Focusing on a light, airy form. The chochin lanterns exhibited at Design Tide Tokyo

Chochin lanterns, a traditional Japanese craft that has continued since the Muromachi period. Suzuki Mohei Shoten, one of the few chochin manufacturers that carries on the traditional techniques of "Suifu (Mito) Chochin" to the present day, has been making Suifu chochin for about a century and a half, conveying the charm of Japan's beautiful traditional crafts to the world.


All "Suzumo Chochin" are handmade in Japan. They feature a unique structure where the lantern body (the shade) is supported by the tension of a spring built into the central pillar of the base, and use LED light sources. With features such as a flickering program that reproduces the light of a candle, a sound sensor for on/off switching, and a fun design that allows it to stand upright like an Okiagari-koboshi doll, they are made to accommodate various modern lifestyles along with safety.
“I designed the traditional Japanese chochin lantern as a new yet old lighting fixture that illuminates from the present into the future. Of course, the basic function of a chochin, to be foldable, is essential. I created these vessels of light, these Japanese paper objects, with the theme of 'communication through light.' They seem to smile with their gentle and warm presence,” says Mic Itaya.


Wouldn't it be stylish to incorporate designs that utilize Japan's traditional crafts in a modern way, while enjoying the names of each chochin, as lighting interiors?