IM Corona

Overview

IM Corona is a brand of lighters and smoking accessories owned by Fukashiro Corporation, acquired in 2005 from Ishimitsu Kinzoku Kogyo Co., Ltd. It operates within a broader portfolio that includes torch burners, accessories, stationeries, grooming goods, life miscellaneous goods, bags, and leather goods. The brand targets the smoking articles market, distributed through wholesalers and specialty shops.

History

Fukashiro Corporation, the parent company, was founded in August 1924 by Morisaburo Fukashiro, initially specializing in importing smoking articles from Europe for department stores. In 2005, it acquired the IM Corona brand from Ishimitsu Kinzoku Kogyo Co., Ltd., expanding its smoking goods division. Key milestones include establishing Fukashiro Shoji Co., Ltd. in 1984, opening a new head office in 1993, and mergers such as with Komai Co., Ltd. in 2007.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are developed under Fukashiro Corporation in Japan, with main operations in Tokyo. Specific manufacturing details for IM Corona are not specified, but the company's main goods include smoking articles produced through group entities like Lightec Inc.

Notable Products

• IM Corona Torch Lighter - Adjustable flame butane lighter for pipes and cigars.
• IM Corona Corona Pipe Lighter - Concave soft flame lighter designed for pipe tobacco.
• IM Corona Slim Lighter - Compact soft flame lighter for cigarettes.
• IM Corona Jet Lighter - Windproof jet flame lighter for outdoor use.

Reputation

IM Corona is recognized among lighter enthusiasts for reliable Japanese engineering in pipe and torch lighters, valued for consistent flame and build quality. Professionals in smoking accessory retail appreciate its supply through wholesalers like the Fukashiro Group. Limited global visibility compared to premium brands like Zippo or S.T. Dupont.