The cocolan Muji is a modern version of the Yame lantern, a traditional craft of Japan, made into hand-held size to fit today’s lifestyles. With the rise in nuclear families and declining birthrate, increasing number of Japanese households today do not have a traditional family Buddhist altar in their homes. Consequently, the bon-chochin (lantern used for the summer bon festival to honor the spirits of ancestors) is also hung less and less. Fearing the diminish of the culture, the company introduced the product as a small Buddhist altar and a lantern that can be enjoyed regardless of the season.
The cocolan Muji is produced by traditional manufacturing techniques, and serves the role of the traditional bon lantern—the light as a representation of the intangible Buddha and spirit of ancestors to worship and appreciate. Sized down to fit in your hand, the lantern matches modern lifestyles and can also be used as an interior lamp to cast a warm glow in any room, even in limited space or by the window. In this day and age when people are constantly busy and living in an abundance of information, it is easy to lose yourself and go through your day unconsciously. Let cocolan Muji create a pleasant space, where you can enjoy time in a relaxed, unhurried manner, with a soft light to brighten a family dinner, talk with your loved ones, or spending time with good friends.