrous wick protruding from a small metal tube beside the flint wheel; wick appears fluffy and white.","regions":[{"x":0.52,"y":0.285,"width":0.02,"height":0.055,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Top collar finish","kind":"feature","value":"Polished metallic (silver-colored) square collar and small components around the ignition area, distinct from the gold body finish.","regions":[{"x":0.462,"y":0.27,"width":0.09,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["45402064421052","45402064453820","45596001435836"]},{"id":"img-1785866465290-2","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Black.jpg?v=1768713656","width":2752,"height":4128,"alt_text":"Queue Metal Lighter product image 3","position":3,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Studio product shot on a neutral beige background with soft, diffuse lighting producing soft shadows beneath objects; image is vertically composed with the lighter centered and cap left of it.","observations":[{"key":"Background and lighting","kind":"feature","value":"Even neutral beige background with soft diffuse lighting and subtle soft shadows under the lighter and cap.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Vertical composition with the lighter centered near the vertical midline and the cap placed lower-left; significant negative space above the lighter.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shadows","kind":"feature","value":"Soft, slightly diffuse shadows extending from the base of the lighter and the cap onto the surface below.","regions":[{"x":0.3,"y":0.78,"width":0.35,"height":0.18,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"gunmetal brown","part":"body","regions":[{"x":0.49,"y":0.18,"width":0.06,"height":0.62,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.33,"y":0.71,"width":0.08,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Uniform metallic dark gunmetal-brown finish with a smooth reflective surface and low sheen.","sampled_hex":"#4E4037","estimated_hex":"#4B3F3A"},{"name":"brass","part":"top plate and ignition housing","regions":[{"x":0.475,"y":0.09,"width":0.08,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Lighter top and ignition housing appear as a lighter yellowish-brass metallic finish with a slight sheen.","sampled_hex":"#B0A299","estimated_hex":"#C0A978"},{"name":"white","part":"wick","regions":[{"x":0.515,"y":0.11,"width":0.02,"height":0.04,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Short exposed wick shown as bright white cotton tip projecting from the metal wick tube.","estimated_hex":"#FFFFFF"}],"product":{"summary":"A tall rectangular metal lighter shown with its square cap removed and placed beside it; the lighter's metal ignition mechanism and a short white wick are visible at the top.","observations":[{"key":"Overall body shape","kind":"feature","value":"Tall slender rectangular prism body with straight vertical edges and a flat top where the ignition mechanism sits; body stands vertically on the surface.","regions":[{"x":0.49,"y":0.18,"width":0.06,"height":0.62,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Detachable cap","kind":"feature","value":"Separate square/rectangular cap placed on the surface to the left of the lighter body; the cap has the same finish as the body and is shown removed.","regions":[{"x":0.33,"y":0.71,"width":0.08,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Ignition wheel","kind":"feature","value":"Small circular serrated ignition wheel in a vertical metal housing at the top of the lighter; wheel has a darker tone than the surrounding top plate.","regions":[{"x":0.485,"y":0.1,"width":0.07,"height":0.06,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Wick and wick tube","kind":"feature","value":"Short white wick protruding from a small vertical metal tube next to the ignition wheel; wick appears to be cotton and is visibly white against the metal.","regions":[{"x":0.515,"y":0.11,"width":0.02,"height":0.04,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.505,"y":0.095,"width":0.03,"height":0.06,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Top plate finish","kind":"feature","value":"Top mechanism and surrounding small upper plate have a lighter metallic, slightly yellowish brass tone distinct from the darker body finish.","regions":[{"x":0.48,"y":0.09,"width":0.08,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["45402064421052","45402064453820","45596001435836"]}],"price":"62 AUD","sale_price":"62 