Hozuki (Ground Cherry) Handicraft

The hozuki (Chinese lantern plant) plays an important role in the Japanese Buddhist tradition of Obon, a time when the spirits of ancestors are believed to return home. Its lantern-like fruit is often displayed on Bon altars (bon tana), serving as a symbolic guide to help spirits find their way back.

The kanji for hozuki, 鬼灯, literally means “demon lantern.” This name comes from its use as a replacement for real lanterns during the Bon Festival, where it lights the way for ancestral spirits. The plant’s vivid red-orange color evokes the warm glow of welcoming fires and Bon lanterns, both of which are meant to safely guide spirits home.

In addition to being a guide, the hollow structure of the hozuki fruit is thought to act as a temporary home for ancestral spirits during Obon. In this way, it’s not just a symbol of direction—it also represents the deep connection between the living and those who have passed away.

It is believed that hozuki was introduced to Japan in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) . Hozuki has also been valued for medicinal purposes for a long time. Some native species have been growing wild in Japan for a long time and have been cultivated for ornamental purposes. In addition to being cultivated for ornamental purposes, the fruit of hozuki also became a plaything for children.  During the Bunka-Bunsei period (1804-1830 A.D.) in the early 19th century, hozuki was one of the iconic plants in gardening.

Hozuki-zaiku is a craft in which the skin is peeled from the hozuki fruit, leaving only the veins, dried, and then processed into various ornaments. 

Kitakami City in Iwate Prefecture is especially known as the main production area. 

Once harvested, the Hozuki are soaked in water and then rinsed so that only the veins remain. The Hozuki are then re-shaped, dried, and handcrafted into delicate lights, dried flowers, and tabletop decorations.