Hirota Glass has over time established itself as a pioneer in the Japanese Handmade Glassware industry and has become well known and awarded for their signature style; combining European traditional glassmaking techniques with Japanese traditional post-war designs.
HIROTA GLASS was founded back in 1899 as a glassware tableware store in Tokyo. About fifteen years later they started to actually produce Kiriko cut glasses, making a foundation for their core business today.
The second generation of the Hirota family took over in 1920 and has expended the business up till 2002, focusing on improving and growing Japan’s glass making industry. When the third generation took over from 2002 to 2007, the company committed to traditional patterns that were popular during the Taisho period, and developing new handmade products.
After so many years of experience growth, and the desire to create recognition for the art and ensure its future, Hirota Glass opened a training facility in 2004 in which people can learn and experience the extensive process required to craft Edo Kiriko Glass. For the last 10 years the company has been run by the fourth generation of the Hirota family and in 2017 they expanded their learning center to the “Sumida Glass House” in which visitors can learn anything about decorating the glasses.