Aomori Prefecture

Tsugaru Bidoro – A miraculous Tsugaru green created by a handful of sand [Aomori Prefecture]

  • naka
  • Last updated: 2023.05.24

Do you know about Tsugaru Biidoro, a glass craft from Aomori Prefecture

It is the first traditional craft of the prefecture, and is known at a glance on the Nippon Television network, which aired in August 2022. ' was also featured as a favorite item for idol Orin, who is from Aomori Prefecture, for 10 years.

This time, we will introduce the characteristics and history of Tsugaru Bidoro.

What is Tsugaru Vidro?

Tsugaru Bidoro is a glass craft manufactured and sold by Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd. located in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.

The numerous products produced through sophisticated designs and high technical capabilities have a beauty that shakes the depths of the viewer's sensibility.

Characteristics of Tsugaru Vidro

Aomori's four seasons expressed using colored glass

The most distinctive feature of Tsugaru Bidoro is its beautiful colour. Using over 100 different coloured glass, our company has developed its own original design, we express the changing scenery of Aomori through the four seasons.

Tsugaru Bidoro is well known for its colorful patterns, but this pattern is not painted, but is painted individually by colored glass.

A wide range of lineups created using the high skills and diverse techniques of craftsmen.

Tsugaru Bidoro has a wide range of products, from crafts that will make you sigh-mindedly sigh-looking to everyday household items that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.

By using a wide variety of techniques unique to Northwestern Glass, which has been involved in glass crafts for many years, we have been able to develop products that suit your life situation, from affordable price ranges as everyday items to luxurious ones that you can give as anniversaries.

Spin molding, a technique that made mass production possible

Tumblers are perfect for souvenirs and everyday use, and are made using the technique of "spin molding." This is a method of creating a shape by pouring glass melted at high temperatures of 1500°C into a mold that rotates at high speed.

The pouring of glass into the mold and patterning is done by hand one by one, relying on the years of experience and intuition of craftsmen.

“Chuubuki” is a technique that shows the skill of craftsmen

Among the various manufacturing methods, the traditional method, "Sora Blowing" requires a particularly high level of skill.

This technique involves breathing into the rod and spinning it in the air to create a shape, and it takes many years and experience to master it.

Products brought to life by the air blowing are truly artworks. It has a beauty and majestic feel that shines through with the craftsman's sense of style.

History of Tsugaru Vidro

Hokuyo Glass, the creator of Tsugaru Bidoro, was founded as a company that manufactures and sells floating balls for the fishing industry, and in 1973 it boasted the industry's top market share.

However, with the rise of plastic floating balls, demand for glass has declined dramatically. In line with the times, we will begin manufacturing tableware and vases.

A miracle born from a handful of sand

Tsugaru Bidoro began selling in 1977, 28 years after its founding.

The deep, beautiful colours unique to Tsugarubidoro were created in the world by handfuls of sand .

One day, a craftsman who was working on developing colored glass was taking a walk around his hometown of Shichirigahama. When I suddenly added a handful of coastal sand that caught my eye as raw material, the colorless, transparent glass turned to a deep green color.

This color is called "Tsugaru Green."

Introducing recommended series

"Nebuta" series

This popular series is based on the Nebuta Festival, one of the three major festivals in Tohoku.

The explosive energy and vividness of the festival is colorfully expressed, and just looking at it makes you feel happy.

"Apple" series

When you think of Aomori, you think of apples. The apple series features a cute design that is easy to use on a daily basis.

The chopstick rest in particular has a rounded shape that matches the design and is reasonably priced.
This product is perfect as a souvenir from Aomori.

"Sakura Sakura" series

The Sakura Sakura series captures the hearts of many women.

This is my favorite free cup "Sakura to Nanohana" at home.
It's as if the tranquil spring scenery of Aomori has been crammed into a glass.
When you hold a slightly thick glass in your hand, it gives you a sense of relief.

in conclusion

Tsugaru Vidro expresses the rich natural scenery of Aomori in glass.

When you go to Aomori, be sure to see its beauty with your own eyes. In addition to being sold at Hokuyo Glass directly managed stores in Aomori City, souvenir departments and craft stores throughout Aomori Prefecture, you can also purchase them online.
We also offer factory tours, so why not stop by when you're sightseeing in Aomori?

Hokuyo Glass <Information>

  • Name: Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd.
  • Address: 4-29-13 Tomita, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 038-0004
  • Phone number: 017-782-5183
  • Official URL: https://tsugaruvidro.jp/

Google Map

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles