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A Century of Devotion to Lantern-Making, Passed on to the Next Generation.
Founded in 1921 (Taisho 10), Akimura Taiheido has devoted itself solely to lantern-making for over 100 years.
The fourth-generation head, Keizo Akimura, was inspired to take up the craft after watching his father working late nights in the workshop adjacent to their home. Hearing objective praise for lanterns from people he encountered further deepened his expectations for the potential of lantern-making and strengthened his passion for it.
Today, he says, “I want to build a company that makes the next generation want to continue. A place where they feel they can truly pursue their ideas.”
The fourth-generation head, Keizo Akimura, was inspired to take up the craft after watching his father working late nights in the workshop adjacent to their home. Hearing objective praise for lanterns from people he encountered further deepened his expectations for the potential of lantern-making and strengthened his passion for it.
Today, he says, “I want to build a company that makes the next generation want to continue. A place where they feel they can truly pursue their ideas.”
Keizo Akimura, the fourth-generation head.
Blending Old and New Techniques for a Wide Range of Expression.
When Akimura inherited the business, computers and printers were just starting to spread, and clients demanded the same precision in lantern lettering as machine printing. Today, with the advancement of printing technology, he flexibly incorporates printer output where appropriate, but hand-painting remains the core.
The charm of hand-painting lies in the subtle variations—faint brushstrokes, uneven tones—unique to each piece and born of painstaking handiwork. Awed by the skill of master artisans, Akimura is committed to preserving traditional hand-painting techniques.
The lettering process on plain lanterns is where each workshop’s individuality shines. At Akimura Taiheido, artisans use an original calligraphy style, designed to suit lanterns so they are recognizable at a glance. While valuing the beauty of handwork, they also utilize the advantages of printing in the coloring stage.
“For example, incorporating printing allows us to easily create multicolored designs such as the SDGs goal symbols, expanding into designs that were previously impossible. By distinguishing it from traditional hand-painting while also preserving the culture of lanterns as a whole, we can ensure its continuation,” Akimura explains. In this way, by balancing old and new techniques, he broadens the range of expression.
The charm of hand-painting lies in the subtle variations—faint brushstrokes, uneven tones—unique to each piece and born of painstaking handiwork. Awed by the skill of master artisans, Akimura is committed to preserving traditional hand-painting techniques.
The lettering process on plain lanterns is where each workshop’s individuality shines. At Akimura Taiheido, artisans use an original calligraphy style, designed to suit lanterns so they are recognizable at a glance. While valuing the beauty of handwork, they also utilize the advantages of printing in the coloring stage.
“For example, incorporating printing allows us to easily create multicolored designs such as the SDGs goal symbols, expanding into designs that were previously impossible. By distinguishing it from traditional hand-painting while also preserving the culture of lanterns as a whole, we can ensure its continuation,” Akimura explains. In this way, by balancing old and new techniques, he broadens the range of expression.
Mr. Takakura, lettering artisan. The only craftsman at Akimura Taiheido who can write without preliminary sketches.
Lanterns Adding Charm in Many Forms Since the Muromachi Period.
The culture of lanterns dates back to the Muromachi period. Originally introduced from China, Japan developed the innovation of foldable lanterns. Lanterns come in many types: long lanterns, kabura-shaped, round, small, bow-shaped, miniature, tall narrow, and hassun-maru (eight-sun round) lanterns, among others. Original custom lanterns are also accepted, with orders coming from overseas as well.
It is precisely because of this long history that such a wide variety of lanterns can be made, and this trust built on tradition is Akimura Taiheido’s strength. Their work ranges from event and festival decorations, to sign lanterns, to artistic designs featuring pictures. For example, Akimura Taiheido produced the large lanterns displayed on either side of the Chūmon and Nandaimon gates of Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are made of Japanese paper with 32-petal chrysanthemum crests, measuring about 75 cm (2.5 shaku) in length, with the lanterns differing in size between the two gates.
It is precisely because of this long history that such a wide variety of lanterns can be made, and this trust built on tradition is Akimura Taiheido’s strength. Their work ranges from event and festival decorations, to sign lanterns, to artistic designs featuring pictures. For example, Akimura Taiheido produced the large lanterns displayed on either side of the Chūmon and Nandaimon gates of Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are made of Japanese paper with 32-petal chrysanthemum crests, measuring about 75 cm (2.5 shaku) in length, with the lanterns differing in size between the two gates.
