Guide to Enjoying Japanese Candles: Soothe Your Soul with Their Flickering Light!

It is believed that candles were introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794 AD). Along with Buddhism, a type of candle known as "mitsu-rousoku," made from beeswax, was brought over from China. At the time, beeswax was extremely rare and valuable, so only a select few of the nobility had the privilege of using these candles.
Later, in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), candle-making began using pine resin instead of beeswax. The use of Japanese candles, or "wa-rousoku," reached its peak during the late Edo period (1745-1786 AD) and into the Meiji period (1868-1912 AD). Even during the late Edo period, wa-rousoku were considered luxury items, primarily used by wealthy merchants and samurai families. Meanwhile, the common people typically used light from rapeseed oil lamps.
Today, Japanese candles are made using plant-based waxes, primarily from the seeds of the "haze" tree, a deciduous tree in the sumac family. The use of haze seeds to produce Japanese candles is said to have begun in the Muromachi period (1336-1573 AD).

Since their creation, Japanese candles have been an integral part of traditional Japanese life. They are especially important during Buddhist ceremonies and are used as offerings on significant days, such as Obon, Higan, memorial services, and monthly anniversary rites. It is crucial to keep Japanese candles burning continuously during these ceremonies. To achieve this, various improvements have been made over time, such as thickening the wick, reducing wax drips (which can be easily wiped away if they do occur), and minimizing soot production. These advancements reflect the evolution of Japanese candle-making techniques.
Because Japanese candles are used in religious rituals, they are made from plant-based wax rather than paraffin derived from petroleum or animal and fish oils.
Even today, they are used in temples and shrines across Japan, as well as in tea ceremonies and night gatherings called "yobanashi." In tea ceremonies, Japanese candles are used not only for lighting but also as a timekeeping tool. Additionally, they are used in traditional Japanese theater, including Noh, Kyogen, and Kabuki.
Japanese candles come in two colors: red and white.

White candles are typically used for everyday offerings on household altars, as well as during funerals and memorial services up to the third anniversary. On the other hand, red candles, also known as "shu-rousoku," are used for celebratory rituals and ceremonies, such as New Year’s, Obon, and important family events like placing a new altar in a home or a wedding.

There is also a type of Japanese candle known as "e-rousoku," which features illustrations of flowers or other designs on the sides. Today, fresh flowers are available year-round, but in the past, especially in cold regions like Tohoku and Hokuriku, it was difficult to find flowers to offer on household altars during winter. As a substitute, "hana-rousoku" (flower candles) were created with painted flowers. This practice eventually evolved into the creation of "e-rousoku."

The designs on these candles can reflect the season or feature the favorite flowers of the ancestors, offering a wide range of choices. These candles are typically not lit in everyday use but are offered as a substitute for fresh flowers. Since they do not wither, they remain a respectful offering. Lighting them on significant days, such as Obon, Higan, or the anniversary of an ancestor’s passing, is considered an act of memorial service. Nowadays, "e-rousoku" have become popular souvenirs, with designs featuring not only flowers but also animals and popular characters. Some candles are printed with designs, while others are hand-painted by specialized artisans known as "etsukeshi." Some shops even offer custom-made e-rousoku.

Incidentally, have you ever wondered why maiko and geiko in Kyoto’s hanamachi districts paint their faces white? This tradition is closely related to Japanese candles. In Kyoto, where these performers display their arts in teahouses, Japanese candles have long been used for lighting. The dimly lit room illuminated by these candles enhances the maiko’s and geiko’s white makeup, making their faces glow softly. It is believed that the same reason applies to why Kabuki actors paint their faces white.

In this way, Japanese candles have long been an essential part of Japanese life.

Before diving into the main topic, let’s classify the types of wax used in candles. There are primarily three categories: plant-based wax, animal-based wax, and petroleum-based wax.

So, what are the other differences between Japanese and Western candles, which are used worldwide? It turns out that there are many significant differences between them. Let’s take a look at the key distinctions in the following table.

Now, let's take a closer look at the characteristics of Japanese candles.

So, how do craftsmen create each Japanese candle entirely by hand? In this section, we’ll explore the process. Additionally, different artisans are involved in each stage of production.
Japanese candle-making follows a "division of labor" system. There are various specialized roles, such as the "chigiriko-san," who picks the haze seeds used as the raw material for the candles; the "seirousho," where the wax is produced; the "makite-shokunin," who wraps the pith of the rush plant with washi paper to create the wick; the "kigataya-san," who makes the molds for the candles; and the "takegushiya-san," who produces the bamboo skewers used to insert the wick.
The production of a single Japanese candle brings together the traditional skills of many artisans. In other words, each Japanese candle is a masterpiece that embodies the collective expertise of Japan’s proud traditional craftsmen. The techniques involved are a testament to their years of experience and mastery.
I had the opportunity to visit a workshop and observe the process of Japanese candle-making firsthand.

