BRAND JAPAN Previews Makabe Stone Zen Light, a 17 cm Granite Lantern, Ahead of Kickstarter

BRAND JAPAN is previewing the Makabe Stone Zen Light, a 17 cm granite lantern made in Ibaraki, Japan, ahead of a planned Kickstarter campaign, with rewards starting at JPY 47,500 for one lantern. EIN Presswire published the preview on October 17, 2026. The campaign has not yet launched.

Inside the Makabe Stone Zen Light Campaign

The lantern measures 155 x 155 x 170 mm and has a reference weight of approximately 2,567 g including its removable cap, with individual pieces varying. Each reward consists of one stone lantern with a removable cap; no LED light, other light source, or styling accessories are included, and any lighting shown in photographs is for illustration only. BRAND JAPAN plans two reward tiers: an early reward at JPY 47,500 for one stone lantern, limited to 30 rewards, and a second-tier reward at JPY 63,300 for one stone lantern, limited to 20 rewards. Under the current campaign plan, reward prices include worldwide shipping, customs duties, applicable VAT and sales tax, and customs clearance fees, with these costs covered by BRAND JAPAN. The company aims to bring 50 lanterns to backers around the world through the planned campaign, turning interest in Japanese stonecraft into paid work for the craftspeople who make it.

Makabe stone comes from Ibaraki, a region with a stoneworking tradition reaching back approximately 500 years. Making each lantern involves inspecting the stone for grain and cracks, marking its dimensions, cutting and shaping, and finishing its surfaces, with machinery and hand tools both playing a role. According to the workshop, only one or two lanterns can typically be made per day, and natural variations in grain, pattern, and tone give each finished piece its own appearance. Zen Light is made at Iwabuchi Sangyo, where stone artisan Hisayuki Iwabuchi was recognized as a Contemporary Master Craftsman in 2021 and received Japan's Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2022. BRAND JAPAN describes itself as a Tokyo-based company supporting the international distribution of Japanese traditional crafts through e-commerce, digital storytelling, international logistics, and cross-border sales.

Lamps From Walmart and Crate & Barrel

Walmart is offering the Mehoom 12-inch cordless rattan table lamp on clearance for $24, down from $40, PRESSBEE reported on October 4, 2026. The lamp has a 1200mAh battery, three light settings, and a three-hour USB charge time. Crate & Barrel launched its Modern Heritage Cotswold Collection, including the Solene Lamp, Cosgrove Chair, and Witney Nightstand, PRESSBEE reported on October 8, 2026, with prices ranging from $59.95 to $1,099.

Delivery Target and Handling Notes

Rewards are planned to ship from Japan, with delivery to backers targeted for completion by December 31, 2027. Production, carrier disruptions, customs clearance, and weather may affect the schedule, and Kickstarter pledges support a project and do not guarantee delivery. Zen Light should be placed on a stable surface and kept dry, with the stone body and removable cap handled carefully; for outdoor use it should be kept under cover, protected from rain and splashes.