Japan: Ploom Heated Tobacco

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Ploom AURA

Ploom AURA is the fourth-generation model of the Ploom heated tobacco platform and made its debut in Japan in May 2025. Ploom AURA is visually completely different from the previous model (Ploom X), adopting a slender form and a reduced weight of 75.5 grams (compared to c. 95g for the third-generation Ploom X Advanced). The most critical feature of Ploom AURA is the Smart Heatflow technology which precisely controls the heating temperature to suppress unpleasant flavors and burnt notes while maintaining the optimal heating temperature for a long period of time to bring out the flavor of the tobacco leaves and improve the consistency of the flavor. In addition, through a precision deep drawing process, an elliptical heating cup structure – precisely measured in microns – is created to increase the contact area with the tobacco stick and improve heating efficiency to extract more tobacco flavor.

Another important feature of the Ploom AURA is the Heat Select System which allows users to adjust the flavor and smoking experience. By connecting the device to the dedicated app via Bluetooth, user can select one of the four heating modes: Standard (20 x 5 minutes), Strong (25 x 3 minutes), Long (19 x 6 minutes), and Eco (27 x 3 minutes). Standard Mode and Eco Mode have the same taste (base flavor), while Strong Mode offers a stronger flavor and Long Mode offers a milder flavor. Compared to the Ploom X Advanced, the maximum smoking time per stick is extended by 1 minute to c.6 minutes on Long mode, and the maximum number of sticks [that can be consumed] is increased by 7 to up to 27 on Eco mode for a fully charged device. In addition to changing the heating mode, the app also allows users to check the remaining battery level & number of uses left, to quickly find connected Ploom devices, and to lock the device to prevent malfunctions.

In October 2025, the Ploom Cube was released, which retains the features and performance of the Ploom AURA, but follows the visual cues of the Ploom X series. Moreover, Ploom Cube (¥1,980/US$12.7) is priced ¥1,000 (US$6.5) cheaper than Ploom AURA (¥2,980/US$19.2).

Tobacco Sticks for Exclusive Use with Ploom

Japan Tobacco (JT), the owner of the Ploom heated-tobacco platform, offers a line-up of tobacco sticks in Japan under the brands EVO, Mevius and Camel for use with its devices. EVO sticks are priced at ¥550 (US$3.55) per pack and positioned just below the premium-tier price of ¥580 (US$3.75) per pack – as defined by the TEREA brand of Philip Morris International (sticks for IQOS ILUMA devices) and virto brand of British American Tobacco (sticks for glo HILO devices). The EVO line-up includes 7 variants. By contrast, Mevius and Camel sticks are priced as value options at ¥500 (US$3.25) per pack. Together, Mevius and Camel account for a wider variety with 19 variants: Mevius (12 variants) offers multiple regular (tobacco) and menthol / fruit-option variants, and Camel (7 variants) likewise includes numerous flavor / menthol options across its range. In sum, JT markets 26 heated tobacco stick products in Japan under EVO, Mevius and Camel brands, providing adult consumers with a choice across brand positioning and flavor/price tiers.

EVO Heated Tobacco Sticks

VariantFlavorAromaBodyStrength*
EVO Deep RegularRich, sweet, caramelly aroma reminiscent of a high-end cigar. After a solid kick, woody richness spreads with sweet smoke, creating an experience that is almost like smoking a cigar. Powerful tobacco flavor with rich thickness and long-lasting, mellow aftertaste. A stepping stone from full-flavor regular cigarettes5/55/55/5
EVO Black Menthol The strongest menthol flavor in JT’s heated tobacco stick portfolio. Contains a cooling activation ingredient. The piercing coolness felt from the get-go. Rich, mellow flavor of the fragrant tobacco leaves are combined to create an elegant, strong, and cooling menthol experience5/54/55/5
EVO Cold MentholA crisp, sharp mint flavor balanced with a mellow tobacco taste. Cooling sensation followed by a rich, full-bodied aftertaste4/54/55/5
EVO Fresh Mint Presented as an exquisite balance of menthol and tobacco: a sweet mint scent and a moderate menthol sensation, reminiscent of mint gum. The toned down mint element leaves room for the rich flavor of tobacco3/53/52/5
EVO Berry CrystalCapsule product. Smooth mint and rich fruity flavor, with hints of red and purple berries such as raspberry and blackcurrant. A flavored capsule menthol product with refreshing sweetness of menthol and juicy aroma of fresh berries, balanced with the richness of tobacco leaves5/54/55/5
EVO Tropical Berry CrystalCapsule product. Refreshing nuances of mint flavor combined with rich sweet & sour taste of ripe mango and mellow taste of tobacco. The capsule releases the sweet & sour taste of lush blueberries to give the tropical flavor a fresher touch4/52/54/5
EVO Tropical Banana CrystalCapsule product. Mango as the base flavor similar to EVO Tropical Berry Crystal, but the menthol is a little milder and the fruit flavor is mellower. The capsule releases a creamy banana aroma, spreading active sweetness and subtle acidity. Refreshing menthol flavor balanced with the juicy, sweet & sour mango and milky banana fruit flavors4/52/53/5
* Strength of the flavor (menthol strength)

