[April 2026 Tobacco Tax Hike Countermeasure] Up to 210,000 Yen Annual Savings by Switching from Heated Tobacco. Cost Comparison Results of Major Heated Tobacco and Next-Gen Alternatives (Tea Leaf Sticks/VAPE) Released

Lightec Inc. (Headquarters: Taito-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Takuro Hirota) has released the results of a cost comparison survey between major heated tobacco products and next-generation alternative products (tea leaf sticks, VAPE) in response to the tobacco tax hike and price revision scheduled for April 2026. This survey revealed that by switching from heated tobacco to the next-generation VAPE "AQUA JELLY," an annual expenditure reduction of up to 215,241 yen is possible.

The reality of luxury items becoming "fixed costs" in the era of "620 yen per box" Due to the price revisions accompanying the tobacco tax increase in April 2026, major heated tobacco sticks have reached the 620 yen per box level. When consuming one box a day, the annual expenditure exceeds 220,000 yen, a level that can be considered a "fixed cost" straining household budgets. As food and energy prices continue to soar, optimizing these "often-overlooked expenditures" is becoming increasingly important to protect disposable income.

In response to this situation, Lightec conducted a cost comparison survey of major heated tobacco products and next-generation alternatives (tea leaf sticks and VAPE).

Survey Results: Annual expenditure reduction of 210,000 yen is possible! In the survey, the monthly and annual costs of each product were estimated based on approximately 280 puffs per day (equivalent to one box of heated tobacco).

As a result, it was found that by switching to the next-generation VAPE "AQUA JELLY," expenditures can be reduced to a maximum of about 1/20th compared to conventional heated tobacco, saving about 210,000 yen annually. This savings amount is equivalent to a family trip (3 days and 2 nights), purchasing the latest smartphone, or one month's housing cost. This is not mere saving, but enables "aggressive household financial management" that broadens the use of disposable income by redesigning expenditures.

In light of this, Lightec proposes a "Smart Switch" (wise transition) to effortlessly reduce smoking and consumption while maintaining satisfaction, rather than "quitting smoking premised on endurance." This does not deny daily smoking habits but supports a freer and wiser lifestyle by optimizing costs and risks.

Furthermore, while price revisions for heated tobacco continue due to successive tax hikes, we will maintain the prices of our products, continuing to provide stable value without increasing the burden on users.

Features of Each Product Handled by Lightec

NICOLESS NiL This is a tea leaf stick that can be used with your existing heated tobacco device. With a newly developed internal filter, it improves the amount of vapor, tobacco-like flavor, and drawing sensation while being nicotine-free. It achieves an approximately 25% cost reduction, balancing satisfaction with economy.

NICOLESS VAPE 2 Based on user feedback, this is a VAPE with significantly updated puff counts and design. In addition to a slim pen-type design with a strap hole, it features a dedicated cover to protect the mouthpiece, allowing for hygienic carrying. It is an entry model that can be easily started without maintenance.

AQUA JELLY A new type of VAPE that achieves overwhelming cost performance with a large-capacity design supporting 20,000 puffs. It adopts a 2WAY style that can be used differently depending on the usage scene. Combining design and functionality, it proposes a new way to enjoy a "breath of fresh air" in daily life.

Lightec will continue to work on providing products and experiences that make people's lives richer and more comfortable under the motto of "Creation and Challenge."

NICOLESS NiL Product Overview Product Name: NICOLESS NiL Price: 460 yen (tax included) Contents: 20 sticks per box Nicotine: Free Device: Compatible with the latest induction heating devices (IQOS ILUMA series, etc.) Site: https://nicoless.jp/nil/

NICOLESS VAPE 2 Product Overview Product Name: NICOLESS VAPE 2 Price: Open price Flavors: 6 types in total (ULTRAHARD MENTHOL, GREEN APPLE, RED MIX BERRY, MUSCAT, SAKURA GRAPE, CAFE LATTE) Puff count: Approx. 900 times *Puff counts vary by user. Main sales channels: Nationwide convenience stores, online stores, etc. Site: https://nicoless.jp/vape2/

AQUA JELLY Product Overview Product Name: