Paper Lanterns, Light Up the Darkness!

Paper lanterns are made from Japanese washi paper and bamboo, and they light up the darkness thanks to the small flames dancing inside them. They can usually be found decorating the outside of booths or bars in Japan. It feels like summer and festivals when looking at them! Before electric light became common in Japanese households, they were used during the darkest hours of the day to brighten things up a little! There’s also a character in Japanese demonology called Chōchin-obake (“paper lantern ghost”), inspired to these items. Today we collected a number of illustrations featuring paper lanterns, or chōchin. They can be quite spooky, but also very atmospheric! Enjoy!