Which Japanese Lighting is Right for Your Space? A Look at History, Types, and Stores

Traditional Japanese lighting has undergone a unique evolution throughout its long history. In this article, we will introduce the characteristics and history of typical lighting fixtures such as chochin (paper lanterns), toro (stone lanterns), and andon (paper-covered lamps), and how to incorporate them into modern living spaces. The soft light of Japanese paper and the exquisite beauty of the craftsmanship will surely soothe your soul.

History of Japanese Lighting

The "Todai" consisted of a "Hizara" (oil dish) filled with oil and a "Toshin" (wick) made from plant stems that was dipped in the oil and lit. At the same time, "Ishi-Toro" (stone lanterns) were introduced as a form of Buddhist architectural lighting. As these were lighting fixtures used for religious ceremonies, only monks and high-ranking individuals had the opportunity to use them.

From the Heian period (794-1185 AD) to the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600 AD), plant-based oils and the prototypes of Andon(paper-covered lamps) and Chochin(paper lanterns) were introduced from China. During this time, stone lanterns, which had previously been used only for religious ceremonies, began to be used as city lights, illuminating guard posts for samurai responsible for maintaining order in the city. However, oil and candles were still very valuable, and ordinary people rarely had the opportunity to use them.

The Edo period (1603-1868 AD), a time of peace that lasted for 260 years, saw significant development in Japanese lighting culture. Various new lighting fixtures became widespread, and people's lives were enriched by light. Stone lanterns became common as streetlights, and new types of lighting such as andon(paper-covered lamps) and chochin(paper lanterns) were installed in front of shops.

The spread of fuel was also related to the development of these lighting fixtures. While still valuable and expensive, fuels such as oil and candles became more accessible to the general public. The andon, which developed as a stationary lighting fixture, was created by enclosing the previously exposed "Todai" with a "Hibakuro" (paper shade) for wind protection. This shade was made of Japanese paper, which was widely used at the time. Also, with the introduction of plant-based candle materials, dedicated candle lighting fixtures were created. These were the chochin(paper lanterns).

During the Edo period, when travel became popular, Toro(stone lanterns) were widely installed to prevent travelers from getting lost, chochin were used as portable lights, and andon were used to indicate lodgings and restaurants.These lighting fixtures were used in Japan until gas lamps were introduced in the Meiji era (1868-1912 AD), followed by the widespread use of electric lighting.

Chochin (Japanese Paper Lantern)

Overview and Characteristics

Chochin(Japanese Paper Lantern) were created in Japan during the Edo period, about 400 years ago. They use a candle as an internal light source, and the light shines through a "Hibakuro" (shade) made of materials such as Japanese paper to illuminate the surroundings. The Chinese character "提" in “提灯(chochin)” means "to carry in the hand," and "灯" means light. With the added functionality of being foldable, which was not present in the original Chinese lanterns, chochin became popular during the Edo period when travel was in vogue.

Later, various shapes of chochin were created to suit different purposes, not just for carrying by hand, and they are still used today in Japan for the exteriors of shrines, restaurants, and other places. A typical example is the lantern at Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is a giant red lantern with the characters "雷門" (Kaminarimon) written in large letters.

Another example is "Akari," a lighting sculpture created by the artist Isamu Noguchi, which was inspired by Gifu chochin. Gifu chochin are traditional crafts made using Mino Japanese paper with a history of over 1300 years and high-quality bamboo. They are characterized by the soft and warm light of handmade Japanese paper.Even today, chochin continue to illuminate the lives of Japanese people.

Structure of Chochin

Chochin are mainly composed of three parts: "Hibakuro" (shade), "Gawa" (rings), and "Hone" (ribs).

• Hibakuro (shade): The shade is made of Japanese paper and serves as a windbreak. The color of the Japanese paper used varies depending on the type of chochin. There are also various designs, including those with crests and letters, and those with paintings of flowers and landscapes. Chochin hung in front of shrines and shops in modern Japan often have the names of the shrines or shops written on them, while those displayed at summer festivals often have cool and refreshing pictures.

• Gawa(rings): These are the rings at the top and bottom of the chochin. Foldable chochin are extended and contracted by holding this part.

• Hone(ribs): These are the frames that shape the chochin. Traditional materials include "Takehigo," which are thin strips of bamboo that have been split and shaved. There are two main methods for winding the ribs: the Gifu chochin method, where each rib is wound individually around a ring-shaped rib, and the "Ichijo Rasen-shiki" method used for Yame chochin in Fukuoka Prefecture, where a single long rib is wound in a spiral. 

