There used to be many chochin shops in Mikuni-cho, but they are the only shop now. Their founder opened Itoya in 1947. Other shops create chochin by multiple divisions of labor, but they do all twelve procedures by themselves and by hand.

Their second-generation artisan Mineo Hata comments, “The structure of Chochin lanterns is very simple. They only need bamboo strips, washi paper and light bulbs. However, the lanterns add liveliness to festivals. It is a Japanese culture many people treasure. As an asset I inherited from my father and an important tourist attraction in Mikuni, I need to pass it on to the next generation.” Mineo’s daughter became the third-generation artisan a few years ago.

Chochin lanterns symbolize both tradition and modernity. “Chochin lanterns offer a lively and festive image. Therefore, they are thinking about making lanterns they can use as Christmas or New Year’s decorations,” adds Mineo. The shop has begun to offer workshops from a studio close by where visitors can learn how to make small lanterns and paint them. The classes are popular with locals and tourists alike.