Akimura Taiheido: Illuminating Lantern Culture and Its Surroundings.
“People don’t encounter lanterns much in daily life anymore, but if they meet me, maybe their radar for lanterns will switch on,” says Akimura.
“The fact that this culture has continued since the Muromachi period is amazing, isn’t it? I don’t want it to fade away, and I’m grateful just to be involved in it. By making lanterns, we coexist with the places that display them, and I want to help preserve not only lantern culture but also shrines and temples along with it.”
As lanterns have shifted from daily necessities to decorative uses such as signage and festival adornments, Akimura Taiheido has adapted them to modern times. “The role of lanterns in adorning special occasions remains unchanged, but by bringing them into everyday life in new ways, Japanese culture itself can also feel closer,” he says. Guided by the philosophy, “Through lanterns, we pursue people’s happiness,” Akimura Taiheido continues to illuminate both lantern culture and the world around it.
As lanterns have shifted from daily necessities to decorative uses such as signage and festival adornments, Akimura Taiheido has adapted them to modern times. “The role of lanterns in adorning special occasions remains unchanged, but by bringing them into everyday life in new ways, Japanese culture itself can also feel closer,” he says. Guided by the philosophy, “Through lanterns, we pursue people’s happiness,” Akimura Taiheido continues to illuminate both lantern culture and the world around it.
Interview: Yuto Ito Photography: Daiki Morishita Text: Emiko Shimono
Akimura Taiheido
Osaka#提灯
Founded in 1921, Akimura Taiheido has been producing lanterns for over a century. With its long-standing expertise, the workshop creates a wide range of designs, from traditional forms to modern styles. Carrying on a craft tradition that dates back to the Muromachi period, Akimura Taiheido continues to preserve and pass down the enduring culture of Japanese lanterns.
Last Updated : 2024/05/01
Representative
Keizo Akimura
Established year
1921
Employees
7 people
Location
1-1-11 Ueshio, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0064, Japan
Official Website
Akimura Taiheido
Osaka#提灯
Founded in 1921, Akimura Taiheido has been producing lanterns for over a century. With its long-standing expertise, the workshop creates a wide range of designs, from traditional forms to modern styles. Carrying on a craft tradition that dates back to the Muromachi period, Akimura Taiheido continues to preserve and pass down the enduring culture of Japanese lanterns.
Last Updated : 2024/05/01
Representative
Keizo Akimura
Established year
1921
Employees
7 people
Location
1-1-11 Ueshio, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0064, Japan
Official Website
Craft Report
A Century of Devotion to Lantern-Making, Passed on to the Next Generation.
Founded in 1921 (Taisho 10), Akimura Taiheido has devoted itself solely to lantern-making for over 100 years.
The fourth-generation head, Keizo Akimura, was inspired to take up the craft after watching his father working late nights in the workshop adjacent to their home. Hearing objective praise for lanterns from people he encountered further deepened his expectations for the potential of lantern-making and strengthened his passion for it.
Today, he says, “I want to build a company that makes the next generation want to continue. A place where they feel they can truly pursue their ideas.”
The fourth-generation head, Keizo Akimura, was inspired to take up the craft after watching his father working late nights in the workshop adjacent to their home. Hearing objective praise for lanterns from people he encountered further deepened his expectations for the potential of lantern-making and strengthened his passion for it.
Today, he says, “I want to build a company that makes the next generation want to continue. A place where they feel they can truly pursue their ideas.”
Keizo Akimura, the fourth-generation head.
Blending Old and New Techniques for a Wide Range of Expression.
When Akimura inherited the business, computers and printers were just starting to spread, and clients demanded the same precision in lantern lettering as machine printing. Today, with the advancement of printing technology, he flexibly incorporates printer output where appropriate, but hand-painting remains the core.
The charm of hand-painting lies in the subtle variations—faint brushstrokes, uneven tones—unique to each piece and born of painstaking handiwork. Awed by the skill of master artisans, Akimura is committed to preserving traditional hand-painting techniques.
