
Tsubota Pearl
Sigaretta Lighter
The Tsubota Pearl Sigaretta is a slim, refillable petrol lighter made in Tokyo from brass, steel and cotton, featuring a removable cap and a flint-wheel ignition with a replaceable cotton wick; it measures 85 mm in length by 9 mm in width and depth and weighs 17 g, and is available in Black, Gold, Silver and Rose Gold. It is designed for smoking and general ignition use as a reusable alternative to disposable lighters, is refilled with standard lighter fluid, and its flint is replaced with the Tsubota Pearl Flint Replacement Pack (sold separately); users report that Zippo fluid and Zippo flints also work. Owners note that fuel evaporates relatively quickly because the system is not sealed, and that the wick must be correctly positioned (the red dot on the flint assembly should point away from the wick) for reliable lighting, with replacement wicks occasionally out of stock. Care consists of wiping with a microfiber cloth.
- Color
- Gold
- Style
- handmade, minimal
- Category
- Food, Beverages & Tobacco
- MPN
LGT-00006
Specifications
Slim, refillable metal lighter handcrafted in Tokyo.
Refillable; handcrafted; slim design; made from brass, steel and cotton; measures 85mm x 9mm x 9mm and weighs 17g.
- Color
- Gold · yellow
- Material
- Brass, steel and cotton
- Style
- handmade, minimal
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Weight
- 0.037 kg
- Dimensions
- 85 x 9 x 9 mm mm
- Width
- 9
- Height
- 9
- Length
- 85
- Category
- Food, Beverages & Tobacco
Additional Attributes
- slim
- metal
- refillable
- handcrafted in Tokyo
- brass
- steel
- cotton
- length: 85mm
- width: 9mm
- depth: 9mm
- weight: 17g
- fluid not included
- replacement flints sold separately
Product Insights
The Sigaretta Lighter by Tsubota Pearl is a pen-slim, cigarette-sized petrol lighter from a family-run Tokyo workshop active since 1952, launched in 2009 and named for the Italian word for cigarette. It reads as a pen until sparked, running on liquid petrol rather than butane, which means fuel evaporates in one to two weeks even with the cap on — the cap only shields the flint wheel, not the fuel chamber — so a full fill requires airtight storage. It ships empty and takes standard lighter fluid, a wick kept just over 3 mm, and flints that Zippo fits but softer Tsubota flints are made for; some units arrive with wicks that never catch. At 17 g and 85 × 9 × 9 mm, it's roughly a fifth the weight of a Zippo Classic, priced at 64 AUD — about double a Zippo — for Tokyo craftsmanship and brass that patinas with use, though gold and rose-gold plating fades with heavy pocket carry, the polished body feels slick when damp, and buyers report a faint petrol smell without leaks. Factory servicing in Tokyo runs about JPY 2,000 plus shipping, and spare wicks sometimes sell out, making it a slow-living design object for display rather than a worry-free everyday tool.
Verified claims
- Fuel evaporation
- Full fill evaporates in 1–2 weeks unused; airtight storage slows it.
- Pocket smell
- Buyers report a faint petrol smell but no liquid leak
- Cap seal
- Cap protects the flint wheel but doesn't seal the fuel chamber — evaporation continues with it on.
- Fuel type
- Runs on liquid petrol rather than butane, so it evaporates even when unused; a butane lighter holds its charge.
- Refueling
- Ships empty; refill via bottom cap with any standard lighter fluid and wait a few minutes before lighting.
- Ignition reliability
- Most lighting failures trace to wick height, flint wear or a dirty wheel; the red dot must point away from the wick.
- Care
- Keep the wick just over 3 mm, trim charred tips, and replace it from the bottom cap when spent.
- Upkeep
- Replace flints at 1/3 wear; Zippo flints fit, but Tsubota's softer flints protect the micro-wheel.
- Out-of-box defects
- Buyers report some units whose wick never catches even after setup — a defect, not user error.
- Serviceability
- Factory servicing in Tokyo runs about JPY 2,000 plus shipping; spare wicks sometimes sell out.
- Carry comfort
- 85 x 9 x 9 mm and 17 g — pen-slim, about a fifth the weight of a Zippo Classic.
- Positioning
- A slim cigarette-holder petrol lighter rather than a boxy Zippo clone; the Hard Edge is the line's Zippo-style option.
