Japanese "Warosoku" candles are traditional Japanese candles that have been used for centuries in various cultural and religious practices. These candles are made from natural materials such as washi paper and plant-based wax.

These candles are typically used in Japanese temples and shrines, but are also popular in homes as a source of light and for decoration purposes. The candles are hand-made and have a thick wick that creates a warmer, more intense flame than that of Western candles. This is why candle holders in the right size can be of benefit. The Warosoku in our shop are hand-painted with beautiful decorations, so they make for great gifts and souvenirs. 

Candles & Holders

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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Rabbit
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Candle Stand Shaped Like a Rabbit

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a rabbit! It is made of cast iron and is ideal for candles size 3, 5 and 10. The black iron beautifully contrasts the white or red Japanese candles and the handle makes it easy to carry...
    $39.15
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Long Candle Stand Round Shaped MATSUI Cast Iron Long Candle Stand Round Shaped
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Long Candle Stand Round Shaped

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is round shaped. It is made of cast iron and supports candles size 3 and 5, or slimmer candles (please inquire). The black iron contrasts beautifully with the white or red Japanese candles The black iron...
    $39.15
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  • MATSUI Cast Iron Long Candle Stand Shaped Like a Sakura Flower
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    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Cast Iron Long Candle Stand Shaped Like a Sakura Flower

    This beautiful stand for Japanese Warosoku candles is shaped like a Sakura flower. It is made of cast iron and supports candles size 3 and 5, or slimmer candles (please inquire). The black iron contrasts beautifully with the white or red Japanese candles...
    $39.15
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  • MATSUI Japanese Handmade Buddhist Candle "Namu Amida Butsu", size 200

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Japanese Handmade Buddhist Candle "Namu Amida Butsu", size 200

    Whereas western candles have a thin cotton string, authentic Japanese wicks are made from Japanese paper (washi) wrapped in Igusa grass (used to make tatami matts) and cotton fibers. The candles generate minimal soot, are wind resistant, and provide a...
    $478.50
  • MATSUI Japanese Handmade Candle Set Ikari, 10 Candles

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Japanese Handmade Candle Set Ikari, 10 Candles

    Whereas western candles have a thin cotton string, authentic Japanese wicks are made from Japanese paper (washi) wrapped in Igusa grass (used to make tatami matts) and cotton fibers. The candles generate minimal soot, are wind resistant, and provide a...
    $0.00
  • MATSUI Japanese Handmade Sakura Candle Gift Set??with Candle Stand

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Japanese Handmade Sakura Candle Gift Set??with Candle Stand

    Whereas western candles have a thin cotton string, authentic Japanese wicks are made from Japanese paper (washi) wrapped in Igusa grass (used to make tatami matts) and cotton fibers. The candles generate minimal soot, are wind resistant, and provide a...
    $30.45
  • MATSUI Japanese Warosoku Candles, DIY Painting Set

    MATSUI CANDLE ATELIER

    MATSUI Japanese Warosoku Candles, DIY Painting Set

    Precautions???Keep an eye on children when using.???Do not put in eyes or mouth.???Should it get on your hands, wash your hands after use.???After use, wash the brush and make sure the cap is closed.???Store in a cool, dark placePrecautions for use of...
    $20.01

WAROSOKU

People often assume the difference between Japanese and Western candles is the shape. It is true that the often used Ikari shape - wide at the top and narrow at the bottom - is a distinguishable feature of many Japanese candles, but that is just the beginning of what makes them special. 


To really understand warosoku (wa= Japanese,
rosoku= candles) and appreciate the art,
you must look at the inside!

One important unique feature is the is the wick. 


Most western candles have a thin cotton string, whereas authentic Japanese wicks are made from Japanese paper (washi) wrapped in Igusa grass (used for tatami matts) and cotton fibers.

 

This creates a much larger, warmer flame that dances around for hours.    

The history of Japanese candles dates back to the 14th century. The traditional methods and ingredients have remained the same over the years, which also means there are just a small number of craftsmen left able to make them.

 

Warosoku have always been an important part of Buddhist temples and altars. As the Buddhist lifestyle prohibits intentionally killing animals, these candles are completely plant-based and vegan.
Where most Western candles rely on beeswax or animal fat, warosoku are made with plant derived fats called Mokuro,which is grown in Southern parts of Japan with a warmer climate.


This wax is mainly used for Warosoku and bintsuke, the mix to dress sumo wrestler's hair,
and is made in small batches by traditional makers. As with many traditional crafts industries, both the traditional wax producers and the warosoku masters are struggling to survive; one cannot continue without the other. 

To be classified as an authentic Warosoku, the candle must be "clearly stated to be manufactured with domestic pure vegetable wax" and "all processes are done manually". One way to check this is to look at he tree-rings (looking like baumkuchen), as this effect can only be created by rolling them by hand and not by using a mold.