​Edogawaya Lamp, located in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture, specializes in kerosene lamps. It is one of the few stores in Japan that specializes in kerosene lamps. When you hear the word "lamp" may sound a bit daunting, but that is not the case. Anyone can enjoy kerosene lamps!

This time, we will tell you the charm of such a kerosene lamp! .

What is a kerosene lamp?

First, let's talk briefly about kerosene lamps.

A kerosene lamp is a lamp that uses kerosene as fuel. There are four main types. "Hurricane lamp", "stand lamp", "hanging lamp", "cantera (ship lamp)". From the Edo period to the Taisho period, it was used as a light even in ordinary households in Japan before the spread of electricity.

In modern times, it is loved as a tool to enjoy the fluctuation of "flame" rather than light as lighting.

Enter the world of lamps

The store is located in a residential area.

Edogawaya Lamp is located in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture. About 3 minutes by car from Kozoji Station. There are two parking spaces in front of the shop.

The owner, Mr. Ishida, liked the historical background of Edgar Allan Poe and Ranpo Edogawa.

The best part is the number of products!

The shop is crowded with lamps lined up.

When you open the wooden door, you are transported back in time to another world. The overwhelming number of lamps and the coolness of the store left us momentarily speechless.

There are about 350 types of lamps, from affordable ones that are easy for beginners to start with, to antique lamps that are over 100 years old. They always have about 30,000 in stock.

Owner fascinated by the world of lamps

The owner Koichi Ishida

Mr. Ishida: "I founded Edogawaya Lamp about 30 years ago in 1987. I was working for a trading company, but I left the company and started this store.

Since I was a teenager, I have loved camping and often went to the foot of Mt. Ontake. It is very dark and scary at night, but when I light the hurricane lamp, my surroundings light up and I feel very safe. I never get tired of watching the light of lamps. I became more and more fascinated with lamps through camping. I wanted to have more lamps, so I searched for more lamps, but the Internet was not as widespread as it is now, and I couldn't find the lamps I wanted."

Mr. Ishida: "Then, I had no choice but to do it myself! In the 1990s, I thought that the Internet was the future, and I was one of the first to start an online store. We now receive many inquiries from both inside and outside Japan.

It is often used in movies and dramas, and is also used in theme parks.
As you all know, 'Taiga Drama', 'Hamunaputra', and
Jack Sparrow's lamp in  'Pirates of Caribbean's' is the same as mine. ”

These days, with the outdoor boom, hurricane lamps are selling fast as they come in.

Mr. Ishida: "In recent years, lamps have come to be reconsidered as a means of preparing for disasters. During the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, 20,000 lamps were put out in four days.

They heard about ours from Tohoku and brought it to the site by truck. Lamps have the power to change the atmosphere around them. We heard that at the time of the earthquake, they were useful not only for practical use, but also as a healing aid for disaster victims. The great appeal of lamps is that they can be used in a variety of ways, including outdoors, for interior decoration, and in times of disaster."

Now let's take a look at some lamps.

"Stand lamp" recommended for home use

Stand lamps are easy for women to start with. If you are new to lamps, it is recommended to buy from around here. The price is reasonable starting at 1,000 yen, so it would make a great gift.

Why don't you spend a relaxing time with the light of the lamp, such as drinking alcohol or reading before going to bed?

Stand lamps come in a wide variety of designs, so it seems that one or two will make you fall in love with the charm of the lamp. There are many rare antique lamps in the store.

If you camp, you need to get one! The "Hurricane Lamp."

A hurricane lamp that is strong against rain and wind and suitable for outdoor activities is one of the tools you should definitely get if you like camping. Edogawaya lamps are all from DIETZ, a long-established manufacturer established in New York. Antique design is also a popular secret.

The brightness of a hurricane lantern changes depending on the width of the wick, which is called a flat core. 6mm wick is equivalent to about 4W, a 15mm wick is about 8W minus, and a 21mm wick is equivalent to about 15W. 15W has enough brightness to read.

The wider the wick, the brighter and larger the body size, so check carefully when selecting a lamp.

Atmospheric "hanging lamp" and "cantera (ship lamp)"

The hanging lamp (right) is often used in theme parks and hot spring facilities. Even if you incorporate it as an interior, you can create a stylish atmosphere.

"Cantera (left)" is an almighty item that can be hung or placed. The one pictured is the same lamp that was used on the deck of the Black Pearl in Pirates of the Caribbean.

You can choose the special oil from your favorite color. You can choose your favorite lamp and change the color according to your mood.

Of course, it is a kerosene lamp, so if you have kerosene at home, you can use that as well. In addition, insect repellent oil is very popular this time of year! Contains eucalyptus, mint and natural herbal ingredients to repel insects.

Recommended for outdoor scenes and weeding.

We actually bought it!

As a lamp beginner, we actually bought a stand lamp that can be purchased for around 1,000 yen. Isn't it cute when you put color oil in it?

Then I would like to actually light a fire!

What a surprise! It looks even better when lit! We think we could watch the flickering flames all the time. I'm sure you will fall in love with the lamp even more when you actually use it.

Using the lamp for about a month, we were amazed at how nice it is to live with a fire as a light. Even on days when you come home tired, lighting the lamp will soothes your mind and makes you feel refreshed and well-rested. Even if you don't do outdoor activities, this is a great way to get started.

We were completely fascinated by the charm of kerosene lamps during our visit. In our daily lives, we rarely see fire, but by consciously incorporating fire into our daily lives, our hearts are lit up.

Please visit Edogawaya Lamp to find one of your favorites!

Photography by Kanae Hori