Candles from quake-hit Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan are making a big impression at a world interior fair in the suburbs of Paris.

The Takazawa Candle shop in Nanao City, which has been operating for more than 130 years, is registered as a Japanese tangible cultural asset.

But the shop was severely damaged by the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day.

The company considered pulling out of the Maison&Objet fair due to the disaster.

The firm's owner and employees cannot attend in person, but they did manage to send products to the event with the help of other people.

The fair started on Thursday, and the organizer has selected the Takazawa candles as one of the standout items.

Some visitors were also full of praise. One man said he admired the candles for their traditional-meets-contemporary design.

Another man said it is a pity the owner could not come in person, adding that he will contact him by email.

Others sent words of encouragement to the Japanese people.

The company's owner, Takazawa Hisashi, told NHK that he wants to thank everyone for their support.

He also said rebuilding the shop will come to symbolize the Noto region's recovery.