- Craft & value
- 64 AUD is roughly double a Zippo Classic, yet buys Tokyo workshop craft; buyers cite IMCO as the cheaper alternative.
- Provenance
- Family-run in Tokyo since 1952, parts made in Asakusa workshops by three generations.
- Lineage
- Launched in 2009, the Sigaretta is the cigarette-holder form itself, sized like a cigarette and named for one.
- Repairability
- Standard cotton wick kept just over 3 mm and replaced via the bottom cap; spare wicks can be out of stock.
- Finish wear
- Heavy daily pocket carry fades plated Gold and Rose Gold; silver shows light scratches instead.
- Plating
- Gold and rose-gold plating fades with heavy use, exposing brass beneath.
- Patina
- Worn-through plating exposes raw brass that develops a patina with carry.
- Aging
- Tsubota Pearl designs the brass to patina with use, not stay pristine.
- Grip
- The polished body feels slick when hands are damp; at 9 mm wide it calls for a firmer grip.
- Accidental ignition
- The removable cap shields the flint wheel, so accidental pocket ignition is unlikely.
- Flame and ignition
- Single fixed flame; wick length is the only size control — keep it just over 3 mm.
- Factory service
- Official repair path: retailer → distributor → Tokyo factory; about JPY2,000 plus parts/shipping.
- Running cost
- A 20-piece flint pack costs $7 — a small fraction of the 64 AUD lighter price.
- Use cases
- Lights cigarettes, pipes and cigars, and is staged by retailers with candles, incense and pre-rolls.
- Maintenance
- Takes Zippo flints and standard fluid, keeps the wick just over 3 mm, and factory repair runs about JPY 2,000.
- Design origin
- Launched in 2009, a cigarette-sized petrol lighter named for the Italian word for cigarette — reads as a pen until sparked.
- Cultural placement
- Marketed as a slow-living design object with jewelry-like finishes, for display rather than disposal.
Product record
- Title
- Sigaretta Lighter
- Brand
- Tsubota Pearl
- Price
- 64 AUD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 16 sourcesUses
Sparking a flame with the flint wheel
When you need an open flame, slip off the cap and spin the flint wheel to light the vertical wick at the top of the slim metal barrel — the product images show this flint-and-wick ignition assembly up close. The retailer describes the elongated form as offering controlled ignition, framing it as a lighter for steady, deliberate flame-making.[1,3,4]
Everyday carry in a pocket or bag
A slim, pen-like lighter for slipping into a pocket or bag and carrying through the day. It's lightweight and just 85mm long by 9mm across. The retailer's brand spotlight describes it as disappearing into a pocket and reappearing as a statement when you take it back out.[1,5]
A refillable petrol lighter you refuel with standard lighter fluid
When the Sigaretta runs out of fuel, you refill it rather than replace it. It takes standard lighter fluid, and the seller describes it as designed to be refilled, repaired, and carried for years.[1]
Maintaining the lighter over time
The Sigaretta's wearing parts are replaceable: when the flint wears down, it can be swapped with the Tsubota Pearl Flint Replacement Pack (sold separately), and the wick will occasionally need replacing, done via the bottom of the lighter. Tsubota Pearl's FAQ notes that the wheel unit pulls straight out — never twist it — and that the red dot on the unit must face outward.[1,6,7]
Designed for years of use instead of disposables
The Sigaretta is a durable metal lighter designed to be refilled, repaired, and carried for years rather than thrown away. The merchant presents it as a considered alternative to the throwaway disposable, built for those who prefer a metal lighter that lasts.[1]
Storing it in a joint case alongside pre-rolls
The Amita Shop product page suggests tucking the Sigaretta into the Asawa Joint Case alongside pre-rolls, so the lighter can be stored and carried together with them. This is a seller's suggested use rather than a reported customer outcome.[2]
Suggested for display with candles and incense
Seller copy suggests styling the Sigaretta as decor, displayed on a tray alongside candles and incense. This is a merchandising suggestion from the seller rather than a reported customer outcome.[2]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Sigaretta Lighter: Choose this for a very slim, pocketable refillable petrol lighter — at 85mm long and 9mm across, it slips easily into a pocket or bag and refills with standard lighter fluid. Made in Tokyo from durable metal in Black, Gold, Silver or Rose Gold, it's designed to be refilled, repaired and carried for years, with the retailer positioning it as a considered alternative to throwaway disposables. Expect ongoing upkeep, though: the flint wears down and is replaced with the brand's flint replacement pack (a separate item), and the wick occasionally needs replacing too.