AUD","availability":"in_stock","group_id":"8948059013308","listing_has_variations":"true","variants":[{"sku":"8948059013308-0","url":"https://pudl.store/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-metal-lighter?variant=45402064421052","image":{"id":"img-variant-45402064421052","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Silver.jpg?v=1768713656","width":2752,"height":4128,"alt_text":"Queue Metal Lighter - Silver variant image","position":1,"variant_ids":["45402064421052"]},"price":{"value":62,"currency":"AUD"},"title":"Queue Metal Lighter - Silver","option1":"Silver","variant_id":"45402064421052","availability":"in_stock"},{"sku":"8948059013308-1","url":"https://pudl.store/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-metal-lighter?variant=45402064453820","image":{"id":"img-variant-45402064453820","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Silver.jpg?v=1768713656","width":2752,"height":4128,"alt_text":"Queue Metal Lighter - Gold variant image","position":2,"variant_ids":["45402064453820"]},"price":{"value":62,"currency":"AUD"},"title":"Queue Metal Lighter - Gold","option1":"Gold","variant_id":"45402064453820","availability":"in_stock"},{"sku":"8948059013308-2","url":"https://pudl.store/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-metal-lighter?variant=45596001435836","image":{"id":"img-variant-45596001435836","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0706/2664/0060/files/Queue_Silver.jpg?v=1768713656","width":2752,"height":4128,"alt_text":"Queue Metal Lighter - Black variant image","position":3,"variant_ids":["45596001435836"]},"price":{"value":62,"currency":"AUD"},"title":"Queue Metal Lighter - Black","option1":"Black","variant_id":"45596001435836","availability":"in_stock"}],"item_group_title":"Queue Metal Lighter","size_system":"US","gender":"unisex","shipping":"Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.","is_digital":"false","warning":"Over 18? Sorry, but we have to ask...","age_restriction":18,"q_and_a":[{"a":"Yes — the main recurring complaints are wick/ignition trouble and quicker-than-Zippo fuel evaporation, especially when the lighter sits unused for a while. Routine maintenance handles most of it: keep the wick at just over 3 mm, replace the flint once it wears to about a third of its size, and keep the tank topped up [1]. If it still won't light, double-check flint tightness, wick length, and fuel level — those solve the vast majority of issues [2].","q":"Are there any recurring issues with the wick, ignition, or fuel seal that I should be aware of before buying?"},{"a":"There's no separate, user-replaceable cap seal or gasket offered for this model — the bottom cap is the fuel-filler screw, and some evaporation is a known trade-off of the slim design. Keeping that screw snug, storing the lighter away from heat, and keeping the tank reasonably full (less air space means less vapor loss) are the practical ways to slow it. Owners who carry and use the lighter daily tend not to notice it; it's most noticeable after days of idle storage.","q":"How is the fuel evaporation issue addressed in the design — is the cap seal replaceable if it becomes loose, or is that a known trade-off for the slim profile?"},{"a":"The Gold, Silver, and Black versions are surface finishes over the brass body — the base material is brass, with steel in the mechanism. With everyday carry, expect the finish to wear at edges and corners over time; many owners find the brass peeking through part of the charm. Wiping with a microfiber cloth keeps oils and grime from accelerating that wear.","q":"Are the Gold, Silver and Black finishes plated over the brass body or applied as a separate coating, and how do they wear over time?"},{"a":"Yes — Zippo flints are confirmed compatible, and Zippo lighter fluid works in the Queue [1]. The flint mechanism is functionally similar to a Zippo's, so many owners use Zippo replacement flints without issue; the Tsubota Pearl Flint Replacement Pack is also available if you prefer the brand's own parts.","q":"Is the flint tube, spring and flint wheel compatible with Zippo replacement parts, or must I source them exclusively from Tsubota Pearl?"},{"a":"Keep the wick at just over 3 mm above the chimney — any shorter and it can't be pulled out, any longer and you get sooty flames [1]. When it frays or fails to light, pull it up gently with pliers (never yank) and trim the blackened tip with nail clippers [2]. For a full wick replacement, thread the new wick up from the bottom with a wire guide, and if the tip is too thick, thin it by removing 2–3 cm of its core so it passes through the wick hole [3].","q":"What is the recommended wick trimming and packing technique to avoid the fraying and ignition issues other users report?"