In the town of Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture, stands Omori Warosoku-ya, the last traditional Japanese candle shop in the entire Shikoku region. They use mokuro (wood wax) from the berries of the haze (sumac) tree, applying the wax to each candle by hand in a process called the 'kigake method.' We spoke with Omori, the seventh-generation artisan preserving this ancient Japanese technique, about his daily work and the special moments his candles illuminate.

Keeping the Flame Alive in a Town Where History Lives On

The town of Uchiko still carries the distinct charm of the Edo period. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, its historic townscape isn't just a polished tourist spot; it's a living, breathing community where people go about their daily lives and children walk to school. It's here, nestled in a corner of this town, that you'll find Omori Warosoku-ya.

At 8 a.m., the workshop quietly comes to life. He starts by threading wicks onto bamboo skewers and checking the flame used to melt the wax. He gauges the temperature, humidity, and the feel of the air to decide the perfect moment to begin. The art of making warosoku (Japanese candles) isn't a matter of simply following steps; it begins with a conversation with the day's environment.

The Town Built on Sumac Berries and a Craft on the Brink of Disappearing

Uchiko once thrived on the production and export of mokuro, a wood wax extracted from the berries of the haze (sumac) tree. Before the age of petroleum, wax was a precious resource and an indispensable part of daily life. The mokuro made in Uchiko was shipped across Japan and even overseas, becoming the backbone of the town's economy.

However, as paraffin wax became more common, the demand for traditional Japanese candles plummeted. The town's many candle shops vanished one after another, leaving Omori Warosoku-ya as the sole survivor in the entire Shikoku region.

"I've heard that my predecessors worked other jobs just to keep the shop alive."

If it weren't for their choice, the flame of Japanese candles would have been extinguished in this place forever.

A Family Business He Never Planned to Inherit

Omori never planned on taking over the family business. Growing up, traditional candles were such a part of his everyday life that he never considered them special. In fact, he admits to having negative impressions, thinking the craft was "old-fashioned" and wondering, "Is this a job with a future?"

He left home for a while to pursue a different line of work. But through his experiences interacting with people and being involved in craftsmanship, his perspective began to shift.

"I started to think that a job where the maker and the user can talk directly is actually a huge luxury."

The workshop and store are combined, allowing customers to watch the artisan at work as they browse. He realized this close connection was a unique and valuable experience. Most importantly, as he got older, the sight of his father silently and diligently layering wax began to look increasingly cool.

Why Layer by Hand? The Kigake Method

Today, the majority of Japanese candles are mass-produced by pouring wax into molds. But Japan also has a much older tradition: the 'kigake method,' where candles are formed by applying layers of wax by hand.

"To be honest, at first I wondered why they bothered to apply it by hand."

As countless layers of wax are applied to a single wick, a cross-section of the candle reveals a pattern like the annual rings of a tree. The character of each candle is unique, capturing the artisan's movements and timing.

The flame of a traditional warosoku is bright, produces very little soot, and is resistant to wind—all reasons why it was once an essential part of daily life. For Omori, the process is about more than just aesthetic beauty; he moves his hands as if pouring a prayer into each candle. He feels this act is itself meaningful, and perhaps that is why the kigake method has been so carefully preserved.

A Craft Surrendered to Temperature and Seasons

The molten wax is kept at around 45°C (113°F). If it's too hot or too cold, the candle won't take its ideal shape. Even more challenging are the seasonal variations.

In the summer, the wax hardens slowly, making the candles prone to deforming. In the winter, the sudden cold can cause the wax to crack.

"It has long been said that it takes 10 years to become a master candle maker. I believe that's because you can't produce consistent quality without repeatedly experiencing the differences of all four seasons."

Mornings are for layering and polishing the wax. In the afternoon, he trims the wicks and finishes the candles to their final size. While the process may look repetitive, the decisions he makes each day are subtly unique.

Warosoku: Crafting Precious Moments

Omori receives feedback from customers who use his Japanese candles. One family, who shared their story with words of gratitude, told him about a time they casually lit a candle after a birthday dinner. Their normally quiet child, gathered around the flame, began to open up and share what was in their heart.

He's also heard that when the candles are lit in guesthouses or at social gatherings, even complete strangers will naturally gather around, sparking quiet and meaningful conversations.

More than just for prayers or memorials, warosoku have found their place in modern life as a light for sharing feelings with others.

"We make candles, but I sometimes think what we’re really crafting is ‘time’ for the people who use them."

Rethinking his outreach methods during the COVID-19 pandemic also led to a surge in interest from abroad. During workshops in Singapore and Taiwan, he was struck by the deep appreciation people had for Japanese candles, making him realize that sharing their story is as much a part of the craft as making them.

In recent years, a new generation of young warosoku artisans has slowly begun to emerge. An increase in artisans helps support the farmers who grow the raw materials. Culture isn't sustained by a single individual, but thrives within a cycle of community.

A flame can touch the heart more deeply than words. And as the flame of a warosoku flickers, it leaves a lasting impression. Perhaps each and every candle, meticulously crafted layer by layer in the town of Uchiko, is born to create just such a moment.