The burning time of Japanese candles ranges from 30 minutes to over 9 hours, allowing you to select the appropriate candle based on the occasion. Below are some examples of the dimensions and burning times for certain types of Japanese candles.

When using Japanese candles, it's helpful to have a "shokudai" (candle holder), a "hikeshi" (snuffer), and a "shinkiri" (wick trimmer) ready. These items are often sold alongside Japanese candles in Japan.

There are also some tips for using Japanese candles effectively, which I will explain here. When lighting a Japanese candle, if it's difficult to light, you can gently flatten the tip. However, if there's no issue, flattening isn't necessary. It's best to use the candle in one sitting, but if you need to use it over two or three sessions, ensure it's securely placed in the candle holder, and poke a small hole at the tip of the wick. Otherwise, the candle might produce smoke.

When using Japanese candles, it’s essential to perform a task called "shinkiri," which involves trimming the wick. Since Japanese candles have thick wicks, they tend to carbonize and leave a residue. The flame can also grow larger over time. Therefore, after about one to two hours of burning, you need to trim the wick with a special tool called "shinkiri-basami" (wick trimmer) to adjust the length. The first time you perform this task depends on the size of the candle. The right time is when the tip of the wick starts to droop slightly. Trim the wick, leaving about 1-2 cm of it, starting from the drooping part. Place the trimmed wick in an ashtray with a lid, made of ceramic or metal, to prevent the fire from spreading. For subsequent trimmings, once the tip droops again, trim it the same way, leaving about 2 cm of wick. As the candle burns longer, the frequency of trimming increases, and the intervals between trimmings shorten, so pay close attention.
While it’s ideal to use a dedicated "shinkiri" tool, if you don’t have one, you can use alternatives such as tongs, scissors, or a cigar cutter.

There are also important considerations when extinguishing a Japanese candle. The best way to extinguish it is to leave a little bit of the candle, cut off the lower part of the flame, and use a "hikeshi" (snuffer) to extinguish it. However, if the candle burns out completely, you can press the wick down or cover it with a non-flammable object to prevent smoke and lingering odors. You can also dip the wick into rapeseed or salad oil to extinguish it, ensuring only the tip is submerged.
The most important thing to remember when extinguishing a candle is to never blow it out, wave it out with your hand, or fan it with a fan or uchiwa (Japanese fan). Doing so can cause the melted wax to splatter, which is very dangerous. Absolutely avoid this.

Regular cleaning of the candle holder is also essential. If the holder becomes dirty with wax or ash, soaking it in hot water will help melt the wax. Wipe it off with an old cloth or tissue paper. Adding detergent to the water will make cleaning easier. There’s no need to scrub with excessive force.

Additionally, proper storage of Japanese candles is important. They are particularly sensitive to heat and may melt, so store them in a shaded area. Avoid placing them in a car dashboard, as the heat in summer can cause them to melt. However, it's also not advisable to store them in a refrigerator, as the cold can make the wax brittle and prone to cracking.

You can closely observe the process of how Japanese candle artisans craft these traditional candles. At Nakamura Candle, they offer workshops to allow people to experience Kyoto’s traditional crafts. The workshops range from courses focused solely on candle painting to those where you can learn the entire process of making Japanese candles. Why not take home a Japanese candle that you crafted yourself, along with the memories of this unique experience?
Here’s an overview of the types of experiences you can enjoy.

"Wa-rousoku" (Japanese candles) have long illuminated the lives of the Japanese people, and they are also sustainable. In the past, wax that dripped from burning candles was collected, remelted, and reused to create new candles. Additionally, the ash from burned candles was used as fertilizer in fields.

The beautiful way in which these candles were used reflects the elegant lifestyle of the Japanese people of old. The traditional methods, carefully passed down from one artisan to another over hundreds of years, have been preserved to this day. Recently, Japanese candles have evolved even further, with products now available that feature scents such as forest aromas and floral fragrances like rose. The gentle flicker of the flame, combined with a soothing fragrance, creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Why not change up your routine tonight and replace your usual bedtime aroma candle with a "wa-rousoku"?