},{"a":"The strike wheel is sized for standard petrol-lighter flints — the same Zippo-compatible size — so no special flint is needed. Tsubota Pearl doesn't publish temperature or altitude specifications, but like any petrol lighter, cold weather can slow ignition because fuel vaporizes less readily, and extreme altitude can slightly alter flame behavior. Keeping the lighter warm and the tank reasonably full is the practical workaround.","q":"Is the strike wheel designed for a specific flint size, and does external temperature or altitude affect ignition reliability?"},{"a":"Check wick height, ensure spark reaches the wick, clean the wheel and flint area, and verify flint orientation (red dot away from wick).","q":"Why won't my Queue lighter light?"},{"a":"Some online shops like laundryday.co carry them but are often out of stock; IMCO wired wicks may be used as an alternative.","q":"Where can I buy replacement wicks?"},{"a":"Yes, Zippo flints are compatible, and Zippo fuel works in the lighter.","q":"Can I use Zippo flints and fuel?"}],"target_countries":"US","canonical_url":"https://pudl.store/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-metal-lighter","reddit_insights":{"match":{"notes":"Multiple threads explicitly discuss the Tsubota Pearl Queue metal lighter by name and provide detailed troubleshooting, purchasing experiences, and comparisons.","confidence":0.95,"matched_terms":["Tsubota Pearl","Queue lighter","tsubota pearl queue lighter","tsubota pearls","Tsubota Pearl lighter"]},"status":"ok","coverage":{"subreddits":["lighters"],"threads_used":5},"evidence":{"items":[{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/jdd5m9/im_new_to_this_whole_reusable_lighter_thing_and/g9771fp/","type":"comment","title":"Fuel evaporates if unused for weeks","author":"jeremyverhoeven","ref_id":"r_e_1","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/jdd5m9/im_new_to_this_whole_reusable_lighter_thing_and/","title":"im new to this whole reusable lighter thing and","subreddit":"lighters"},"excerpt":"Have you filled it up? If I don't use mine a few week it just dries up.","subreddit":"lighters"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/84k964/anyone_had_one_of_theses_tsubota_pearls_and_know/dvq9gi2/","type":"comment","title":"Description of Tsubota Pearl Queue lighters","author":"[deleted]","ref_id":"r_e_2","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/84k964/anyone_had_one_of_theses_tsubota_pearls_and_know/","title":"anyone had one of theses tsubota pearls and know","subreddit":"lighters"},"excerpt":"They are called Queue lighters by Tsubota Pearl who ive seen is talked about a bit in the pipe smokers /r/. they seem to function like zippos from what i understand. Thought they looked sleek but only a few specialty shops carry them.","subreddit":"lighters"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/1b9c3ll/tsubota_pearl_queue_lighter_wont_light/kvecwsa/","type":"comment","title":"Troubleshooting wick ignition issues","author":"[deleted]","ref_id":"r_e_3","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/1b9c3ll/tsubota_pearl_queue_lighter_wont_light/","title":"tsubota pearl queue lighter wont light","subreddit":"lighters"},"excerpt":"this will sound stupid but is enough of the wick exposed? like id think it needs to be up to the mid point of the wheel almost\n\nif it lights immediately from another flame the issue is either with spark production or spark making it to the wick (either not enough spark, or wick isnt close enough to spark etc) ive had dirty wheel/flint areas cause less than ideal spark creation. \n\nis the wick ideal distance from wheel/flint? ive had issues with wick lighters both from wick being too close and too far from the point of spark creation - too close it smothers it almost like it doesnt allow the spark to catch and too far it wont hit it. pull the wick up and move it back and forth if the lighters clean.","subreddit":"lighters"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/tjr09u/tsubota_pearl/i6hr2z1/","type":"comment","title":"Zippo flints compatible and replacement wick source","author":"HotPocketPanda","ref_id":"r_e_4","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/tjr09u/tsubota_pearl/","title":"tsubota