The lettering process on plain lanterns is where each workshop’s individuality shines. At Akimura Taiheido, artisans use an original calligraphy style, designed to suit lanterns so they are recognizable at a glance. While valuing the beauty of handwork, they also utilize the advantages of printing in the coloring stage.
“For example, incorporating printing allows us to easily create multicolored designs such as the SDGs goal symbols, expanding into designs that were previously impossible. By distinguishing it from traditional hand-painting while also preserving the culture of lanterns as a whole, we can ensure its continuation,” Akimura explains. In this way, by balancing old and new techniques, he broadens the range of expression.
The charm of hand-painting lies in the subtle variations—faint brushstrokes, uneven tones—unique to each piece and born of painstaking handiwork. Awed by the skill of master artisans, Akimura is committed to preserving traditional hand-painting techniques.
The lettering process on plain lanterns is where each workshop’s individuality shines. At Akimura Taiheido, artisans use an original calligraphy style, designed to suit lanterns so they are recognizable at a glance. While valuing the beauty of handwork, they also utilize the advantages of printing in the coloring stage.
“For example, incorporating printing allows us to easily create multicolored designs such as the SDGs goal symbols, expanding into designs that were previously impossible. By distinguishing it from traditional hand-painting while also preserving the culture of lanterns as a whole, we can ensure its continuation,” Akimura explains. In this way, by balancing old and new techniques, he broadens the range of expression.
Mr. Takakura, lettering artisan. The only craftsman at Akimura Taiheido who can write without preliminary sketches.
Lanterns Adding Charm in Many Forms Since the Muromachi Period.
The culture of lanterns dates back to the Muromachi period. Originally introduced from China, Japan developed the innovation of foldable lanterns. Lanterns come in many types: long lanterns, kabura-shaped, round, small, bow-shaped, miniature, tall narrow, and hassun-maru (eight-sun round) lanterns, among others. Original custom lanterns are also accepted, with orders coming from overseas as well.
It is precisely because of this long history that such a wide variety of lanterns can be made, and this trust built on tradition is Akimura Taiheido’s strength. Their work ranges from event and festival decorations, to sign lanterns, to artistic designs featuring pictures. For example, Akimura Taiheido produced the large lanterns displayed on either side of the Chūmon and Nandaimon gates of Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are made of Japanese paper with 32-petal chrysanthemum crests, measuring about 75 cm (2.5 shaku) in length, with the lanterns differing in size between the two gates.
It is precisely because of this long history that such a wide variety of lanterns can be made, and this trust built on tradition is Akimura Taiheido’s strength. Their work ranges from event and festival decorations, to sign lanterns, to artistic designs featuring pictures. For example, Akimura Taiheido produced the large lanterns displayed on either side of the Chūmon and Nandaimon gates of Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are made of Japanese paper with 32-petal chrysanthemum crests, measuring about 75 cm (2.5 shaku) in length, with the lanterns differing in size between the two gates.
Akimura Taiheido: Illuminating Lantern Culture and Its Surroundings.
“People don’t encounter lanterns much in daily life anymore, but if they meet me, maybe their radar for lanterns will switch on,” says Akimura.
“The fact that this culture has continued since the Muromachi period is amazing, isn’t it? I don’t want it to fade away, and I’m grateful just to be involved in it. By making lanterns, we coexist with the places that display them, and I want to help preserve not only lantern culture but also shrines and temples along with it.”
As lanterns have shifted from daily necessities to decorative uses such as signage and festival adornments, Akimura Taiheido has adapted them to modern times. “The role of lanterns in adorning special occasions remains unchanged, but by bringing them into everyday life in new ways, Japanese culture itself can also feel closer,” he says. Guided by the philosophy, “Through lanterns, we pursue people’s happiness,” Akimura Taiheido continues to illuminate both lantern culture and the world around it.
As lanterns have shifted from daily necessities to decorative uses such as signage and festival adornments, Akimura Taiheido has adapted them to modern times. “The role of lanterns in adorning special occasions remains unchanged, but by bringing them into everyday life in new ways, Japanese culture itself can also feel closer,” he says. Guided by the philosophy, “Through lanterns, we pursue people’s happiness,” Akimura Taiheido continues to illuminate both lantern culture and the world around it.
Interview: Yuto Ito Photography: Daiki Morishita Text: Emiko Shimono
Crafts
