About Waga Chōchin

Chōchin — the iconic paper and plastic lanterns of Japan — have illuminated streets, festivals, and doorways for centuries. From the red globes of Tokyo's izakayas to the white memorial lanterns of Hiroshima, each one tells a story of place, purpose, and time.

Waga Chōchin is a curated collection of vintage plastic chōchin sourced directly from across Japan. These aren't reproductions — they're authentic pieces that once hung outside ramen shops, sake bars, onsen, and festival grounds.

Each lantern is hand-selected, carefully documented, and shipped worldwide. We believe these everyday objects are small monuments to Japanese craft and culture — and they deserve a second life illuminating new spaces.