THE STORY
Lanterns of Legacy and Innovation
For over two centuries, the Kojima family has been deeply rooted in the creation of Kyoto-style lanterns. Founded during the late Edo period (1608-1867), the family business, Kojima Shoten, became renowned for producing high-quality, handcrafted lanterns that illuminated cultural institutions, temples, and Kyoto’s most iconic shops. Shun Kojima, the current owner and artisan behind Kojima-an, inherited these traditional skills, mastering the intricate techniques of bamboo splitting and delicate paper pasting, passed down from generation to generation.
Kojima-san’s work not only carries forward the timeless beauty of these traditional lanterns but also ensures the preservation of an ancient craft that has shaped the aesthetic essence of Kyoto. Every lantern tells a story, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Japan while continuing to shine light on modern craftsmanship.
In 2021, Kojima-san embarked on a bold new journey, stepping away from his family’s legacy to establish his own workshop, Kojima-an, by the scenic seaside of Kyotango. Surrounded by nature’s beauty — the mountains and sea — Kojima-san’s new environment has become a source of inspiration as he explores the evolving role of lanterns in contemporary life. With an emphasis on “living,” Kojima-an’s lanterns aim to bring warmth, joy, and a sense of serenity to modern spaces.
While Kojima-san’s creations maintain the elegance and precision of traditional Kyoto-style lanterns, he is also embracing innovative approaches. Kojima-an works with sustainable materials, collaborates with global brands, and creates lanterns that harmonize with today’s interiors, art installations, and modern lifestyles. In doing so, Kojima-san is not only preserving tradition but also adapting it for the future.
"In the flicker of each lantern, we carry forward centuries of craftsmanship — blending the beauty of the past with the light of the future."
Kojima-san strikes a delicate balance between honoring the techniques of his ancestors and pushing the boundaries of modern lantern design. Using wooden molds that have been passed down for generations, Kojima-san creates everything from large, traditional four-shaku lanterns for Kyoto’s Minami-za theater to minimalist interior lighting for contemporary homes.
His work exemplifies a harmonious blend of past and present, capturing the spirit of Kyoto while bringing fresh life to a centuries-old craft.
Kojima-san’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is central to the philosophy of Kojima-an. By reimagining the way lanterns are used in everyday life, he seeks to create lighting that resonates with modern sensibilities while staying true to the ethos of Japanese craftsmanship.
Through his work, Kojima-san invites people to experience the transformative power of light in a new, yet deeply traditional way.
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