[History] British Glassmakers Help Establish Japan'S First Western-Style Glassworks - 1874-1883

During the mid-Victorian period, four British glassmakers were invited to Japan to assist in the establishment of the country's first western-style glassworks. This factory, based at Shinagawa on the southern edge of Tokyo, sowed the seed for Japan's modern glass industry, using British technology, assistance and skills. The factory attempted to manufacture window glass until 1883 when British influence ceased at Shinagawa. Although ultimately unsuccessful, its influence was felt in the subsequent successful development of flat glass manufacture in Japan.