Toro (Japanese Stone Lantern)

Overview and Characteristics

Toro (Japanese Stone Lantern) were lights used in Buddhist architecture and have the oldest history among lighting fixtures introduced to Japan from China. In Buddhism, where light was believed to ward off evil spirits, there was a custom of lighting lamps in front of Buddha statues, which has been passed down to the present day. In Japan, stone lanterns became widespread during the Edo period and were installed as streetlights and guideposts for travelers.

The Chinese character "籠" in “灯籠(toro)” means "basket," so toro means a basket that holds light. There are three types of toro depending on the material: stone lanterns, paper lanterns, and bamboo lanterns. Ishi-toro(Stone lanterns) have the oldest history and are still used today as outdoor lanterns in temples, shrines, Japanese gardens, and graves. Kami-toro(Paper lanterns) made of Japanese paper are used in events such as Toro Nagashi (lantern floating ceremony), a custom of commemorating the dead. Take-toro(Bamboo lanterns) are made of bamboo.

Among the three types, stone lanterns are the most common and are often seen in Japanese gardens, so many people use small stone lanterns in their home gardens.

Structure of Toro

First, let's look at the structure of a Ishi-toro(stone lantern). It consists of the following six parts:

• Hoju: The onion-shaped stone at the very top.

• Kasa: The roof of the firebox. The shape varies from polygonal to circular.

• Hibakuro: The part where the light is lit. Sometimes Japanese paper is pasted on it as a windbreak.

• Uke: The base that supports the firebox, often in a shape contrasting with the base.

• Hashira: The longest pillar part, which may be omitted in some types.

• Jirin: The base at the bottom. It is a polygonal or circular base, and some types have multiple leg-shaped forms.

Kami-toro(paper lanterns) and Take-toro(bamboo lanterns) do not have a fixed shape and have a relatively simpler structure than stone lanterns. Paper lanterns are often square-shaped with Japanese paper surrounding the light source, and it is common to use a wooden board at the bottom to place the light source. Bamboo lanterns are generally made by hollowing out the side of a bamboo tube, drawing a pattern on it, and placing the light source on the node. 

Andon (Paper-Covered Lamp) 

Overview and Characteristics

The Andon (Paper-Covered Lamp) is a lighting fixture that uses oil or candles as fuel, created during the Edo period. It was developed by adding a wooden frame and Japanese paper enclosure to the previously exposed "Todai" (oil lamp) to protect the flame from the wind when carrying it. The Chinese character "行" in “行灯(andon)” means "to move," and although it was originally portable, its role as a portable light source was later replaced by the more popular chochin (paper lantern). Andon came to be used primarily as stationary lighting, becoming the equivalent of modern floor lamps and table lamps.

Various types of andon were created for different purposes. Some typical examples include the most common indoor "Oki-andon" (placed andon), the "Kake-andon" (hanging andon) hung on the eaves of shops with the shop name or product name written on it as a signboard, and the "Ariake-andon," a small andon with a window that could be adjusted to control the amount of light, used as a bedside lamp.

Since andon are made of Japanese paper and wood, they were mainly developed as indoor lighting. However, they also fell out of use after the advent of gas lamps and electric lighting. Today, they are generally used in temples and traditional Japanese houses, such as those found in Kyoto.

Structure of Andon

The structure of the andon(Paper-Covered Lamp) is simple, but its decoration varies widely.The most basic structure consists of a "Hizara" (oil dish) for holding oil or candles, with a frame made of wood and Japanese paper placed over it.

The hanging type "Kake-andon" has an oil dish placed on a base attached to a pillar or wall, with a wind-protecting frame hung over it. Some have a wooden roof on top or wooden decorations on the sides.

The "Ariake-andon" shows the ingenuity and playfulness of the people of the Edo period. It has a wooden cover with a window that can be placed over a regular andon to adjust the amount of light. When the cover is removed, it also serves as a base, allowing the height of the lamp to be adjusted. The shape of the window can be circular, moon-shaped, diamond-shaped, etc., expanding the variety of interior design possibilities.

Why Not Enjoy the Beauty of Traditional Japanese Lighting in Your Home?  

For example, the Akari series by Isamu Noguchi, which was inspired by Gifu chochin, is a popular choice for many interior design enthusiasts. In Gifu, modern lighting continues to be created using the same high-quality materials and excellent techniques as Gifu chochin. The Japandi style, an interior trend that has been attracting attention in Europe and the United States in recent years, is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. Gifu chochin, with its soft light using natural materials and beautiful Japanese paper patterns, can be said to be one of the best solutions for this style.

Stores Where You Can Buy Japanese Lighting