Hozuki (Ground Cherry) Handicraft
ほおずき細工
ほおずき細工
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.
How to make hozuki lamp (Japanese)
How to make hozuki lamp (Japanese)
Blue hozuki lamp
How to make dry hozuki (Japanese)
When creating this webpage, I realized that there currently seems to be no place where you can experience making hozuki lamps. Originally, there were workshops where you could experience making them and stores where you could purchase them online, but now there are none. I don't know if this is because hozuki lamps have become something that can be easily made, or because traditional crafts are not being passed down. Making hozuki lamps by hand is not that difficult, so I would be happy if everyone could try it.
Cultural and Arts Division, Culture Promotion Section, Department of Culture and Sports, Iwate Prefectural Government. “Hozuki Art (Hozuki Zaiku).” Iwate Culture Information Encyclopedia, 2019, www.bunka.pref.iwate.jp/archive/ent96.
JBC. “Hozuki: Illuminating the Japanese Summer — a Breath of History and Culture.” Nippon Flower Culture Co., Ltd., 2025, www.jbcde.jp/post/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AE%E5%A4%8F%E3%82%92%E5%BD%A9%E3%82%8B%E3%80%8C%E9%AC%BC%E7%81%AF%EF%BC%88%E3%83%9B%E3%82%AA%E3%82%BA%E3%82%AD%EF%BC%89%E3%80%8D%EF%BC%9A%E3%81%9D%E3%81%AE%E6%AD%B4%E5%8F%B2%E3%81%A8%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E3%81%AE%E6%81%AF%E5%90%B9.
Kensan. “What Kind of Plant Is Hozuki?” Kitchen & Cafe Pepito, 2020, pepeeto.com/chineseianternplant/.
Yomeishu Manufacturing Co., Ltd. “The Summer Icon Cherished by Edo‑Born: “Hozuki.” Yomeishu.co.jp, 2025, www.yomeishu.co.jp/genkigenki/crudem/130628/index.html.