Glassware was brought to Japan from Europe between the late 15th century – early 17th century, and its manufacturing techniques were introduced to Japan in the late Edo period (1603 - 1868). The unique techniques were established during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) and glass artisan Kiyomatsu Kamiyama made colored glass beads in Izumi, Osaka. The glass beads were used to make Buddhist rosaries and ornamental hair pins around the Izumi area. They seem to have been sent to Buddhist altar wholesalers in Kyoto from Tenma, Osaka via Yodogawa and Fushimi. In the Taisho period (1912 - 1926), when color glass rods started to be made as material for the glass, glasswork production developed as an export industry. Today, not only are traditional glass beads made, but decorative objects in various forms such as animals, accessories etc. are also being produced using the lamp work technique. Artificial pearls, "Izumi Pearls" were also developed in this area using this technique, making the artificial pearls from glass beads.
The variety of colors and the fine forms of Izumi glass attracts many people.
The production of Izumi glass is still succeeded in Izumi City as a traditional industry.

1. *Production process of glass beads
2. 1. Making the base Mold release agent is applied to the iron core, and the molten glass is rolled onto the core.
   After the molten glass is rolled onto the core, it is elongated.
3. 2. Decorating and forming After the base is well heated, the parts made separately to become the patterns are melted and adhered to the base.
   The glass is formed while being held over the fire, and the adhered parts are melted into the glass bead.
   When the parts are completely melted in, the shape of the parts are transformed.
4. 3. Finishing The glass bead is well heated again to make the surface of the glass smooth.
5. 4. Cooling After cooling in slow cooling material, the glass bead is complete.