Suifu Chochin is a type of paper lantern passed down in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, taking its name from 'Suifu,' an Edo-period alternate name for Mito. It is said to have originated around 400 years ago, when lower-ranking samurai of the financially struggling Mito Domain began making lanterns as a side occupation, and the craft developed after the domain began promoting it as a local specialty. Its defining feature is a unique method called 'ippon-gake' (one-strand binding), in which thread is wound around each individual bamboo hoop one strand at a time rather than in a continuous spiral, producing a sturdy, long-lasting lantern. Another characteristic is the use of the durable local washi paper 'Nishinouchi-gami,' and Suifu Chochin is still counted today, alongside Gifu and Yame, as one of Japan's three major lantern-producing regions. At its peak, Mito City was home to more than 30 workshops, but in recent years the number has dropped to just a handful; long-established makers such as Kageyama Rihei Shoten and Aono Shoten continue to pass on the traditional techniques, producing everything from festival lanterns to hands-on experiences for visitors.
Origin
The origins of Suifu Chochin are said to trace back to the early Edo period, when lower-ranking samurai of the financially struggling Mito Domain began making lanterns as a side occupation. 'Suifu' was an Edo-period alternate name for Mito, and because the domain encouraged lantern making as a local industry, lanterns produced in the castle town of Mito came to be known as 'Suifu Chochin.' The area's location, blessed with the durable local washi paper 'Nishinouchi-gami' and high-quality shino bamboo, also helped the region develop as a production center.
History
Throughout the Edo period, Suifu Chochin developed under the encouragement of the Mito Domain, and as candles became more widespread, the lanterns spread beyond the samurai class to become everyday items for common people as well. A wide variety of types were produced, from tall festival lanterns to portable folding lanterns, and at its peak, Mito City is said to have had more than 30 manufacturers. Today it is considered one of Japan's three major lantern-producing regions, alongside Gifu Chochin and Yame Chochin, but changes in lifestyle and a shortage of successors have reduced the number of workshops to just a handful in recent years.
Features
The defining feature is a unique method known as 'ippon-gake,' in which each individual ring of the stacked bamboo-hoop frame is reinforced by winding thread around it one strand at a time, rather than in a continuous spiral. It is labor-intensive but produces exceptional strength, resulting in a sturdy lantern. The paper covering is the thick, durable local washi 'Nishinouchi-gami,' and crests and lettering are still hand-painted by artisans today. In addition to the traditional festival shapes, makers are also working on new designs that incorporate contemporary patterns.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Making the frame
Shino bamboo is split into thin strips and bent into rings that form the base of the frame. The number and spacing of the rings is adjusted to match the size and shape of the lantern.
- 2
Ippon-gake (one-strand binding)
A unique technique in which thread is wound around and tied off on each ring of bamboo one strand at a time, rather than in a continuous spiral. It is labor-intensive, but results in a frame that is sturdy and resistant to losing its shape.
- 3
Applying the paper (pasting)
A thin layer of paste is applied to the frame, and the thick local washi 'Nishinouchi-gami' is carefully pasted on sheet by sheet.
- 4
Painting
Once the paper has dried, artisans hand-paint family crests, lettering, and designs one by one with a brush. Depending on the intended use, either traditional festival crests or more contemporary designs are painted.
- 5
Finishing
The lantern is shaped while folded, and the top and bottom frames and the light fitting are attached to complete it.
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Artisans & Workshops
株式会社蔭山利兵衛商店
Founded in 1798 in the Honcho district of Mito City, this long-established shop has handcrafted Suifu Chochin for generations. Ninth-generation head Kageyama Koichi carries on the traditional 'ippon-gake' technique, producing everything from festival lanterns to hands-on workshop experiences.
Official site →株式会社青野商店
A lantern maker based in the Shinso district of Mito City. It continues to produce ippon-gake Suifu Chochin using Nishinouchi-gami paper, making festival lanterns as well as custom orders.
Official site →How to Buy
- Kageyama Rihei Shoten (Store)
- Handcrafts Suifu Chochin for festivals and commemorative gifts one by one using the traditional ippon-gake technique. Custom orders are also accepted.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
蔭山利兵衛商店 提灯づくり体験
茨城県水戸市本町3丁目3-7
Visitors can try the frame assembly, winding (ippon-gake), pasting, and painting steps. The 3-go Yumihari (Kaigake) course starts at ¥3,800 and takes 60–90 minutes. Reservation required.
View details →FAQ
Q. What does 'Suifu' mean in 'Suifu Chochin'?
A. 'Suifu' was an alternate name for Mito used in the Edo period, referring to the fact that the lanterns were made in the castle town of the Mito Domain.
Q. Where can I buy or experience making Suifu Chochin?
A. They can be purchased from makers in Mito City such as Kageyama Rihei Shoten and Aono Shoten, and Kageyama Rihei Shoten also offers reservation-based lantern-making experiences.