Crystal glass

Crystal glass is a form of transparent glass, such as quartz crystal. It is produced with carefully selected, pure raw materials.
Our top quality crystal glassware is known for refined design and unique artisan techniques and characterized by a high degree of transparency, brilliance and clear sound.

Overlay crystal glass

Overlay crystal glass is made with a technique to coat the surface of colorless, transparent glass with a thin layer of colored glass and then, render delicate cutting or engraving on the colored surface layer, which reveals the color variance beneath creating a vivid contrast between multiple layers of glass.
Especially, KAGAMI's red color crystal glass is characterized by the use of pure gold for its coloring and is called "gold ruby". Its bright tone creates a stunningly beautiful contrast to colorless transparent crystal glass.
KAGAMI produces a variety of brilliantly colored overlay crystal glass using its unique manufacturing method.

Company History

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 crystal glass factory.
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
Japan Art Academy Award was conferred upon Kozo Kagami
1961: Supplied glass parts for the building wall when the Fukiage Imperial Palace (Emperor's palace) was constructed.
1964: Started supplying bottles for Suntory's Imperial Whiskey.
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 glassware to be used for the state funeral of Emperor SHOWA.
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.