Satake Glass Continuing Since Before the War—Craftsmanship in Soft "Izumi Glass"

2025.08.07

#Artisan

#Osaka

#Izumi Glass

#Colored Glass Rod

#Registered Tangible Cultural Property

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#History

The Craftsmanship and No-Compromise Philosophy Behind "Tsugaru Vidro" [Part 2]

The technology to produce modern glass was introduced to Japan in the latter half of the 19th century. By the early 20th century, the technology had taken root domestically, sparking the creation of many glass products. Among them, the unique traditional craft "Izumi Glass," known for its "softness," features a rounded, warm aesthetic.

This time, we visited Satake Glass Co., Ltd., the only workshop that has continued making Izumi Glass since before World War II, and spoke with its representative, Yasuhiko Satake.

PROFILE

Yasuhiko Satake

Satake Glass Co., Ltd. President

Born in 1946 in Izumi City, Osaka, Satake originally worked in the ironworks industry. However, following the death of his father (the former company president), he inherited the glass factory business. He had no knowledge of glass at all, but thanks to the support of skilled craftsmen who had worked for the company for many years, he was able to learn everything from scratch in a short period of time. The first thing they told him—and something that later became the company motto—was, "Quality will determine the company's future." Even now, Satake feels the depth of meaning behind the word "quality."

Manufacturing 80% of Japan's Imitation Pearls: The Handiwork that Supported Izumi

It is said that imitation pearl culture once thrived in this town, isn't it?

Absolutely. Imitation pearls have been produced since the Taisho era, and at their peak, there's even talk that they accounted for almost 10% of Japan's GDP. Around 80% of those were produced right here in Izumi City.

In the 1940s and 1950s, it was perfectly normal for young people in this area to become apprentices straight after junior high, working for no pay.

But everybody gave it their all. The reason? Making imitation pearls paid about ten times what an office worker earned back then. Skilled people could learn the craft in just about three months.

Now, times have changed, and unpaid apprenticeships are unthinkable. As a result, fewer young people want to become artisans, and the workforce is aging rapidly.