Lights of Japan
The soft glow of Japanese lanterns carries a quiet kind of poetry. Whether made of paper, silk, or wood, these lights — known as chōchin — have long illuminated temples, streets, and festivals with a warmth that feels both human and timeless. Their light is never harsh; it flickers gently, revealing more shadow than brightness. Each lantern marks a meeting point between craft and spirit, a symbol of guidance and celebration. In their simplicity, they express the Japanese way of honoring impermanence — a brief light against the dark, beautiful precisely because it does not last.
Michael Hoffman Photography 