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Obon is a traditional Japanese summer event. During this time, ancestors are said to return home, guided by the light of lanterns placed in homes.
Since ancient times, before Obon, people have cleaned their Buddhist altars, prepared offerings and Obon lanterns, and taken other measures to ensure that their ancestors would return home safely.
Along with memories of summer festivals and Bon Odori dances, some people may also recall the image of families busily preparing for Obon.
The lighting of Bon lanterns conveys the feeling of "welcome home" to loved ones who have passed away. This time, we will introduce lanterns categorized by interior style, so please find one that you like.
By when should the Bon lanterns be prepared?
The bon lanterns are prepared before the start of Obon.
The Obon holidays for companies and facilities are often set from around August 13th to August 16th, but please note that the period of Obon as a Buddhist observance varies by region as shown below.
- July 13th to July 16th Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Ishikawa (excluding some areas)
- July 31st to August 2nd: Part of the Tama area of Tokyo
- August 13th to August 16th: Almost all areas except those that celebrate Obon in July
- Mid-August to early September Okinawa Prefecture
If you don't know when Obon is in your area, you can check with a friend or a temple. The prepared bon lanterns will be lit from August 13th (July 13th in some areas), when Obon begins, until the end of Obon.
Just before Obon, popular designs and the types you want may be out of stock, so it's best to check early.
Online stores start selling them from late April, while physical stores tend to start selling them from around June, although this may vary by region.
Where should you place the bon lanterns?
Originally, Bon lanterns were typically placed in three places: next to the Buddhist altar, at the entrance, and under the eaves.
Furthermore, since this is the first time that ancestors have returned, white lanterns are hung outside the eaves or entrance so that they are easy to find. Traditionally, a pair (two lanterns) is displayed, but recently, more and more people are using just one, so you should decide how many to use based on your budget and where you plan to place them.
The modern type we are introducing this time can be displayed anywhere you like.
Try arranging it however you like, such as next to the Buddhist altar or next to the sofa in the living room.
Recommended Bon Festival Lanterns by Interior Design
When you hear the word "bon lantern," some people may imagine the traditional designs seen in period dramas.
However, in recent years, with the changing living environment, Buddhist altars that look like furniture have become mainstream, and to accommodate this, there is a wide variety of Bon lanterns to choose from.
Here we will introduce three recommended floor-standing bon lanterns for different room interiors. If you are having trouble deciding which one to choose, please use this as a reference.
style1 Simple modern
AGASATO
Simple modern refers to an interior style with minimal decoration and a contemporary feel. It is characterized by a simple and sophisticated design with subdued colors, and is a popular style that can be styled by arranging linear monochrome furniture, or by combining natural furniture with a wood grain to create a gentle impression.
We recommend AGASATO for such interiors.
AGASATO, designed by product designer Shimizu Keita, features stylish metal parts, an elegantly curved fire box, and warm wood that connects them, allowing it to blend in with any interior design while making living spaces higher quality and more comfortable.
Another advantage is that it uses battery-powered LED lights, so the atmosphere of the room won't be ruined by wiring cords. It's a 2-way type that can be placed on the floor or hung by removing the legs.
In addition to simple modern, it also goes well with industrial and hotel-like styles.
style2 Japanese modern
Japanese lamp No2912
Japanese modern is a style that combines traditional Japanese materials with modern, stylish designs. Modern Western furniture is arranged with Japanese residential styles such as tatami mats and shoji screens. This style, which combines Japanese furniture with flooring, creates a calm and relaxing space.
The "Washo Lantern NO2912" is a perfect fit for such a relaxing space. The gentle light that seeps through the fire box, made from shrunken washi paper, may remind you of a ryokan you stayed at on a trip some time ago. The full moon and flowers on the lantern give it a gentle impression. In addition to Japanese modern styles, it is also perfect for traditional Japanese rooms and traditional Japanese houses.
style3 Scandinavian
Flower lights
Scandinavian interior design, which has become well established in Japan, is an interior style inspired by Scandinavian countries such as Finland and Sweden. To help you feel cheerful even during the long winter, pale, bright colors are used as the base color, and furniture with wood grain such as teak or oak is used to create a warm feeling. Another characteristic of this style is that while valuing the texture of natural materials, it also adds some cute, pop accessories.
"Hanaakari" is a Bon Festival lantern inspired by the image of a blossoming flower bud. It comes in three colors: refreshing green, pure white, and cute pink. The gentle light that pours from the washi paper, which is individually hand-pasted onto the sturdy brass frame, is sure to soothe anyone who sees it. It is designed to stand on the floor, but can also be placed on a sideboard or chest.
What will you do when Obon is over?
Once the Obon season is over, the Bon lanterns are put away in a box and carefully stored until the following year. The white lanterns used for the first Obon are generally only used for that year. Do not store them, but dispose of them by burning them or other means.
Furthermore, the versatile design lanterns introduced here can be used all year round by changing the location.
During the Obon period, use it at the Buddhist altar or where you keep your memorial offerings.Otherwise, use it as a bedside lamp or in the living room.It is suitable for any place and occasion, so it also makes a great gift.
Welcome your ancestors into your favorite room
Originally, Bon lanterns were prepared to welcome ancestors during the Obon period. In recent years, fewer homes have Buddhist altars, and more people are placing their Buddhist altars in the living room or bedroom.
To go along with this, there are many modern and stylish bonbori lanterns on sale, so choose one that suits your room and your mood.
Click here for Bon Festival lanterns for interior decoration [tabletop version] ▼
Can be used outside of Obon. 3 compact and stylish Bon lanterns (tabletop version)
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