Based in Osaka’s Temma district, where it operates a workshop and runs both the “Temma Kiriko Gallery” and the bar “TEMMA KIRIKO UX,” this brand creates a unique space where visitors can experience the charm of Temma Kiriko, a traditional craft, from both the aesthetic of appreciation and the beauty of utility. Founded in 1933, the long-established Temma Kiriko Co., Ltd. is now led by its third-generation president, Koji Ura, who continues the vision of the founder, Sozaburo Ura, sharing new values from Kansai with the world.

“It’s not enough for it to just be beautiful.”
So says Akihiro Tsuda, director of Temma Kiriko Co., Ltd., quietly but with conviction. Founded in Temma, Osaka, in 1933, Temma Kiriko has been passed down through three generations. Today, standing at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, is Tsuda himself.
“When a customer picks up a glass and can’t help but let out a ‘Wow’, that’s the moment I feel the meaning of this work.”
Originally working at a tax accountant’s office, Tsuda now also works as a bartender at the TEMMA KIRIKO UX bar, where he serves sake and offers exquisite Kiriko cut-glassware to customers. He joined when his wife’s family business, Temma Kiriko, decided to branch out into hospitality. That step soon drew him deeply into the world of traditional craftsmanship.
“At first, I had absolutely no idea what the craftsmen were thinking.”
The workshop, with its long history, is home to artisans who breathe life into glass with both skill and sensitivity, carrying a profound sense of pride. Standing between them and the outside world, Tsuda says he has striven not just to understand their words but, above all, their feelings.
“I want to convey their passion through the pieces they create. And for that, I realized I must first truly understand, from my heart, the value of these glasses.”

The Hidden Essence of Osaka’s Own Kiriko Glass

When people hear the name Temma Kiriko, few immediately recognize it. Compared with the more famous Edo Kiriko and Satsuma Kiriko, its name is still less well-known. Yet, the Temma district of Osaka—home to Osaka Temmangu Shrine—is often called the birthplace of glass in Japan, giving deep meaning to the choice of this location for the workshop.
“Within the world of Kiriko, Temma Kiriko is often seen as a latecomer. But that’s exactly why we’ve pursued a kind of beauty you won’t find anywhere else.”
Its most distinctive feature lies in the use of U-shaped blades for cutting. This technique creates rounded, seamless forms that sit gently in the hand. When liquid is poured in, light reflects through the glass, unfolding an enchanting, kaleidoscopic world inside. Beautiful to behold, yet equally beautiful in use—it is a perfect embodiment of functional beauty.
“We also offer a wide range of colors, and the artistic value of each glass is remarkably high. Because we use expensive crystal glass, many assume small-scale production would be impossible. But that’s exactly what we do.”
Indeed, the area around Osaka Temmangu Shrine has long been regarded as the birthplace of glass in Japan. For over 90 years, Temma Kiriko has carried on this legacy. Though often overshadowed by Edo and Satsuma Kiriko, it has quietly forged its own path of innovation. Its refined techniques and artistry have earned it recognition among true connoisseurs.
The soft curves created by U-shaped cutting feel natural in the hand, and once filled with liquid, the glass reveals a dreamlike world, reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. The abundant variety of colors further enhances its allure. Together, these elements showcase the dual essence of Temma Kiriko: the beauty of use and the beauty of art.

Rooted in the Present and in the Community

While still working at a tax accountant’s office, Tsuda also serves behind the counter of the Kiriko bar, offering both cut-glassware and premium sake. He actively engages with the local community through participating in neighborhood events and organizing hands-on workshops with junior high school students. In doing so, he has become a vital bearer of regional culture.
Today, the Kiriko bar offers rare sake at special prices, creating a space where traditional craftsmanship and sake culture merge—leaving visitors with lasting impressions of beauty, taste, and artistry.

Passing the Baton of Culture to the World

Temma Kiriko is not content with simply preserving tradition. Through ventures such as launching on international e-commerce platforms and collaborating with influencers, it continues to share its allure with the world. Collaborations with the Hanshin Tigers and the upcoming Osaka Expo have also drawn attention, expanding the possibilities of a Kansai-born fusion of craftsmanship and culture.
“We don’t want people to see it as just kiriko. We want them to feel its value as a true work of art.”
With this conviction, Temma Kiriko breathes new life into glass, transforming it into pieces that resonate across generations and borders.

Akihiro Tsuda on Fulfillment and the Future

When asked about the most memorable moments in his journey, Tsuda answers without hesitation:
“When our collaboration with the Hanshin Tigers succeeded, and when our project for the Osaka Expo came together. It felt like tradition had joined hands with the present to take on a new form.”
But above all, there is one moment he will never forget—a remark from a longtime customer of the previous generation:
“They said, ‘It’s even better than before.’ At that moment, I truly felt rewarded.”
Tradition, after all, is not about guarding the past unchanged. It is about infusing it with new life, handing it forward to the next generation—and to the wider world. Tsuda’s path embodies exactly this spirit.
“I want as many people as possible to see the world reflected in our glasses. Through Temma Kiriko, I want them to hold the beauty of Japan right in the palm of their hand.”

A Message for Visitors

We warmly invite you to hold a piece of Temma Kiriko in your hands and experience its beauty and craftsmanship for yourself. Through Temma Kiriko, we hope you will discover the depth and richness of Japan’s cut-glass culture.

＜Store Information＞
Temma Kiriko Global Website
Instagram - Temma Kiriko Global Account

Temma Kiriko Gallery
1F, Sannakano Building, 2-2-19 Temma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0043
Business Hours：11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed：Mondays
TEL：+81-6-6926-4443

TEMMA KIRIKO UX
Shinoimatsu Building 1F, 4-7-13 Nishitemma, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0047
Opening Hours：11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Closed：Sundays & National Holidays
TEL：+81-90-9899-1745
Email：temmakiriko1216@gmail.com