The chochin paper lantern is a traditional form of illumination in Japan, made from washi paper carefully glued on a bamboo cane frame.

Lanterns are traditionally lit at Japanese festivals and also hung outside restaurants and inns. Illuminate your home with one of these unique Japanese decorations.

The "Koh-shichi" (literally "Happy Seven") chochin is constructed using traditional lantern making techniques passed down from over 300 years ago. Most of the work involved is handiwork by craftspeople who are devoted heart and soul to the creation of these beautiful objects.

Our role is to ensure that these high quality products can be used and enjoyed for as long as possible.

Japan has a deeply rooted tradition of not letting anything go to waste. Rather than disposing of broken things, they are, if at all possible, repaired and their useful life extended for as long as it can be. We have people bringing us chochin that have been used for years and years, and have broken. They are repaired by craftspeople and handed back to their owners. Thus the spirit of respect for things, so much a part of Japanese culture, lives on, and is handed on, together with this traditional craft.

Therefore, if by any chance the chochin paper lantern that you have bought suffers damage, send it to us and we will do our best to repair it.

The cost of repair and sending it must of course be borne by the owner, but for as long as we are around, we commit ourselves to accepting any request for the repair of a "Koh-shichi" chochin.

Finally, we would very much like to know how our overseas customers use their "Koh-shichi" chochin paper lantern(s). We really are very curious to know what you, one of our overseas customers, make of this chochin lantern and what use you put it to.

It would be a great encouragement to us to be told; so we would be delighted to hear back from you by email – perhaps, if we're extra fortunate, with a photo or two attached, as well.

Also if you wish to design your own lantern for your company or special event please contact us and let us know the dimensions and the illustration you require on the lantern.