ORIGIN: Japan

Daiyo

Founded in 1914 in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, Daikō is a century-old candle workshop rooted in one of Japan’s historic centers of traditional wax production. Situated near Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, the region has long been supported by abundant natural resources and a culture of craftsmanship shaped by its landscape. For over four generations, Daikō has continued the practice of making warosoku—traditional Japanese candles—preserving techniques and materials that have largely disappeared elsewhere.

featured items

Brass-Tip Wick Trimmer Brass-Tip Wick Trimmer
Daiyo
Brass-Tip Wick Trimmer $165.00
Morphe Candles Tall, thin candle in a black holder on a wooden surface with a gray background
Daiyo
Morphe Candles $48.00
Sumac Wax Candles — 15 cm Sumac Wax Candles — 15 cm
Daiyo
Sumac Wax Candles — 15 cm $32.00
Sumac Wax Candles — 13 cm Sumac Wax Candles — 13 cm
Daiyo
Sumac Wax Candles — 13 cm $32.00
Sumac Wax Candles — 10 cm Sumac Wax Candles — 10 cm
Daiyo
Sumac Wax Candles — 10 cm $32.00
Koma Candle Stand — Cast Iron Koma Candle Stand — Cast Iron
Daiyo
Koma Candle Stand — Cast Iron $46.00
Rippōh Candle Spike — Beige Rippōh Candle Spike — Beige
Daiyo
Rippōh Candle Spike — Beige $36.00

more about Daiyo

Daikō’s philosophy is grounded in nature. Their candles are made from 100% plant-based wax, primarily derived from the fruit of the haze tree, a renewable material historically cultivated in Japan. Rather than relying on petroleum-based paraffin, the workshop remains committed to natural waxes and hand-formed washi paper cores, shaping each candle through a slow process of layered application and drying. Environmental consideration is not a modern addition to their practice, but a continuation of principles that have guided the workshop since its founding.

Through more than a century of uninterrupted production, Daikō has maintained a close relationship between material, place, and ritual. Their work reflects an enduring commitment to traditional Japanese candle-making—sustaining a lineage of craft that continues quietly, with care and precision, in Shiga Prefecture today.