Introduction

Akari lamps have been a hallmark of Japanese design since their invention by sculptor and designer Isamu Noguchi in the mid-20th century. These paper lanterns blend traditional Japanese materials and techniques with modern aesthetics, creating a unique and timeless style. Today, they are widely popular all over the world, but if you want to find the best selection of Akari lamps, there is no better place than Tokyo.

The History of Akari Lamps

Isamu Noguchi first designed Akari lamps in 1951 during a trip to Gifu, a city famous for its paper lantern production. He was inspired by the lightweight, durable, and malleable properties of washi paper, which allowed him to create three-dimensional, sculptural lampshades that projected a warm, diffused light. The name “akari” means “light” in Japanese, and it reflected Noguchi’s desire to create objects that would enhance the beauty and harmony of their surroundings.

At first, Akari lamps were made for Noguchi’s personal use or as gifts for friends and clients, but their popularity soon grew beyond his inner circle. He established a workshop in Gifu where local artisans could craft Akari lamps based on his designs, using traditional methods such as bamboo skeleton frames and urushi lacquer. The lamps were sold in high-end design stores in Japan and America, attracting a diverse clientele that ranged from artists to architects to homemakers.

Noguchi continued to refine the Akari lamp collection throughout his life, creating over 200 models of different shapes, colors, and sizes. He considered them as “sculpture pieces that enlighten a room,” and many of his designs still look contemporary and relevant today.

The Appeal of Akari Lamps

What makes Akari lamps so appealing to people? First, they are beautiful and versatile. The soft glow they emit is soothing and calming, making them ideal for creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere in any space. They come in various sizes, from small table lamps to giant floor lamps, which can fit any room, from a bedroom to a living room to a dining room. They are also eco-friendly, as they use LED bulbs that consume less energy.

Second, they are handmade and unique. Every Akari lamp is crafted by a skilled artisan who has honed their craft for years, using the same techniques passed on from generation to generation. They are not mass-produced, so each lamp has its own quirks and imperfections that give it character and charm. Buying an Akari lamp is like buying a piece of art that tells a story.

Third, they embody Japanese culture and aesthetics. Akari lamps represent a fusion of tradition and modernity, using materials and techniques that have been used for centuries in Japan, but applying them to a new context. They reflect the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which values simplicity, imperfection, and transience. They are not flashy or ostentatious, but they radiate a quiet elegance and understated beauty.

Where to Find Akari Lamps in Tokyo

If you want to experience the magic of Akari lamps, there are several places in Tokyo where you can see and buy them. Here are some of the most recommended ones:

• The Noguchi Museum Gift Shop

The Noguchi Museum in Queens, New York, is dedicated to the life and work of Isamu Noguchi. Its gift shop is the perfect place to find original Akari lamps, along with other Noguchi-designed products such as furniture, sculptures, and textiles. The museum also has an online store that ships worldwide.

• The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum

The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum in Tokyo is another tribute to the Japanese-American artist, showcasing his sculptures, drawings, and archives. Its museum shop sells a wide variety of Akari lamps, from classics to limited editions, all made in Gifu by skilled artisans.

• The Gifu Lamp Museum

The Gifu Lamp Museum is a museum dedicated to the history and craft of Japanese lamps, including Akari lamps. It has over 3,000 lamps on display, from antique to contemporary, and offers workshops for visitors to try their hands at lamp making. It is located in Gifu and can be accessed by train or bus from Tokyo.

• The MoMA Design Store Tokyo

The MoMA Design Store Tokyo is the Tokyo branch of the Museum of Modern Art’s design store, featuring a curated selection of design products, including Akari lamps. It is located in the Ginza district, a trendy shopping destination filled with high-end boutiques and department stores.

• The Tsutaya Daikanyama

The Tsutaya Daikanyama is a cultural complex that houses a bookstore, a cafe, a music store, and a design shop, among others. Its design shop has a collection of Akari lamps, along with other contemporary design objects from Japan and abroad. It is a great place to soak up the creative energy of Tokyo’s design scene.

Conclusion

Akari lamps are more than just lamps; they are objects of art that embody the spirit and craftsmanship of Japan. They are a testament to the vision and creativity of Isamu Noguchi, who created a design icon that continues to inspire and delight people around the world. If you have a chance to visit Tokyo, don’t miss the opportunity to see and touch one of these beautiful lamps, and bring a piece of their magic home with you.