pearl","subreddit":"lighters"},"excerpt":"I'm a bit late here, but I have a Tsubota stick lighter and after emailing them about replacement wicks/flints, they told me Zippo flints will work, and directed me [here](https://www.laundryday.co/products/replacement-wick) for replacement wicks. I haven't needed to change the wick on mine yet, but I imagine it should work fine.","subreddit":"lighters"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/a5ikp9/tsubota_pearl_queue_lighter/ec1gxxg/","type":"comment","title":"Satisfied with purchase and plans to buy more","author":"[deleted]","ref_id":"r_e_6","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/lighters/comments/a5ikp9/tsubota_pearl_queue_lighter/","title":"tsubota pearl queue lighter","subreddit":"lighters"},"excerpt":"Update: It arrived! Zippo for comparison.\n(https://i.imgur.com/VwMJZzL.jpg)\n\nQuite happy with it.\n\nThinking of picking up a Tsubota pearl paper lighter next although they seem to be even harder to find.","subreddit":"lighters"}]},"generated_at":"2025-04-07T09:30:00Z","conversation_summary":{"gotchas":[{"gotcha":"Fuel evaporates quickly if not used regularly, likely due to a loose seal.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"Wick may need frequent adjustment or replacement; pulling through can cause fraying.","severity":"medium"}],"one_liner":"Reddit users generally praise the Tsubota Pearl Queue lighter's sleek design but frequently encounter wick ignition issues and rapid fuel evaporation.","sentiment":{"label":"mixed","score":-0.2,"explanation":"While the design and aesthetic draw positive attention, many report functional problems with the wick lighting consistently and fuel drying up quickly, leading to an overall mixed sentiment."},"use_cases":[{"evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_6"],"use_case":"Everyday carry lighter"},{"evidence":["r_e_2","r_e_6"],"use_case":"Collectible / aesthetic piece"},{"evidence":["r_e_2"],"use_case":"Pipe smoking"}],"top_themes":[{"theme":"Design and appearance","stance":"positive","evidence":["r_e_2"]},{"theme":"Wick and ignition problems","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_3"]},{"theme":"Fuel evaporation","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_1"]},{"theme":"Parts availability and compatibility","stance":"mixed","evidence":["r_e_4"]},{"theme":"Overall purchase satisfaction","stance":"positive","evidence":["r_e_6"]}],"comparisons":[{"summary":"Frequently compared to Zippo lighters: similar function and parts compatibility, but the Tsubota Pearl is perceived as sleeker with a Japanese design, though some users report worse fuel evaporation and wick issues.","evidence":["r_e_1","r_e_2","r_e_4","r_e_6"],"compared_to":"Zippo"}],"common_questions":[{"evidence":["r_e_3"],"question":"Why won't my Queue lighter light?","short_answer":"Check wick height, ensure spark reaches the wick, clean the wheel and flint area, and verify flint orientation (red dot away from wick)."},{"evidence":["r_e_4"],"question":"Where can I buy replacement wicks?","short_answer":"Some online shops like laundryday.co carry them but are often out of stock; IMCO wired wicks may be used as an alternative."},{"evidence":["r_e_4","r_e_6"],"question":"Can I use Zippo flints and fuel?","short_answer":"Yes, Zippo flints are compatible, and Zippo fuel works in the lighter."}]}},"deep_research":{"dimensions":{"flame_characteristics":{"title":"Soft flame characteristics and ideal uses","entries":{"85mm_extended_reach":"With an 85mm (3.35″) tall body, the Queue keeps the flame nearly 3.5 inches from your hand, enabling you to reach into deep candle jars or between tightly spaced incense sticks without tilting the lighter or risking a burn — a leverage advantage that shorter, disposable lighters can’t offer.","yellow_soft_flame_color":"The flame’s distinct yellow color, a byproduct of liquid petrol combustion, creates a warm, candle-like ambiance that feels more natural and intentional than the blue flame of disposable lighters — an aesthetic detail that resonates with those who treat lighter use as a mindful ritual.","indoor_centric_performance":"Soft flame lighters inherently struggle in wind, and the Queue is no exception — it’s designed for still-air environments like home altars, bedside tables, or cigar lounges, where its steady, gentle flame can be appreciated without battling drafts, making it a deliberate indoor tool, not an all-weather carry.","1400_f_soft_flame_temperature":"The Queue’s petrol flame burns at roughly 1400° — significantly cooler than a torch’s 2300° jet — which gives you precise heat control for lighting incense tips and candle wicks without scorching, making it a safer choice for delicate rituals where overheating ruins the experience.","unpressurized_flame_reliability":"Because the Queue’s flame is produced by an unpressurized wick rather than a jet nozzle, it avoids the clogging and seal failures that plague torch lighters — the mechanism is so simple that soft flame lighters rarely fail, giving you a dependable flame every time you strike."