The woodblock printed patterns on Edo Karakami paper are revealed by a soft light that passes through the paper lantern named “Akari”. Though the design is traditional, its dynamic yet generous patterns fit comfortably even into today’s living. There are three techniques in Edo Karakami paper: “Karakami-shi”, “Sarasa-shi” and “Sunago-shi”. At the centre is the woodblock printing technique “Karakami-shi”. Its unique process involves coating pigment onto a silk cloth fixed to a sieve with a brush, then softly placing it on a woodblock(a). Next, the “washi” traditional Japanese paper is placed on top of the woodblock, and the patterns are rubbed on by the craftsman’s hands. The pigment transferred onto the washi appears faintly raised. This faint convex surface effect is what likely gives Edo Karakami a very soft impression. The sense of warmth from the rubbing by the craftsman’s hands can be fully felt in the Edo Karakami paper lamp. As each lamp is handmade one-by-one, “Akari” can be customised – such as selecting the type of “washi” – according to preference.