Our factory is one of the oldest in the Edo kiriko industry.
Currently, under the leadership of one of the very few female presidents in the industry, Michiyo Shimizu (the third president), the company is striving for the successful operation of its business including the development of younger artisans to always deliver excellent products to the market.
Our Heritage
The beginning of Edo Kiriko
1834～
Edo Kiriko is said to have started in 1834 when Kyubei Kagaya, a Biidoro shop in Odenma-cho, Edo, cut the surface of the glass using Kongo sand. In the Meiji era, European Hand-cut glass techniques were passed on to trainees at the Shinagawa Glass Factory of the Ministry of Industry.
Naojiro Shimizu, the first generation of Shimizu Glass, studied under Jinnosuke Imamura, one of the trainees.
During his apprenticeship. Taken in December 1920.
The beginning of Shimizu Glass
1923～
Shimizu Glass opened a Hand-Cuting glass shop at 2-51 Honjo-Kikugawa-cho to produce special glass products. Moved to 621 Oaza-Kosuge, Nishi-ayase-mura in Tokyo due to land readjustment. Started working with Hoya Glass (presently called HOYA Corporation) in 1947 providing glass cutting on tableware.
And relocated to the current address in 1948.
The 1930s
Development of Tokyo cut glass industry
1954～
In 1952, Shimizu Glass Industry Co., Ltd. was established. The second generation, Kazumi Shimizu, will be appointed president. It was reorganized into the current Shimizu Glass Co., Ltd. in 1964. Participated in the establishment of the Tokyo Cut Glass Industry Cooperative with many businesses and served as an officer.
As a cooperating factory of HOYA’s crystal tableware business, we produced various cut glasses such as glass cups and vases with the era of westernization of life. And, in order to meet strict quality requirements, we have refined our Hand-cutting and polishing technology.
HOYA Corporation Company Newsletter
Report: “Visiting Our Contract Manufacturers”
Popularization of Edo Kiriko
1985～
In 1985, “Edo Kiriko” was designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo, and in 2002, it was designated as a national traditional craft.
From 1988, the Horikiri Local Industry Exhibition, and from 1991, the Katsushika Ward Industry Fair and the local area showcased their products and technologies.In addition, we participated in the introduction and promotion of technology, such as exhibiting by craftsmen in the new Edo Kiriko contest by the union.
Of the nearly completed pieces
New challenge
1998～
In 1998, Shimizu Glass opened its official website. In addition to the conventional processing cooperation with glass makers, we have started a business of planning and manufacturing our own original products and selling them mainly via the Internet. In 2007, we started cooperation in tableware processing by Toyo Sasaki Glass Co., Ltd. On the other hand, challenges in new fields have begun, such as cooperating in the production of the interior of the Tokyo Sky Tree, which was completed in 2012.
Towards the 100th anniversary of our founding.
2023～
Years have passed in a blink of an eye, and Shimizu Glass celebrated its 100th
anniversary in 2023. We will continue to study together so that we can deliver the brilliance of Edo Kiriko to many people in the next 100 years. Thank you for your cooperation.
Proposing a lifestyle alongside Japanese cuisine.
Company timeline
| December 1 | 1923 | Shimizu Glass opened a hand-cutting glass shop at 2-51 Honjo-Kikugawa-cho to produce special glass products. |
| July 28 | 1928 | Moved to 621 Oaza-Kosuge, Nishi-ayase-mura in Tokyo due to land readjustment. Worked on glass tableware for Ishikawa Glass. |
| October | 1947 | Started working with Hoya Glass (presently called HOYA Corporation) providing glass Hand-cut on tableware. |
| October | 1948 | Relocated to the current address to work with Miyoshi Oil & Fat Co., Ltd. to support their business expansion. |
| April | 1952 | Incorporated the company as a limited private company. Reorganized it as Shimizu Glass Works Ltd. with a capital of 200,000 yen and appointed Ichizo Shimizu (the second president) as president. |
| April | 1957 | Increased the capital to 800,000 yen. |
| November | 1962 | Built a 3-story reinforced mortar building to hold the factory as well as an employee dormitory and a cafeteria inside. |
| August | 1964 | Reorganized the company as Shimizu Glass Corp. with a capital of 3.5 million yen. |
| February | 1966 | Increased the capital to 5.5 million yen. |
| April | 1981 | Established a sales department. |
| August | 1990 | Increased the capital to 10 million yen. |
| October 4 | 1998 | Launched a Japanese company website. |
| October | 2008 | Began to provide glass Hand-cut glass work to Toyo-Sasaki Glass Co., Ltd. for their tableware for hotel restaurants. |
| May | 2012 | Undertook the crafting of Edo Kiriko glasswork for the interior of the Tokyo Skytree. |
| 20 October | 2012 | Katsushika Brand “Katsushika Factory Story” – Certification No. 2405 |
| July | 2015 | Tokyo Teshigoto Certification Tokyo Teshigoto is a project that brings the traditional skills of Tokyo’s artisans into the present, while also introducing people in Japan and around the world to the city’s rich heritage of craft and design. By the project of traditional crafts support in The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) and The Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center. |
| December 1 | 2023 | Celebrated its 100th anniversary |
| To the present day |