Soft flickering of
Japanese-style lamp

Purveyor of Japanese Imperial Household Agency, Ise Jingu (Ise Shrine) and Todaiji Temple
Japanese-style lamp ‘Wa-akari’

‘Wa-akari’ is a product symbolises oil production of OTA OIL continuing for more than 100 years. Domestically produced rapeseed is used for the raw material of ‘Wa-akari’. In the past, it was the main indoor lighting, but now its subtle glow and warm flame colour creates a slow atmosphere that offers relaxing atmosphere.

In ancient times, oil was mostly used as a lamp. Among these, rapeseed oil has been the mainstay of Japanese oil. Its history is said to date back to the Jomon period (14,000-300 BC). The oil is poured into a lamp dish, a cut lamp core made by removing the wick of an igusa tree is placed on top, and a ‘kakitate’ is used to hold the lamp core to adjust the light, is placed on top to light the lamp core.
The faint flickering light in the darkness is a beautiful sight.

OTA OIL has been dealing in lamp oil for the Japanese Imperial Household Agency since post-war supply shortage.

Shikinen Sengu was held in Jingu at October 2013

In 2013, our offered oil was used for the first lamp to be lit in the new shrine at Ise Jingu for Shikinen Sengu which takes place every 20 years.
During the spring welcoming ceremony ‘Omizutori’ at Nigatsu-do of Todai-ji, Nara, the lamps carry on the history from the earliest days to the present.
OTA OIL’s lamp is an offering for the Japanese Imperial Household Agency. Our single-minded spirit of oil production is summed up.

Enjoy the ‘Wa-akari’ (Japanese lanterns) at home.
You will be able to enjoy a relaxing and tranquil time.