Japan paper lantern

Chochin: A Beacon of Japanese Heritage

Yame: The Cradle of Chochin Craftsmanship

We take immense pride in our hometown of Yame, a place synonymous with the artistry and tradition of Chochin making. Yame’s artisans, with their skilled hands and passionate hearts, have preserved this age-old craft, infusing each lantern with a soul of its own.

Bringing Yame to the World

In anticipation of our global launch in 2025, we are thrilled to introduce these exquisite Yame Chochin lanterns to the world. Our mission transcends beyond just selling lanterns; it’s about sharing a piece of Yame’s timeless tradition and beauty. Through our Chochin, we aspire to light up hearts and homes, weaving the essence of Japanese heritage into the tapestry of global cultures.

Introduction

Yame lantern craftsmen in Yame City, Fukuoka Prefecture, traditionally craft lanterns using unique manufacturing methods and exquisite designs, earning acclaim both in Japan and internationally..

Features of Yame Lanterns

1. Manufacturing Technique:

Yame lanterns use a ‘single spiral style’ bamboo frame, spiraled along the lantern mold, a technique considered the origin of modern Bon lanterns.

2. Design:

They feature beautifully colored paintings of flowers, birds, and foliage on the ‘hibukuro’ (light bag), enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

3. Materials:

Thin ‘Yame handmade washi paper’ and silk are used, creating a translucent ‘cooling lantern,’ widely acclaimed for its beauty. Bamboo, washi, lacquer, and wood from the local area are also used in their production.

4. Varieties: Primarily used as ‘Bon lanterns’ for ancestral worship during Obon, they come in about 3,000 types, including the cylindrical ‘Sumiyoshi’ and the hanging ‘Gotenmaru’.

Cultural Importance

Yame lanterns reflect the local traditional skills and culture, evolving along with the region’s history. Each lantern carries its own handcrafted warmth and unique story