[1,5,6] | Queue Metal Lighter: Choose this if you want a refillable petrol lighter whose elongated form, per the listing, offers extended reach and controlled ignition for candles, incense and everyday rituals. It's solid in feel with a minimal profile that slips easily into a pocket, comes in Black, Silver or Gold, and refills with standard lighter fluid, with the flint replaceable via a separately available replacement pack. One Reddit owner reports being quite happy with theirs, though another thread reports one that wouldn't light.[8,9,10] | Hard Edge Lighter: Choose this for a refillable petrol lighter with a minimalist, deliberately un-ergonomic design, a matte polycarbonate shell over a steel interior and cotton wick, hand-made in Tokyo's Asakusa district. It is compact, built for everyday carry, and designed for years of maintenance with a replaceable wick and flint, a spare flint tucked beside the flint screw, and refills using standard lighter fluid. Expect some upkeep friction: the flint is stiff when new and if it sparks but doesn't light when filled, a commenter says it needs to be warm before the fuel will evaporate.[11,12,13,14,15,16] |
Image Analysis
5 images- 01

Product
A slim cylindrical metal lighter shown standing with its cap removed and placed beside it. The visible upper mechanism includes a small vertical wick with a dark charred tip and a small metal flint/ignition assembly.
- Cylindrical bodySmooth, straight-walled cylindrical metal barrel standing vertically with a reflective gold finish and a small vertical seam-like slot on the side.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.58 (high) - Removable capShort cylindrical cap with the same reflective gold finish placed on the surface to the left of the main barrel.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.68 · w 0.09 · h 0.20 (high) - Top metal collarA slightly narrower silvery metal collar sits at the barrel top, forming the base for the ignition assembly; it has a matte metallic finish distinct from the gold body.
1 region
x 0.51 · y 0.20 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (high) - Wick and ignitionVertical white wick protrudes from the top center with a dark, charred tip; adjacent small curved metal piece and a tiny pivot screw form the ignition/flint area.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.06 · w 0.10 · h 0.12 (high) - Side slot detailNarrow vertical slot visible on the barrel side, aligned with the cap area, likely a structural or release slot.
1 region
x 0.61 · y 0.56 · w 0.02 · h 0.22 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a neutral beige background with soft, even lighting and soft shadows on the surface beneath the objects. Image is vertically framed with the lighter top near the upper third.
- Background and surfaceUniform neutral beige backdrop and matching flat surface with a visible soft shadow cast by the objects.
- Shot compositionVertical composition centered on the lighter; cap placed slightly left in foreground and main barrel slightly right and taller, top of lighter is near image upper center.
- Lighting and shadowSoft diffuse lighting with subtle specular highlights on the metal surfaces and soft-edged shadows beneath each cylinder.
Colors
polished gold· barrel and cap exterior#E5B265brushed silver· top collar / ignition housingbright white· wickcharcoal black· charred wick tip / flint area- Cylindrical bodySmooth, straight-walled cylindrical metal barrel standing vertically with a reflective gold finish and a small vertical seam-like slot on the side.
- 02

Product
A slim cylindrical metal object with a removable cap; shown upright and centered with a visible seam between cap and body and a rounded cap top with a small reflective notch.
- Overall shapeSlim, straight vertical cylinder with uniform diameter along most of its visible length and a slightly rounded bottom end.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.74 (high) - Cap geometryShort cylindrical cap fitted on top of the main tube; cap top is flat with a subtle rounded edge.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.18 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high) - Cap seamThin circumferential seam between the cap and the body visible as a narrow horizontal line with a slight darker reflection at the join.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.24 · w 0.06 · h 0.02 (high) - Surface finishSmooth metallic finish with a satin appearance and soft specular highlights along the shaft.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.60 (high) - Top reflection detailSmall dark reflective notch or highlight near the front edge of the cap top creating a triangular shiny highlight.
1 region
x 0.49 · y 0.18 · w 0.03 · h 0.02 (high) - Visible wear or subtle marksVery faint tonal variation and micro-reflections along the lower shaft consistent with handling or lighting, no scratches clearly discernible.Partial
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.60 · w 0.12 · h 0.30 (medium)
Other
Studio shot with a neutral beige background, soft directional lighting from upper left producing a soft shadow to the lower left; product is centered vertically and cropped with full height visible.
