The J-LANTERN application teaches people around the world about chochin, or ‘paper lanterns,’ while at the same time allows users to familiarize themselves with kanji (Chinese characters) that are currently popular overseas.

Chochin is officially translated as ‘paper lantern,’ and has a long history in Japan and other Asian countries as a flashlight.
Many thin bamboo sticks are bound together in the shape of a cylinder. Shoji paper is stuck around the outside. The space inside is for placing a candle.

Nowadays, light bulbs are used instead of candles, and the lanterns are mostly used for festivals and other events or for advertisements. They are also sold for interior decoration and souvenirs.

The J-LANTERN application lets you select Japanese kanji for chochin paper lanterns that you can light up.
You can choose from among available kanji.

The readings and meanings of the kanji are shown, so that you can find the character you want even if you do not know any Japanese.

Functions

- You can find your favorite kanji character among dozens of choices.
- The chochin paper lantern light can be turned on and off.
- In iPhones with rear-facing cameras, you can see through the background to shine a lantern in the actual background.