MEVIUS Heated Tobacco Sticks

VariantFlavorAromaBodyStrength*
Mevius Deep RegularSlightly sweet aroma and a rich, full-bodied flavor. Powerful throat impact with a sharp flavor hit and strong acidity. A stepping stone from full-flavor regular cigarettes5/55/55/5
Mevius Smooth RegularWoody flavor and mellow sweetness with a faint burnt smell. A stepping stone from low tar cigarettes4/54/53/5
Mevius Aroma Rich RegularWoody smoky taste combined with a slightly sweet and fragrant aroma, reminiscent of caramel corn or caramel latte5/54/54/5
Mevius Sharp Cold Menthol Refreshing, spicy sensation, with a peppermint-like spiciness and a spearmint-like sweetness, balanced with the tobacco flavor4/53/55/5
Mevius Cold MentholGentle cooling sensation with a refreshing aftertaste of natural menthol4/54/54/5
Mevius Mix Mint MentholMilder aroma and body compared to Mevius Sharp Cold Menthol and Mevius Cold Menthol. Pleasantly refreshing mint flavor with a juicy feel reminiscent of mint gum2/53/54/5
Mevius Black Cold MentholAn overwhelmingly cool menthol sensation with menthol filter coated with a cooling activation ingredient. Lingering, vivid aftertaste. Subdued malty-woody tobacco body. Sharp, pungent nose and thick white smoke5/52/55/5
Mevius Berry OptionPreviously, Mevius Purple Option. Capsule product. Fresh purple grape-like flavor over strong, cooling menthol and subtle tobacco notes5/53/55/5
Mevius Citrus OptionPreviously, Mevius Yellow Option. Capsule product. Sour and slightly sweet citrus fruit flavor over strong, cooling menthol and subtle tobacco notes5/53/55/5
Mevius Muscat OptionPreviously, Mevius Muscat Green Option. Capsule product.  Muscat fruit flavor over strong, cooling menthol and subtle tobacco notes5/54/55/5
Mevius Apple Option
Previously, Mevius Red Option. Capsule product.   Fresh, grated apple flavor over strong, cooling menthol and subtle tobacco notes5/53/55/5
Mevius Pear OptionPreviously, Mevius Baize Option. Soft, creamy, sweet pear flavor over strong, cooling menthol and subtle tobacco notes5/52/53/5
* Strength of the flavor (menthol strength)

Camel Heated Tobacco Sticks

VariantFlavorAromaBodyStrength*
Camel Rich Strong aroma, but a little milder than Mevius Rich. The distinctive oriental flavor associated with Camel brand toned down4/54/55/5
Camel Smooth Mild flavor with subtle sweetness compared to Mevius Smooth Regular2/54/53/5
Camel Menthol ColdStrong menthol with a powerful throat impact and a dominant dry menthol tingling sensation.5/53/55/5
Camel Menthol Fresh  Well-balanced, moderately sweet spearmint-like menthol with strong tobacco flavor3/53/52/5
Camel Menthol BerryPreviously, Camel Menthol Purple. A mix of menthol with a fruity flavor closer to the taste of bubble gum – rather than to grapes or other fruits3/53/52/5
Camel Menthol MuscatPreviously, Camel Menthol Muscat Green. A mix of menthol with a sour aroma, reminiscent of white grapes5/54/54/5
Camel Berry OptionPreviously, Camel Purple Option. Capsule product. Overwhelmingly strong menthol flavor with the berry flavor as the secondary. A purple-toned menthol tobacco stick with added berry sweetness 5/52/54/5
* Strength of the flavor (menthol strength)
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