- Shot compositionProduct photographed upright and centered in frame with large negative space above and around it.
- BackgroundUniform matte neutral beige background without visible texture or pattern.
- Lighting and shadowSoft directional lighting from the upper left creating a diffuse shadow extending to the lower left on the surface.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.78 · w 0.40 · h 0.18 (medium) - Image qualitySharp central subject with shallow depth of field; no legible text anywhere in the image.
Colors
satin gold· body and cap#B48235- Overall shapeSlim, straight vertical cylinder with uniform diameter along most of its visible length and a slightly rounded bottom end.
- 03

Product
A slim cylindrical metal lighter shown with its cap removed; the upper metal ignition assembly (flint wheel and wick) is visible. The body and separate cap have a polished rose-gold finish and a small vertical slot on the body is visible.
- Overall shapeTall slim cylindrical rod standing upright with a separate short cylindrical cap placed beside it.
2 regions
x 0.52 · y 0.30 · w 0.14 · h 0.62 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.73 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - FinishSmooth reflective metallic finish on both the upright body and the detached cap, same color and gloss across parts.
2 regions
x 0.52 · y 0.30 · w 0.14 · h 0.62 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.73 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Ignition topExposed metallic ignition assembly at the top including a toothed flint wheel, a cylindrical metal housing, and a short exposed cotton wick.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.14 · w 0.10 · h 0.12 (high) - Wick detailShort white fibrous wick protruding from a small metal tube next to the flint wheel.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.14 · w 0.04 · h 0.07 (high) - Flint wheelSmall dark toothed flint wheel mounted on a pivoting metallic bracket at the top edge.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.12 · w 0.05 · h 0.07 (high) - Body slotA narrow vertical slot or cutout is visible on the front face of the lighter body approximately mid-height.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.62 · w 0.03 · h 0.18 (medium) - Small engraved text on metal collarVery small engraved text or marking is present on the upper metal collar near the ignition assembly but characters are not legible at this scale.Partial
1 region
x 0.51 · y 0.20 · w 0.08 · h 0.06 (medium)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a neutral beige background with soft directional lighting producing subtle shadows; image is vertically oriented and tightly cropped around the product area.
- BackgroundUniform neutral beige backdrop with no visible texture or printed packaging.
- Lighting and shadowSoft directional light from upper-left creating faint shadow beneath and to the right of the cap and body.
- Shot compositionClose-up vertical composition centered on the upright lighter; cap placed slightly left in the foreground, top of lighter near upper third of the frame.
- Image qualitySharp focus on the lighter top and body; minimal noise and even exposure.
Colors
rose gold· body and cap#DDA27Abrushed silver· ignition collar and housing#998B82off white· wickblack· flint wheel- Overall shapeTall slim cylindrical rod standing upright with a separate short cylindrical cap placed beside it.
- 04

Product
A tall, slender cylindrical metal lighter shown upright with its removable cap set aside; the top assembly exposes a small cotton wick and a metal flint-wheel ignition head.
- Overall shapeVertical cylindrical metal body with a separate cylindrical cap placed on the surface beside it; body is shown standing upright without the cap attached.
2 regions
x 0.53 · y 0.38 · w 0.12 · h 0.55 (high); x 0.22 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Body finishSmooth reflective dark metallic finish on the cylindrical body visible from midshaft to base.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.38 · w 0.12 · h 0.55 (high) - Removable capSeparate short cylindrical cap with matching dark metallic finish placed left of the main body, showing a glossy top surface.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.72 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Top assembly materialExposed metal top components at the body tip with a lighter, matte-silver metal finish distinct from the darker body.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.14 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Ignition wheelSmall serrated black or dark-colored flint wheel pivoted on a short vertical metal post, oriented at the top edge of the lighter.
1 region
x 0.63 · y 0.13 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (high) - WickShort white cotton wick protruding from a round metal wick tube beside the ignition wheel.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.18 · w 0.03 · h 0.06 (high) - Visible seam / jointCircular stepped joint where the silver top assembly meets the darker cylindrical body.
1 region
x 0.54 · y 0.23 · w 0.10 · h 0.06 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a smooth neutral beige background with soft even lighting and a subtle shadow beneath the items; composition centers the upright lighter near the image midline with the cap placed lower left.
