Explore Our Handcrafted Chochin Lantern Collection and bring a piece of Japanese light into your space.
Chochin Lanterns (提灯)
A Soft Glow from the Heart of Japan
The gentle light of a Chōchin lantern carries more than warmth—it carries history, craftsmanship, and a piece of Japanese spirit. Found hanging outside temples, teahouses, and during festivals, these iconic lanterns have long guided people through quiet streets and sacred grounds. At Fujiki Crafts, we preserve this age-old craft by creating handmade Chōchin lanterns using traditional materials and techniques, bringing a timeless glow to modern spaces.
From Temples to Everyday Life
The Chōchin (提灯) originated over 500 years ago, during Japan’s Muromachi period (1336–1573), when people began enclosing candles in washi paper and bamboo frames to protect the flame from wind and rain.
At first used in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, these lanterns soon became part of daily life, lighting the entrances of homes, inns, shops, and even used as personal portable lights. During festivals, thousands of Chōchin create a magical atmosphere, believed to guide spirits, ward off evil, and invite fortune.
Each lantern tells a story—of a family, a shop, a celebration. That’s why, even today, the Chōchin remains a symbol of welcome, safety, and tradition.
Why Chochin Lanterns Are Still Loved Today
in a world of electric bulbs and LEDs, why do people still seek out Chōchin? Because they offer more than light. They offer atmosphere, history, and presence.
You’ll find them at temples and traditional ryokan, lining festival streets, or decorating modern homes and restaurants with a nostalgic charm. For some, they are a sign of welcome. For others, a symbol of their roots.
Chōchin lanterns are still handcrafted, cherished, and passed on—from one celebration to the next, from one generation to another.
How Chochin Lanterns Are Made
Step 1 Building the Frame
Thin bamboo strips are carefully wrapped around the lantern mold. The spacing is so precise, it’s hard to believe it’s done entirely by hand.
Step 2 Applying Washi Paper
Delicate sheets of washi are pasted onto the frame, forming the soft, glowing surface of the lantern. Even the seams require careful attention to keep the finish clean and seamless.
Step 3 Hand-Painting the Design
Using a preliminary sketch as a guide, the artisan paints directly onto the curved surface—a process that allows no mistakes. Each stroke must be confident and steady, bringing the lantern’s story to life.
Why Fujiki Crafts Continues the Chochin Tradition
At Fujiki Crafts, we believe the soft glow of a Chōchin does more than light a space—it connects people to Japan’s cultural heart. Through our commitment to authentic materials and traditional methods, we preserve this quiet, glowing art form for the world to rediscover.