},"entry_quotes":{"85mm_extended_reach":[{"url":"https://www.goodfellascigarshop.com/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-two-tone-soft-flame-mini-lighters","quote":"Dimensions0.8cm (0.32\") Wide x 8.5cm (3.35\") Tall x 0.8cm (0.32\") Deep"}],"yellow_soft_flame_color":[{"url":"https://www.goodfellascigarshop.com/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-two-tone-soft-flame-mini-lighters","quote":"Yellow Soft Flame"}],"indoor_centric_performance":[{"url":"https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/","quote":"The majority of soft flame lighters are terrible in even a light breeze. Keeping a soft flame lit on a windy day can be a real pain."}],"1400_f_soft_flame_temperature":[{"url":"https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/","quote":"Torch flames get up to around 2300 degrees."},{"url":"https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/","quote":"The soft flame is around 1400 degrees giving you more control over the heat, preventing overheating or scorching of whatever you happen to be lighting up."}],"unpressurized_flame_reliability":[{"url":"https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/","quote":"Soft flame lighters rarely fail simply because they are uncomplicated when compared to torch flame lighters."}]},"entry_sources":{"85mm_extended_reach":["https://www.goodfellascigarshop.com/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-two-tone-soft-flame-mini-lighters"],"yellow_soft_flame_color":["https://www.goodfellascigarshop.com/products/tsubota-pearl-queue-two-tone-soft-flame-mini-lighters"],"indoor_centric_performance":["https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/"],"1400_f_soft_flame_temperature":["https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/"],"unpressurized_flame_reliability":["https://lighterpoint.com/soft-flame-vs-torch/"]}},"slim_stick_ergonomics":{"title":"How the slim stick design feels in daily carry and use","entries":{"19g_featherweight":"At 19 grams — lighter than a AA battery — the Queue adds negligible mass to a keychain or pocket; for EDC minimalists, this means no sagging fabric or awkward bulges, even in lightweight summer shorts.","85mm_candle_reach":"The full 85 mm length puts the flame deep into a candle jar without requiring a tilt that spills wax; it also keeps fingers safely above the opening of narrow‐necked bottles like olive oil lamps.","versus_zippo_slim":"While the Zippo Slim (12 mm thick, ~56 g) is already considered a compact lighter, the Queue undercuts it dramatically at 8 mm and 19 g — a two‐thirds reduction in carry weight and volume that makes it a compelling upgrade for the truly pocket‐conscious.","brass_core_haptics":"The brass body provides a cool, dense sensation in the hand that plastic and aluminium lighters can’t replicate; combined with the steel ignition wheel, the Queue feels like a precision tool, not a disposable.","flat_sided_stability":"Unlike cylindrical stick lighters that roll off tables, the Queue’s 8 mm square body sits firmly on any flat surface — a small but valued detail for a lighter that often rests on a nightstand, altar, or tray.","8mm_square_carry_footprint":"The 85 mm × 8 mm × 8 mm body matches the thickness of a standard pencil, allowing the Queue to slip into pen loops, coin pockets, or EDC organizers without distorting their shape — a slimness that makes it virtually unnoticeable in a shirt pocket."