The aesthetic sense of the Japanese is shown subtly through Wabi Sabi style, tea ceremony culture or the beauty of culinary quintessence, etc., each with its own charm. However, Japanese people also pay great attention to the small details in life such as decorating a Japanese lantern in their rooms. Let’s learn about the origin and meaning of Japanese lanterns in life with Sobokuya Vietnam through this Blog!

Japanese Lanterns

Like Washi paper, Japanese lanterns originated in China. However, the sophistication and ingenuity of the Japanese have contributed to enhancing the value of Japanese lanterns from ancient times and developing to the present day. Not only used for lighting or decoration, but Japanese lanterns also contain profound cultural values.

With soft light diffused by the use of Washi paper, Japanese lanterns help the space become fanciful and shimmering. Depending on the color and design, each lantern will bring a completely different experience to the viewer: warm, elegant, ancient, or majestic.

What occasions are Japanese lanterns used for?

Japanese lanterns are not only a lighting item but also a cultural and spiritual symbol of the Japanese people. Japanese lanterns are used on various occasions in daily life.

Lantern Festivals

Japan is famous for its lantern festivals which usually take place in spring or autumn every year. During this festival, people hang thousands of lanterns with letters or pictures on the streets, parks or riverbanks. The purpose of this festival is to remember and pray for the deceased, as well as to bring peace and luck to the living.

Obon Festival

Obon is a festival to express gratitude and welcome the spirits of ancestors back home in mid-July or August. During this festival, people light round or square paper lanterns, red or white, to place in front of the house or on the riverbank. It is believed that the lanterns will guide the spirits to visit family and friends.

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Japanese lanterns are not only used for lighting, but also as a way to advertise a brand. This is the most common usage in daily life. A lot of eateries, restaurants, and companies often hang lanterns with their names in front of the door instead of signboards.

The structure of a Japanese paper lantern 

During their long history of formation and development, Japanese lanterns have appeared in many different shapes: hanging lanterns, floating lanterns, sky lanterns, hand-held lanterns, stone lanterns, etc. However, we will introduce to you the structure of a Japanese paper lantern – The Soul of “the Land of Cherry Blossoms”.

• Hibukuro: The part of Washi paper that is glued to the outside of the Japanese lantern frame to help protect the flame
• Hone: The part that determines the shape of the lantern. This is divided into two types: Makibone Shiki (the technique of wrapping the skeleton in a spiral) and Jibari Shiki (the technique of wrapping single rings and then fixing them with a string).
• Gawa: The frame is attached to the top and bottom of the lantern. Gawa can be made of bamboo (bend), wood, plastic, … Some types are decorated with patterns, lacquer to increase aesthetics.

Popular types of Japanese lanterns

Stone Lantern

Tourou is the first type of lantern introduced to Japan from China, first appearing in Buddhist temples. Tourou stone lanterns are made from a block of stone with a circular hole cut in the middle for candles or oil lamps.

The Tourou stone lantern is shaped like a mini lighthouse, bringing light and peace to the space. Today, Tourou is used not only in temples but also as an integral part of Japanese garden design. At the Sobokuya Vietnam office, we also put a stone lantern in our indoor garden with the desire to bring to Vietnam the characteristics of Japan.

Chouchin Lanterns

Chouchin is the most traditional type of Japanese paper lantern, having an oval shape with a distinctive red or white color. Chouchin lanterns are made from Washi paper and the bamboo frame which is curved in a spiral. This structure allows Chouchin to be easily collapsed during transport and replacement.

In Japan, lanterns decorated with different colors and patterns will have different meanings. Chouchin lanterns are often hung in front of shops or restaurants to attract customers or show the name of the shop. Gifu lanterns are known as a type of Chouchin made of Mino Washi paper that is meant to welcome ancestral spirits, gods, etc.

Obon Paper Lanterns

It is often said that, during the Obon festival, the departed spirits of the ancestors will return after the Bon Odori dance begins. Obon paper lanterns are often placed in front of houses or on riverbanks during the Obon festival to guide the spirits back to visit family and friends.

Obon paper lanterns are often designed according to the preferences and old lifestyle of the deceased to show respect and nostalgia for loved ones. At the end of the festival, lantern boats are released into the water for the spirits to return to the afterlife.

Andon Paper Lanterns

An andon is a box-shaped paper lantern made of bamboo or metal. The craftsmen designed a small door to place the ceramic bowl containing the oil. In the old days, canola oil or sardine oil was used for Andon paper lanterns instead of candles which were expensive and unpopular.

Andon paper lanterns appeared in the Edo period and are still maintained today. In addition to the lighting ability, it also creates a cozy atmosphere for the space using Japanese interior designs like gardens, old houses, restaurants, boutique hotels, etc.

Bonbori Paper Lanterns

Bonbori is a paper lantern with a characteristic hexagonal design that is often hung in the open space of festivals. People hang Bonbori paper lanterns by erecting poles or hanging them on strings to create an impressive scene.

The image of the Bonbori festival with the path leading to the sacred place is decorated with lanterns as a symbol of hope, peace and enlightenment in Buddhism. In addition to decorative and lighting uses, Japanese lanterns also have Buddhist cultural significance with many profound philosophies.

Why are Japanese lanterns so popular?

Brings warm and pure light

The light of the lantern is gentle, warm and pure, making the space comfortable and relaxing. In particular, Japanese lanterns also help create a romantic and intimate atmosphere for couples or families when gathering together.

Reflects the owner’s style and personality

Japanese lanterns appear in many different types, colors and patterns, allowing owners to choose according to their preferences and style. Japanese lanterns can also be used in many different types of interior design, from traditional to modern, from simple to complex, from minimalist to sophisticated.

Bring good luck and peace

The Japanese are always delicate when choosing beautiful decorative items for their home, expressing the spirit and style of the owner. Japanese lanterns are believed to bring good luck and peace to the user, as well as to the deceased. This is also a way to express gratitude and honor those who have passed away.

Japanese lanterns are a unique and impressive interior decoration, giving the space a warm, intimate, and pure beauty. You can use Japanese lanterns in your living room, bedroom, balcony or garden. You can choose the colors and patterns of Japanese lanterns to suit your interior style and taste. You can also combine a variety of Japanese lanterns to create a unique collection.

Contact us if you are a Japanese culture and Japanese interior design.

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Sobokuya Vietnam – Consulting, design, and construction in Japanese style
Website: https://sobokuya.vn/
Fanpage : Sobokuya Vietnam
Address: R102, 01SH11, Vinhomes Ocean Park,Trau Quy town, Gia Lam, Hanoi.
Tel: (84) 03 8284 2525
Email: info@sobokuya.vn