Sugahara Glassworks Inc. is located in a rich natural setting near Kujukuri Beach in Chiba Prefecture, an hour and a half train ride from Tokyo.
All products are handmade, from design to production.
Each of their creative, high quality glasses is like a work of art.
Sghr Sugahara's Production Process
Unlike the icy impression we usually have of finished glassware, the production process is quite the opposite.
The furnace in the workshop holds flames over 3,000 degrees.
The skilled craftsmanship of turning and shaping the glass around the tip of a stick, while flexibly moving it around, is a sight to behold — it is like watching a performance of the skilful manipulation of space.
Glass is very delicate, and the finished product looks cool to the touch.However, when heated to about 1,400 degrees Celsius, the red, syrupy glass is like a living creature, according to the craftspeople.
They are fascinated by glass and understand it well.
The craftspeople are able to find a design that makes the most of the material and are able to assess the ever-changing state of the glass.
After reaching the final stage, each product is inspected and carefully packaged as a commodity.There are many people and processes involved in the production of even a single item.
All of the people involved are connected to the consistent and careful production of Sugahara brand products.
You can witness the preciousness of each and every handmade product at the workshop.
The following movie gives a condensed view of of Sugahara Glassworks Inc.'s attitude toward craftsmanship and the atmosphere of production.
【 Sghr / Sugahara Glassworks Inc. - Promotional Movie 】
Designs Created by Everyone
Sugahara Glassworks Inc. announces new products every year in early spring.Nearly all items are designed, proposed, and manufactured by craftsmen.However, sometimes the opinions of customers from the store and requests from restaurants are reflected in the products.
Craftsmen not only work hard in the workshop, but also take part in the launch of new items at each store.They also interact directly with customers at each store during new product launches to get a direct reaction from customers.
And it should be noted that even during breaks between production,craftsmen have opportunities to freely use furnaces and tools to create new techniques and experiences.
They take in the voices of users, give shape to their ideas, and hone their techniques.Perhaps the secret to continuing to produce beautiful products is an in-house culture that also values the initiative and originality of craftspeople.
Sustainability Considerations
Instead of crystal glass made with lead, Sugahara Glassworks Inc. uses soda glass made with lime.Therefore, even if a glass is broken, it can be melted and reshaped into a glass that is as strong as ever.This is why their glass is a sustainable material.
In a corner of the workshop, color-coded glass shards are stocked.Sugahara Glassworks Inc. also offers regular products made from recycled glass.The colors are unique at any given time, which makes them feel even more special.
No two pieces are the same, creating a compilation of handiwork.
In addition, there are many molds and samples archived.As well as glassware, there are sometimes commissions to make custom-made items, such as crosses for chapels, for example.
After a certain period of time, when we repeat the production, how can we make it the same way as the previous one?This is the beauty and difficulty of handmade work that cannot be copied and cannot be made exactly the same.
The craftsman's words convey his sincere desire to take responsibility for his work.
Studio and Shop in Kujukuri
Sugahara Glassworks Inc. directly managed stores are open for new releases and exhibitions of artisans' works.It is a great opportunity to visit and talk with the craftsmen.
Of course, a visit to the workshop and store in Kujukuri is also recommended.At the attached café, you can enjoy dishes and beverages using the products as tableware.
It will be a time of travel and crafts that will satisfy both your stomach and your heart.It is easily accessible from central Tokyo, so why not make a short trip? We recommend that you check out the Sugahara website.
Three Sugahara beer glasses recommended for early summer
This year, the temperature has risen earlier than usual, and Golden Week often feels like summer heat, despite occurring in May.
After work or on holidays, why not enjoy a delicious beer in one of Sugahara's beer glasses? The delicate, thin mouthfeel maximizes the umami of the beer.
THE BEER：likka
This glass was created by the collaboration of Sghr Sugahara, with whom the “Beer Beautiful” concept struck a chord, and COEDO.This beer glass exquisitely brings out the various features of beer.
The sloped mouthpiece design is also stylish. Drinking from the high side of the mouth allows you to enjoy the flavor of the beer flowing down without tilting your head too much, and enjoy the feeling of beer going down your throat. If you drink from the opposite, low side, the glass covers your nose, so you can relax and enjoy the rich aromas.
→Sghr Sugahara | THE BEER：likka
THE BEER：nido
Like above, this glass was also created in collaboration with COEDO.
The glass, which is around 1 mm thick and has a uniform finish, is a masterpiece of sophisticated craftsmanship. Its mouthfeel and stylish shape fit comfortably in your hand, making your beer taste even better.
This glass also pairs well with black beer. Enjoy a blissful time with your favorite beverage, whether it be beer or something else.
→Sghr Sugahara | THE BEER：nido
Fujiyama Glass
You can see Mt. Fuji shining gold when you pour beer.
Mt. Fuji is the symbol of Japan’s world-class beauty. There is nothing like enjoying an evening drink while admiring the best of Japan’s scenery on your table.
→Sghr Sugahara | Fujiyama Glass