Used in Japan for long time as a medicinal plant, hozuki, the easily recognizable “lantern” plant is also recognized today as having useful medicinal properties, as it was used by pregnant women to reduce fever and discomfort.

The seeds of hozuki are also used today for the Buddhist Obon ritual, as offerings to guide the souls of the dead on their way home, together with the paper lanterns lit up at the door or in the shrine.

Hozuki (Chinese lantern plant)

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Ema of the Kannon statue in Ofuna