Experience Japanese Tradition & Sustainability

Experience Japanese Tradition & Sustainability: Create Your Own "Take-akari" Bamboo Lantern

Join us for a unique workshop in the heart of Amsterdam, where Japanese tradition meets modern sustainability.

What is "Take-akari"?

"Take-akari" (Bamboo Lantern) is a contemporary Japanese art form that involves drilling patterns into bamboo stalks and illuminating them from within. The result is a warm, ethereal glow that transforms any space into a serene sanctuary.

This workshop is brought to you by CHIKAKEN, a professional collective that has been pioneering and creating Take-akari for 20 years. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to sharing the beauty of this craft, using it on a grand scale across Japan—decorating music festivals, weddings, national ceremonies, and local festivals to create enchanting, immersive environments.

Why is it Sustainable?

In Japan, many bamboo forests have become overgrown and neglected, leading to a phenomenon known as "Chikugai" (bamboo damage). Because bamboo grows so rapidly, it can overwhelm native forests and damage local ecosystems.

By creating Take-akari, we take active steps toward a better future:

Resource Reuse: We use bamboo thinned from these forests to restore ecological balance.

Connection with Nature: We transform an environmental "problem" into beautiful art, breathing new life into natural materials.

Regional Revitalization: We work closely with residents in rural Japanese communities to harvest and prepare the bamboo. This process creates new roles and strengthens social bonds, revitalizing communities that face depopulation.

What You Will Experience (90 Minutes):

Learn: Discover the cultural background and the inspiring environmental story behind Take-akari, rooted in CHIKAKEN's 20-year journey.

Design: Choose from our curated patterns or sketch your own vision.

Craft: Use specialized tools to drill holes into authentic Japanese bamboo. (Full safety guidance provided!)

Illuminate: Place a light inside and witness your creation come to life in a moment of breathtaking beauty.

Take Your Masterpiece Home!

Your handmade bamboo lantern is yours to keep. It’s perfect for adding a touch of "Zen" to your home or giving as a thoughtful, eco-friendly gift.

No prior experience is necessary. All tools and materials (including LED lights) are provided. Come and enjoy a peaceful, creative, and meaningful moment with us!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher &Japonism（Tamariya Amsterdam）