Lighting in the US
Maybe it’s just me, but when I think about lighting, I don’t imagine soft glows or perfectly curated ambiance. No, I think about dust, dead flies, and the inevitable struggle of finding an electrician who won’t charge me an arm and a leg.
Growing up in California, lighting wasn’t much of a concern. The sun practically did the job for free, pouring through the oversized windows of charming early 20th-century apartments. Wooden floors, hot water heaters, crown molding—the kind of places where even the door knobs were glass. And the ceiling lights? Often delicate chandeliers, simple yet elegant, like they belonged in an old black-and-white movie. Back then, you could rent one of these gems just 30 minutes from San Francisco for about $825 a month. A steal by today’s standards.
A Different Kind of Lighting Culture
Japan, however, plays by different rules. Here, lighting isn’t just part of the house—it’s something you take with you when you move. Sure, some built-in fixtures exist, but more often than not, you’re responsible for buying your own. Same goes for curtains, but that’s a topic for another day.
When I moved from an apartment into a kominka, interior design suddenly felt less like a fun weekend project and more like an ongoing puzzle. In the U.S., houses are a blank canvas. Want New England Colonial charm? Santa Cruz beach house vibes? Go for it. Paint the walls, swap out the fixtures, add a statement piece. In Japan, though, houses already have their own distinct personality—one shaped by history, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to natural materials. The challenge? Finding lighting that enhances rather than clashes with that personality.
A sleek, modern fixture might look stunning in a minimalist Tokyo apartment, but in a 100-year-old farmhouse, it feels… wrong. Traditional homes call for softer, warmer lighting—something that blends effortlessly with wood beams, tatami, and shōji screens.
Making the Switch
At first, we made do with the lights we had, but over time, I realized how much lighting impacts the feel of a space. A bright, sterile LED might be practical, but a warm, glowing fixture can transform a room into something inviting—especially in a house where natural light shifts with the seasons.
And the best part? Unlike in the U.S., where replacing a ceiling fixture often means hiring a professional, in Japan, it’s a plug-and-play affair. No tools, no electricians, no headaches. Just click, swap, and you’re done.
So after much back and forth, I finally replaced our old fixture with something softer—a paper-covered light with a delicate pink wagara (traditional motif). It casts a warm, soothing glow that instantly makes the room feel more serene. A small change, but one that makes all the difference.
Sweet Potato
Satsumaimo (Japanese sweet potato) has a rich history in Japan, dating back to the early Edo period. Originally from Central and South America, it was introduced to Japan through China and the Ryukyu Kingdom (Okinawa) in the early 17th century. The crop was later brought to Satsuma (modern-day Kagoshima) by a samurai named Maeda Riemon, who recognized its potential as a hardy and nutritious food source. Satsumaimo quickly became a staple, especially in times of famine, due to its resilience in poor soil conditions. Today, it remains a beloved autumn delicacy, enjoyed roasted, steamed, or in traditional sweets like daigaku imo.
Japanese Sweet Potato Yokan
300 – 400 grams of Satsumaimo
70 grams sugar
pinch of salt
This is an easy recipe so I used the microwave. If you have time, you can steam the potato if you like.
Peel your potatoes and soak them in water for about ten minutes. Remove the excess water and slice the potatoes, laying them flat on a microwavable dish. I heat the potatoes for about two minutes and ten seconds at 600 Watts. If you can pierce them easily with a toothpick or fork, they are done. Using a food processor, add the potatoes, the sugar and a pinch of salt and mix to form a nice dough. While the dough is still warm, press it into the molds you are going to use and once cooled, place in the refrigerator overnight. Cut into your desired shape and enjoy!
What about you? Do you prefer modern or traditional lighting? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
