Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan

Hirota Glass Craft Co., Ltd., which operates Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan, was established as a spin-off from Hirota Glass, a glass manufacturer founded more than a century ago. In 2004, the company opened Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan as a Sumida Ward-certified studio shop, specializing in Edo Kiriko cut glass.

The shop’s mission is twofold: to preserve Edo Kiriko as a traditional craft and to nurture future generations of artisans. Craftsmen, including Sumida Meister Kozo Kawai, create Edo Kiriko pieces that embody both technical precision and the playful spirit of Edo culture, while continuing to explore new patterns and cutting styles for the contemporary era.

Inside the shop, visitors find an extensive lineup of Edo Kiriko glassware: signature series such as “Waza & Iki (Skill & Chic)”, toasting glasses, shochu and old-fashioned glasses, tumblers, Japanese wine glasses, kaiseki cups, Tokyo Skytree motif glasses, soy sauce bottles, and unique masterpiece items. Many of these pieces can also be purchased via the official online store.

Edo Kiriko hands-on workshops are another important pillar of the facility. Participants mark guidelines on the glass and cut patterns themselves, guided by craftsmen. Through this experience, visitors can gain first-hand insight into the skill and concentration required to make Edo Kiriko glass.

Beyond its role as a retail shop and workshop, Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan has produced glass installations and decorative panels for various locations, such as spa reception counters, elevator hall walls, hanging lanterns and library interiors. These projects demonstrate how Edo Kiriko can be integrated into modern architecture and public spaces, bringing traditional craftsmanship into everyday life.

A specialty shop spun off from historic Hirota Glass

Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan is operated by Hirota Glass Craft Co., Ltd., a company that originated from Hirota Glass, a glass manufacturer with over 100 years of history. The shop focuses on Edo Kiriko, preserving traditional techniques while developing new designs and training young artisans.

Workshop-style shop where you can watch the craftsmen at work

At the back of the shop is a workshop where Edo Kiriko craftsmen, including Sumida Meister Kozo Kawai, engrave intricate patterns on glass. Visitors can watch the cutting process through windows while selecting pieces in the shop, providing a rare opportunity to see the craft being practiced in real time.

Hundreds of Edo Kiriko pieces on display and for sale

The shop offers a wide selection of Edo Kiriko glassware, including toasting glasses, shochu and old-fashioned glasses, tumblers, Japanese wine glasses, kaiseki cups, pieces with Tokyo Skytree motifs, soy sauce bottles and one-of-a-kind works. Many of these items are also available through the official online store.

Edo Kiriko glass-cutting experience

Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan holds Edo Kiriko glass-cutting workshops by reservation. Participants can choose a glass, learn how to mark grid lines and cut patterns, and take home their own original Edo Kiriko piece. The workshop is popular as a hands-on way to experience traditional Japanese craft culture.

Glass installations for public and commercial spaces

In addition to tableware, Sumida Edo Kiriko-kan creates glass installations and panels for public and commercial facilities, including spas, commercial complexes, libraries and long-established confectionery shops. These projects bring the sparkle of Edo Kiriko into everyday urban spaces.