Edokiriko's Shop Hanashyo

Hanashyo’s roots go back to 1946, when the first-generation founder, Shigekichi Kumakura, established a glass-cutting workshop in Kameido, Tokyo. The studio worked mainly as a subcontractor for major glass manufacturers, producing pieces for overseas markets and building its reputation through advanced cutting techniques.

Today the company’s legal name is “Edokiriko no Mise Hanashyo Co., Ltd.”, with manufacturing handled by “Kumakura Glass Studio Ltd.” The head office and workshop remain in Kameido, while the directly managed store in Nihonbashi serves as the main storefront. As the only Edo Kiriko specialty shop in the Edo Kiriko birthplace area around Nihonbashi, it welcomes visitors from Japan and overseas.

Hanashyo specializes in double-layered colored glass, where a layer of colored glass such as deep red or lapis blue is applied over clear glass and then cut with a diamond wheel and water. Original patterns like the “Kome-Tsunagi” motif, which covers the surface with a rhythmical series of cuts, and other refined patterns make each piece highly distinctive.

Hanashyo’s Edo Kiriko has been selected as an official gift for state guests at the 2008 Toyako Summit in Hokkaido and at the 2023 Japan–ASEAN Commemorative Summit, underscoring its status as a representative Japanese craft brand. In 2024, second-generation head Ryuichi Kumakura received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his achievements.

Through activities such as its Edo Kiriko school, Hanashyo also focuses on training younger craftspeople and sharing the appeal of Edo Kiriko with the public. Under the creed of creating “strong, beautiful Edo Kiriko for everyday use”, the brand continues to develop glassware that can be used and cherished for many years.

A top Edo Kiriko brand with a direct-operated store in Nihonbashi

Founded in 1946 as a glass-cutting workshop in Kameido, Hanashyo now operates a directly managed specialty store in Nihonbashi, known as the only Edo Kiriko shop in the birthplace area of Edo Kiriko. All pieces are produced in-house, allowing the brand to control quality from cutting to polishing and to present a consistent world of design.

Soda glass and hand-polishing for everyday use and lasting beauty

Hanashyo uses only soda glass, made mainly from natural sand, instead of lead crystal. This makes the glasses light and comfortable to hold in daily life. To enhance transparency and brilliance, every piece is polished by hand without using chemical finishing such as sulfuric acid, resulting in fine, delicate cuts and durable surfaces that can stand everyday washing.

Original patterns and a young team of craftspeople

In addition to traditional Edo patterns, Hanashyo is known for original designs such as the “Kome-Tsunagi” motif created by the second-generation head. Many of the craftspeople are in their 20s to 40s, and the workshop runs an Edo Kiriko school to pass on techniques to the next generation. The lively exchange of ideas among craftspeople leads to modern, original Edo Kiriko pieces.