},"entry_quotes":{"85mm_candle_reach":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/","quote":"Size: 85 x 8 x 8 mm"}],"versus_zippo_slim":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/","quote":"Size: 85 x 8 x 8 mm"}],"brass_core_haptics":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/","quote":"Material: Brass, Steel and Cotton"}],"flat_sided_stability":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/","quote":"Size: 85 x 8 x 8 mm"}],"8mm_square_carry_footprint":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/","quote":"Size: 85 x 8 x 8 mm"}]},"entry_sources":{"85mm_candle_reach":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/"],"versus_zippo_slim":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/"],"brass_core_haptics":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/"],"flat_sided_stability":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/"],"8mm_square_carry_footprint":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/product/lighters/queue-mono/"]}},"refillable_sustainability":{"title":"Environmental case for a refillable over disposables","entries":{"marine_debris_and_wildlife_harm":"Plastic lighters are a documented ocean pollutant: researchers on Midway Island recovered 1,400 lighters from albatross stomachs and nests, and the Ocean Conservancy links plastic waste to harm for over 700 marine species — a metal lighter that stays in service for decades cuts that threat at its source.","annual_disposable_waste_volume_us":"In the United States alone, approximately 1.5 billion disposable lighters are discarded each year — the overwhelming majority unrecyclable due to mixed materials and residual fuel, a waste stream the Queue’s brass, steel, and cotton composition completely bypasses.","disposable_displacement_over_5_years":"A single refillable lighter displaces an estimated 50–200 disposable lighters over five years of regular use, meaning the Queue alone prevents dozens of plastic-and-metal units from entering landfills annually.","user_replaceable_flint_for_decades_of_service":"The Queue is built to be maintained, not thrown away: its flint is a consumable item that the user replaces when worn (directly guided by Tsubota Pearl), enabling the same brass body to keep functioning for decades instead of ending up in a landfill after a single fuel cycle."},"entry_quotes":{"marine_debris_and_wildlife_harm":[{"url":"https://rethinkplastic.greenearth.org.hk/en/seawaste/lighter","quote":"Fujieda also studied the albatross on Midway Island, collecting 1,400 lighters from their stomachs and nests."},{"url":"https://shunwaste.com/article/why-are-lighters-bad-for-the-environment","quote":"A study by the Ocean Conservancy found that plastic waste, including lighters, is responsible for harming over 700 marine species."}],"annual_disposable_waste_volume_us":[{"url":"https://compostingg.com/refillable-butane-lighter-eco/","quote":"In the US alone, approximately 1.5 billion disposable lighters are discarded each year."},{"url":"https://compostingg.com/refillable-butane-lighter-eco/","quote":"The plastic body takes 100+ years to break down."}],"disposable_displacement_over_5_years":[{"url":"https://compostingg.com/refillable-butane-lighter-eco/","quote":"Over five years of regular use, one quality refillable lighter replaces roughly 50–200 disposable units depending on frequency of use."}],"user_replaceable_flint_for_decades_of_service":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/faq/faq-en/queue-sigaretta-lighters/","quote":"Flint has a limited lifespan; monitor frequently, replace before wearing out."}]},"entry_sources":{"marine_debris_and_wildlife_harm":["https://rethinkplastic.greenearth.org.hk/en/seawaste/lighter","https://shunwaste.com/article/why-are-lighters-bad-for-the-environment"],"annual_disposable_waste_volume_us":["https://compostingg.com/refillable-butane-lighter-eco/"],"disposable_displacement_over_5_years":["https://compostingg.com/refillable-butane-lighter-eco/"],"user_replaceable_flint_for_decades_of_service":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/faq/faq-en/queue-sigaretta-lighters/"]}},"tokyo_artisan_manufacturing":{"title":"Tokyo workshop heritage and what it means for quality","entries":{"1970s_queue_origin":"The Queue first debuted in the 1970s and was reintroduced in 2004, making today’s lighter a revival of a slim stick design conceived well before the disposable lighter boom — its 85mm form is a direct descendant of pre-digital pocket-carry sensibilities, not a retro pastiche.","pearl_naming_homage":"The brand name ‘Pearl’ was chosen in 1953 as an homage to Japan’s first successful cultured pearls, with the founder hoping his products would spread worldwide — a deliberate nod to craft excellence that still colors the Queue’s presentation nearly 70 years later.","60_year_veteran_artisans":"Some Tsubota Pearl artisans have been refining their craft at the company for over 60 years — longer than many contemporary luxury accessory