About KAGAMI CRYSTAL

Eternity and transition

“Kagami Crystal” opened Japan’s first factory dedicated to crystal glass in 1934. Since then, our delicate, exquisite crystal glassware, produced by skilled craftsmen, has been widely favored and has also been chosen for use by the Imperial Household Agency.

While maintaining the quality and skills developed over time, “KAGAMI” continues to write its history as a crown-jewel crystal brand loved by people of all ages and generations.

Find eternal beauty of Japan in the transition of moments.
With all our heart and soul for the joy of all who choose us.

Feel Japan

KAGAMI’s Commitment

Supreme crystal glassware, the pride of Japan.

The products made by KAGAMI, a manufacturer of the finest crystal glass, represent the very essence of “Japanese tradition and innovation”.

KAGAMI takes pride in its technical prowess cultivated since its founding and in its expressive power with an eye for detail. We manufacture each and every piece of our products wholeheartedly, hoping that everyone who comes into contact with KAGAMI will “Feel Japan” in our products.

The Philosophy of Our Founder, Kozo Kagami

Kozo Kagami said, “We should pursue the creation of true value, refraining from short-sighted, ephemeral creativity,” and endorsed the idea of “monozukuri-no-kokoro”, or passion for manufacturing excellence.

Based on this principle, the Company intends to continue its relentless efforts to enhance technologies, skills and commitment in offering products of high standards of technique and creativity, bringing hope and brilliance to your life through long-lasting, high-quality glassware.

Engraved crystal decanter and stemware by KAGAMI

Company History

Portrait of Kozo Kagami, founder of Kagami Crystal

The founder of Kagami Crystal, Kozo Kagami, worked for a Ceramics Research Institute of South Manchuria Railway Company in the 1920s, when a modern glassware craftsmanship was not yet established in Japan. In 1927, he went to Germany with an aspiration to study crystal glassware processing techniques, especially copper-wheel engraving (Gravure).

After returning to Japan, he founded Kagami Crystal Glass Institute in Takinogawa, Tokyo in 1930 and started to engage in creative activities employing cutting and engraving (Gravure) techniques.

In 1934, he established Kagami Crystal Works in Kamata, Tokyo. It was Japan’s first factory with an integrated production system specializing in crystal glass.

1930: Established Kagami Crystal Glass Institute in Takinogawa, Tokyo.
1934: Kozo Kagami established Kagami Crystal Glass Works Ltd. in Kamata, Tokyo. It was Japan's first factory dedicated to crystal glass.
1937: Received a medal of honor at the Paris World Expo.
1939: Received a medal of honor at the New York World Expo.
1943: Supplied furnishings upon the marriage of an imperial princess.
1948: Started supplying bottles for Shiseido's White Rose perfume.
1952: Started supplying crystal glass tableware to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the use in Japanese embassies and consulates overseas.
1958: Received Brussels World Expo Grand Prix
1959: Supplied furnishings upon the marriage of Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko.
1960: Supplied glass parts for the building wall when the Togu Imperial Palace (Crown Prince's palace) was constructed
Kozo Kagami received the Japan Art Academy Prize for “Bowl.”
1961: Supplied glass parts for the building wall when the Fukiage Imperial Palace (Emperor's palace) was constructed.
1964: Started supplying bottles for Suntory Imperial whisky.
1968: Supplied glassware for state banquets and chandeliers to the new Imperial Palace.
1974: Supplied tableware for official receptions at the State Guesthouse in Akasaka.
1975: Supplied the new stemware line to the Imperial Household Agency for diplomatic corps' official dinner.
1982: Supplied gift products to the Togu Palace
1985: Changed the company's name to Kagami Crystal Co., Ltd. and became a 100% subsidiary of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
1990: Supplied tableware for the Court Banquets celebrating the enthronement of Emperor Akihito (now Emperor Emeritus).
Relocated the head office and the factory from Ota-ku, Tokyo. Commenced a new factory in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki.
1992: Supplied glassware upon the marriage of Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako.
Supplied the glassware for their Majesties Emperor and Empress upon the construction of the new Fukiage Imperial Palace.
1996: Held an exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kozo Kagami.
1997: Supplied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the new stemware line for official banquets at Japanese embassies and consulates overseas.
Designated as a Traditional Local Craft Art by Ibaraki prefecture.
2000: On the occasion of the visit of their Majesties Emperor and Empress to Ibaraki Prefecture, they favoured and purchased Matsuo Matsuura's Gravure works.
2002: Supplied crystal glassware for official banquets to the newly constructed Prime Minister’s official residence.
2008: Supplied the new stemware line to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for official banquets at Japanese embassies and consulates overseas.
2010: Supplied glassware for their Majesties Emperor and Empress.
2016: The brand logo and mark are renewed and the brand name is changed from Kagami Crystal to KAGAMI.

KAGAMI Memorial Museum

The KAGAMI Memorial Museum opened on June 18, 2024, the 90th anniversary of the founding of KAGAMI, within the KAGAMI head office and factory in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki, Japan.

At the museum, you can see a number of works by Kozo Kagami, a leading expert on crystal glass in Japan, as well as past Kagami Crystal products and unpublished prototypes.

“Prayer” decorative plate by Kozo Kagami, 1929 — “Prayer” Decorative Plate

1929 / Kozo Kagami

A graduation work in Germany that was acclaimed by Professor Wilhelm von Eiff. “Prayer” is the crown jewel of KAGAMI, which can be said to be the origin of crystal glass in Japan.

“Bowl” by Kozo Kagami, 1959 — “Bowl”

1959 / Kozo Kagami

At the time this work was made, the culture of glass art had not yet been established in Japan, and this work was the first to win the Japan Art Academy Prize in glass art. This is a masterpiece of Kozo Kagami.

Works by glass artists of the era of Kozo Kagami on display — You can see the works of glass artists Junshiro Sato and Shigeru Takagi, who were active at the same time as Kozo Kagami.

Past KAGAMI products and prototypes on display — You can see various products sold by KAGAMI since the 1960s, as well as unpublished prototypes and samples.

Clients & Commissions

Major Customers

Dinnerware for official receptions: Imperial Household Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Guesthouse, Prime Minister’s official residence
Household wares, handicrafts: Mitsukoshi Isetan, Takashimaya and other major department stores, Wako and other major specialty stores, Narumi Corporation, Noritake Co., Limited
Luxury glass bottles: Suntory Limited, Shiseido Co., Ltd.

Commissions

Demonstrating its advanced glass techniques, the company has diversified its production to create crystal crafts, custom-made goods, and a wide variety of crystal products including bottles for luxury liquor and perfume.

1948Perfume bottle for Shiseido “White Rose Natural”
1997Whisky bottle for Suntory “Hibiki 30 Years Old”
2000Special limited-edition decanter and glasses for Suntory Pure Malt Whisky “The Century 40 Years Old” (limited to 300 sets)
2012Perfume bottle for Shiseido “Tokyo Skytree Parfum”, a commemorative fragrance to mark the opening of Tokyo Skytree (limited to 634 bottles)
2013Suntory whisky Yamazaki × Takeo Kikuchi crystal whisky glass
2016Takarazuka Revue original Edo Kiriko sake glass
2017Perfume bottle presented to the recipient of Shiseido’s Hanatsubaki Contemporary Poetry Award
2018Lamp stand commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Okura Art China

2018Kashima Antlers original whisky glass
2019Japan national soccer team original whisky glass

All brand names and trademarks shown are the property of their respective owners. These past commissions are shown for reference only and are not sold in this store.