Aomori Prefecture

[Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture] “Tsugaru Vidro”, a miraculous color created from a handful of sand

  • naka
  • Last updated: 2023.05.24

Do you know about Aomori Prefecture's glass craft "Tsugaru Vidro"?
It is the prefecture's first traditional craft, and will be broadcast in August 2022 on the Nippon TV series "Understand at a Glance!"

”, it was also introduced as a favorite item for 10 years by idol Obayashi from Aomori Prefecture. This time we will introduce the characteristics and history of Tsugaru Vidro.

What is Tsugaru Vidro?

Tsugaru Vidro is a glass craft manufactured and sold by Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd. in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.
The products created through sophisticated design and advanced technology have a beauty that touches the deepest sensibilities of those who see them.

Characteristics of Tsugaru Vidro

Aomori's four seasons expressed using colored glass

The most distinctive feature of Tsugaru Vidro is its beautiful colors.
Using more than 100 types of colored glass that we developed in-house, we express the changing scenery of Aomori each season.

Tsugaru Vidro products are well known for their colorful patterns, but these patterns are not painted, but are added to each grain using colored glass.

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

Tsugaru Vidro has a wide range of products, from breathtakingly beautiful crafts to daily necessities that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle.

By using a wide variety of techniques unique to Hokuyo Glass, which has been involved in glass crafts for many years, we are able to develop products tailored to various life situations, from affordable daily necessities to luxurious items for anniversaries.

Spin molding, a technique that made mass production possible

Tumblers, perfect for souvenirs or everyday use, are made using a technique called "spin molding."
This is a method of creating shapes by pouring molten glass at a temperature of 1500℃ into a mold that rotates at high speed.

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

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

Among the various manufacturing methods, the traditional method of ``air blowing'' requires particularly high skill.
It is a technique that involves blowing into the rod and spinning it in the air to create the shape, and it takes many years and experience to master it.

Products brought to life through air-blowing are truly works of art.
It has a beauty and majesty that reflects the craftsman's sense.

History of Tsugaru Vidro

Hokuyo Glass, the creator of Tsugaru Vidro, was founded as a company that manufactured and sold floating balls for fishing, and in 1973 boasted the top market share in the industry.

However, with the rise of plastic floating balls, the demand for glass products plummeted.
In line with the changing times, we began manufacturing tableware and vases.

A miracle born from a handful of sand

Sales of Tsugaru Vidro began in 1977, 28 years after its founding.
The deep and beautiful colors that are unique to Tsugaru Vidro were created through a "handful of sand."

One day, a craftsman working on the development of colored glass was taking a walk in his hometown of Shichirigahama.
When I added a handful of sand from a beach that caught my eye as an ingredient, the colorless and transparent glass turned a deep green color.

This color is named "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?

INFORMATION
    • Facility name Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd.
    • Address 4-29-13 Tomita, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
    • Phone number 017-782-5183
    • URL Hokuyo Glass Official Website
    • googlemap

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