brands have existed — meaning the Queue is assembled by hands that have intimately shaped lighter-making through multiple eras of design evolution, a rarity even in Japan’s craft sector.","three_generation_succession":"Founded in 1952 by Hiroshi Tsubota and now managed by his granddaughter Maiko Tsubota as of 2023, with his son Eiichi overseeing production, Tsubota Pearl is a compact family workshop where lighter-making knowledge passes directly through generations — a continuity that keeps the Queue’s assembly rooted in the founder’s original mechanical standards rather than shifting with outside management trends.","asakusa_shitamachi_production":"All components are manufactured in and around Tokyo’s Asakusa district, a historic shitamachi area, by factories using traditional machinery and hand-finishing — a localized supply chain that embeds the lighter in a neighborhood known for metalworking and small-scale production, far from the anonymous contract lines that produce most modern lighters.","tokyo_from_start_to_finish_pledge":"Tsubota Pearl’s own website states they are “committed to locally producing our original items the same way we always have in Tokyo from start to finish” — a direct manufacturer promise that the Queue is not outsourced or assembled from imported parts but fabricated entirely within their Tokyo workshop network, which is rare in the lighter category where even premium brands often rely on global component supply."},"entry_quotes":{"1970s_queue_origin":[{"url":"https://www.lightprovisions.com/blogs/blog/tsubota-pearl-lighter-history","quote":"The Tsubota Pearl Queue Lighter first debuted in the 1970s and was reintroduced in 2004."},{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/about/","quote":"2004 | The ‘Queue’ stick lighter, the same size as a cigarette, is released."}],"pearl_naming_homage":[{"url":"https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","quote":"he would eventually name Pearl after Japan’s first cultured pearls were produced in the late 1920s."},{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/about/","quote":"The company brand name is made ‘PEARL’ as an homage to cultured pearls developed in Japan and spread across the world, in hopes of its products following the same path."}],"60_year_veteran_artisans":[{"url":"https://beon.com.au/collections/tsubato-pearl-lighters?page=2","quote":"Some artisans have been perfecting their craft at Tsubota Pearl for over 60 years, preserving and passing down techniques that make these Tokyo-made lighters truly unique."}],"three_generation_succession":[{"url":"https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","quote":"In 1952, he began his own company"},{"url":"https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","quote":"Hiroshi’s son, Tsubota Eiichi, oversees the production and engineering of the lighters to ensure his designs are produced to the highest standards."},{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/about/","quote":"2023 | Maiko Tsubota becomes director of the company."}],"asakusa_shitamachi_production":[{"url":"https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","quote":"The parts are still all manufactured in Japan - in and around Tokyo’s Asakusa district in the Taito ward. The area is a shitamachi district, historically a lower-class region of the city."},{"url":"https://beon.com.au/collections/tsubato-pearl-lighters?page=2","quote":"every component meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in and around the Asakusa district."}],"tokyo_from_start_to_finish_pledge":[{"url":"https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/","quote":"committed to locally producing our original items the same way we always have in Tokyo from start to finish."}]},"entry_sources":{"1970s_queue_origin":["https://www.lightprovisions.com/blogs/blog/tsubota-pearl-lighter-history","https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/about/"],"pearl_naming_homage":["https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/about/"],"60_year_veteran_artisans":["https://beon.com.au/collections/tsubato-pearl-lighters?page=2"],"three_generation_succession":["https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/about/"],"asakusa_shitamachi_production":["https://bindlestore.com/blogs/news/tsubota-pearl-since-1952","https://beon.com.au/collections/tsubato-pearl-lighters?page=2"],"tokyo_from_start_to_finish_pledge":["https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/"]}}}}}}