It's a small lantern shop with over 100 years of history! Although the current owner has been working here for 50 years, the products he makes haven't changed much. There are many different types of lantern, each with a different use. In this workshop, it is mainly Chôchin that are made. This type of lantern is made from bamboo frames wrapped in Japanese paper (washi). This structure allows it to be folded up, making it easy to transport. It is then suspended by a hook attached to the top. The candle is attached to a removable part at the bottom of the lantern. A lantern of this type takes about a day to make.
Today, they are used mainly during festivals, but in the past they were used to light streets and houses, bringing light and protection. Chôchin are also often used in shrines and temples for religious ceremonies and spiritual rituals, where they guide and protect the spirits of the deceased.
Chôchin lanterns, with their traditional aesthetic and their usefulness during festivals and ceremonies, are sure to capture the interest of fans of Japanese culture and crafts.
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