Monday, July 07, 2025

How To Order Custom Lanterns From Japan

How to Order a Custom Lantern ちょうちん（提灯)

GoodsFromJapan.com produces custom lanterns (chochin) to order. In many ways the process is similar to ordering a custom happi coat.

Over the years we have produced lanterns for restaurants such as Yo! Sushi in Edinburgh as well as for food trucks in Australia and the USA. Our lanterns have also been used in offices and on film sets and theatrical productions both overseas and in Japan. We have also supplied a Buddhist temple in Hawaii with festive lanterns.

Our Japanese paper and vinyl lanterns are hand-made and of the highest quality.

寿司 (Sushi) lanterns at Yo! Sushi

As with happi coats pricing depends on several factors

1) the number of colors in the design

2) the complexity of the design

3) the number of lanterns

4) sizes - Japanese lanterns come in set sizes known as gou (号). They also come in either a cylindrical shape or are circular

5) material - washi paper (for indoor use); vinyl for outside

6) whether you require printing on one side of the lantern or both

7) note: we cannot accept copyrighted designs from Japanese anime / manga (the design must be original) or the customer has the copyright

Customers receive a design proof before printing

Making the first lantern is always the most expensive step and the per unit cost drops with the number of lanterns made.

Usually it takes between 2-4 weeks to complete the order. Summer is the busiest time. Shipping is by EMS or DHL and trackable. If you have your own DHL account, please let us know.

Designs should be sent in Adobe Illustrator format please with the colors in DIC if possible sakawa.jp/pdf/dic.pdf

We also require your delivery address and telephone number to calculate shipping as well as your deadline.

Our clients have included major companies, markets, restaurants as well as individual customers.

Please contact us for a custom lantern quote and further details.