- BackgroundUniform neutral beige background with no visible texture or printed elements.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse lighting producing gentle shadows beneath and slightly left of the objects; mild highlight on the cap top.
- Shot compositionVertical framing that centers the top of the lighter near the upper third of the frame; lower part of the body and cap are visible with slight cropping at the very bottom edge.
- Image qualitySharp focus on the lighter top assembly and wick; background is smoothly defocused.
Colors
dark gunmetal· bodymatte silver· top assemblywhite· wicknear-black· flint wheel- Overall shapeVertical cylindrical metal body with a separate cylindrical cap placed on the surface beside it; body is shown standing upright without the cap attached.
- 05

Product
A slim cylindrical metal lighter shown with its cap removed; the upper ignition assembly is exposed showing a small white wick and a toothed flint wheel. The cap sits separately on the left.
- Main bodyTall slim cylindrical metal tube with brushed metallic finish and a circular opening at the top where the ignition assembly rises.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.28 · w 0.14 · h 0.56 (high) - Detached capShort cylindrical metal cap placed upright on the surface to the left of the main body; same metallic finish as the body.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.66 · w 0.12 · h 0.28 (high) - Ignition assemblyUpper exposed assembly contains two vertical metal posts: one holds a small white fibrous wick, the other supports a small toothed flint wheel mounted on a short pivot.
1 region
x 0.53 · y 0.10 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (high) - Wick detailShort white fibrous wick protruding from a small cylindrical metal sleeve; fibers visible and vertically oriented.
1 region
x 0.57 · y 0.16 · w 0.03 · h 0.06 (high) - Flint wheel detailSmall circular toothed wheel with dark, textured edge attached to a short metal arm; wheel shows fine serrations around its rim.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.10 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high) - Surface finishUniform brushed or satin metallic finish on all visible metal parts with subtle specular highlights on rounded edges.
Other
Studio product shot on a neutral beige background with soft directional lighting from upper left, subtle shadow on the surface, and shallow depth of field.
- BackgroundSmooth neutral beige backdrop filling the frame with no visible texture or props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft, even lighting from the upper-left producing a soft shadow to the lower-left of the objects and gentle highlights on metal surfaces.
- Shot compositionVertical composition centered on the taller cylinder; cap placed left creating a two-object arrangement near the lower half of the frame.
- Image qualitySharp focus on the upper ignition assembly and body; slight falloff of focus toward base and background.
Colors
satin silver· body and capwhite· wickdark brown· flint wheel- Main bodyTall slim cylindrical metal tube with brushed metallic finish and a circular opening at the top where the ignition assembly rises.
Variants
4 SKUsAlso Seen Here
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Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
5 threads · r/lightersReddit users find Tsubota Pearl lighters sleek but often frustrating due to wick lighting issues, fuel evaporation, and tricky maintenance.
Users appreciate the design and aesthetic but frequently report problems with lighting, wick management, and fuel evaporation, leading to mixed overall sentiment.
Themes
Use Cases
- Smoking / pipe smoking
- General reusable lighter
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Zippo
Functions similarly to a Zippo, and Zippo flints and fuel can be used; but some users report more reliability issues.
vs IMCO
One user considered IMCO knockoffs as a cheaper alternative.
Source Threads
Description of Tsubota Pearl Queue Lighters
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.
u/[deleted]View thread →
Identification of a Tsubota Pearl Lighter Collaboration
This is a Tsubota Pearl lighter that was a limited edition collaboration with singer Kacey Musgraves. I don’t like her music but I fell in love with this lighter so I had to have it
u/beets_bears_bubblegmView thread →
Instructions for Using the Queue Sigaretta Lighter
I don’t know if you’ve noticed but there is a red dot on the flint part and it should point away from the wick here is a link that might help. [the instructions to the lighter](https://tsubotapearl.co.jp/faq/faq-en/queue-sigaretta-lighters/)
u/WiseBee7287View thread →
Replacement Wick and Flint Information for Tsubota Pearl
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.
u/HotPocketPandaView thread →
Mention of Tsubota Pearl Models
Tsubota Pearl has few neat lighters. Hard Edge, Queue, Bolbo Petrol.
u/unluckyartistView thread →
Provenance
- Merchant Link
- https://pudl.store/products/tsubota-pearl-sigaretta-lighter
- Platform
- shopify
- Updated