Located in a back alley in Kitahama, Osaka, is an old house that retains the atmosphere of the Taisho era. The passage of time is quietly evident in the wooden pillars and earthen walls, and the breeze that blows through the garden brings with it a nostalgic atmosphere.

This is GLASSOWA, a shop promoting "lifestyle and recycling" run by NSK Glass Co., Ltd., a glass bottle manufacturer with a 130-year history. Inside the store, vessels and aroma goods made from recycled glass are lined up, and the glass reflects the light in a modest and beautiful way.

Starting in 2025, regular workshops on the classic "kintsugi" technique will also be held. Old houses, glass, and kintsugi may seem like separate elements at first glance, but they all gently teach us the state of mind that allows us to feel that "even when broken, something is still beautiful."

A space born in the Taisho era where glass and history intersect

When you step through the noren curtain of this old house, you'll feel as if time is slowly unwinding.

This building is the former residence of the Muneta family, who have been rooted in the town as a drug wholesaler dealing in medicinal ingredients since the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The house was rebuilt by carpenters invited from Kyoto, and the aesthetic sense unique to the Taisho period is alive and well in every detail, with cloisonné handles that have a glass-like luster and latticework adorned with heart-shaped boar's eye patterns, which are believed to ward off evil.

The former president, Jiro Konishi, decided to halt the demolition plan and instead steer the project towards restoration. Driven by his desire to "cherish and preserve the old things," he proceeded with the renovation, preserving the original appearance of the house, using blueprints and structural traces as clues, in order to protect the house filled with his aunt's memories.

The old pillars and beams are left visible rather than hidden, and the joints are incorporated to add a touch of charm to the space, where the glass doors sway, the silence of the alcove, and the many traces of handiwork still visible on the walls all contribute to the charm of this place.

The storehouse inside the shop displays glass bottles made by NSK Glass. The history of glass as a "vessel for things" is told within the "vessels of daily life" of an old Japanese house.

Quiet attention to detail dwells in crystal clear glass

The first thing that catches the eye of visitors to this space is the beauty of the glass bottles lined up on the shelves. They have a dignified transparency and a smooth texture that makes you want to touch them. They embody the quiet dedication of a company that has been working with glass for over 130 years.

"We make what is needed, in the quantity needed. We have been making glass that our customers need," says Shimizu Yosuke, who has worked at NSK Glass for over 45 years and is currently a Kintsugi instructor.

Founded in 1895 (Meiji 28), NSK Glass has carefully crafted each and every glass product to meet the changing needs of the times, such as sugar pots, juice bottles, and cosmetic containers. Nowadays, NSK's glassware is often chosen as a container for products that "value the essence," such as additive-free seasonings and organic cosmetics.

We use high-purity glass raw materials and remove as many impurities as possible to achieve clear, unclouded glass.

"We pay particular attention to transparency and texture. Even the slightest difference can make a big difference in the impression of the product."

From Shimizu's words, we can sense his sense of responsibility for the quality that has been passed down over the years, and his pride in wanting to deliver products that will please customers.

Experience the aesthetics of restoration through the Kintsugi experience

In this space where the polished glass sparkles in the light, the "Kintsugi Experience" is a new initiative that began in 2025 and attracts visitors. Just like the old houses and recycled glass, the spirit of "regeneration" that is unique to this place is alive and well.

"We want visitors to experience the sensation of something broken being beautifully revived." This project was born from that desire.

The broken pieces are glued together with lacquer, the gaps are filled with a base coat of rust lacquer mixed with polishing powder, and the piece is polished repeatedly, before being coated with black lacquer to give it a glossy finish. A pattern is then drawn with reddish decorative vermilion lacquer, and the piece is finished with gold powder. Through these painstaking processes, the piece is gradually restored to life.

"What you experience is only a small part of the process, but even so, no two patterns are the same. The gold lines can look like rivers or lightning. I think everyone is naturally reflecting the scenery they have in their minds."

Rather than hiding the brokenness, it embraces it and elevates it to beauty. It is no exaggeration to say that Kintsugi truly embodies the "aesthetics of restoration."

We support the idea of "Even if it breaks, I want to treasure it."

An old house that has stood the test of time for 100 years. Glass with a history of 130 years. And Kintsugi, breathing new life into something. Although they may seem different at first glance, they are all connected by the word "regeneration."

"When you're here, you feel as if you've traveled back in time to life 100 years ago. I hope that in this space, you can pick up our carefully selected glass and enjoy yourself while experiencing a culture that has continued for 400 years." Shimizu's words resonated deeply in my ears.

At "GLASSOWA," you can find more than just ordinary items; you can find things that make you think, "Even if they break, I want to continue using them." The experience of "repairing, touching, and continuing" gently reminds you of the "things that we truly want to cherish" in your daily life.

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GLASSOWA 
電話： 06-6226-8360
住所：大阪府大阪市中央区伏見町2-4-4
アクセス： Osaka Metro堺筋線 北浜駅 から徒歩5分                                                                                                   Osaka Metro御堂筋線 淀屋橋駅 から徒歩5分
HP  ：https://glassowa.com
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/cuteglass_shopandgallery/ 
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