59 | The History of Glass: Japanese Glass Manufacturers, Handmade Glass Factories Part 29
Hello everyone🎵
Last weekend, "Taito Monomachi" was held, an activity to revitalize the town of Taito Ward, Tokyo, where Kimoto Glass is located, through manufacturing. The first event started in 2011, and this was the 15th, an independent event run by volunteers that has continued every year. The southern part of Taito Ward has long been a town of artisans, and various types of manufacturing are thriving, including leather goods, hats, traditional crafts, jewelry parts, processing, design, wholesalers, and boxes and foil stamping. The activity aims to have the next generation of local children experience manufacturing and become interested in it, and to have many people visit workshops they wouldn't normally see or participate in workshops, thereby introducing this area to many people and making it a vibrant town.
Over the past decade or so, stylish shops, ateliers, and restaurants have increased, and keywords such as Kuramae, Okachimachi, and Torigoe have appeared in the media. What used to be a lonely town where no one walked on weekends is now bustling with more families with children and young couples on weekends. I'm happy that it's lively not just during the event period but also on regular days.
This year's event has ended, but it is scheduled to be held again in May 2025. Please invite your friends and family to enjoy a manufacturing experience and a stroll through the downtown area.
Well, I tend to get a bit enthusiastic when talking about Monomachi (lol).
This time, I'll continue discussing the Japanese glass factories that Kamei Glass has been involved with. Last time was Hoyo Glass in Aomori, and this time I'll introduce Matsugaoka Glass Industry, commonly known as Matsugaoka Crystal, located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Matsugaoka Glass Industry was founded in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, in 1944 (Showa 19) during the war, as Matsugaoka Aviation Co., Ltd., manufacturing aircraft instrument parts. In 1946 (Showa 21), the company changed its name to Matsugaoka Industry Co., Ltd., which was the predecessor of the current glass factory, and restarted as a specialized glass manufacturing factory, beginning with the production of fishing floats and bottles. Subsequently, with the changing times, in 1958 (Showa 33), they focused on processing and other areas to meet the demand for automotive lighting glass.
In 1961 (Showa 36), they successfully commercialized crystal glass, becoming a specialized manufacturer of glass tableware, which was highly acclaimed in the market and widely sold both domestically and internationally. Their characteristic features are their specialization in press molding, the transparent brilliance of their crystal, and their meticulous approach to manufacturing. This has become the current style of Matsugaoka Glass Industry. Today, they are challenging themselves with colorful glass products and even some heat-resistant glass items.
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