The Story of the Herring Fishing Industry / Glass & Coaster

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ARAMAKI × Asahara Glass Manufacturing Co., Ltd. × Otaru Department Store UNGA↑ UNGA↑ presents "The Story of the Herring Boom/Glass & Coaster," an original collection that tells the story of Otaru's prosperity with herring and the Kita-Mae ships. This set includes a "buoy glass" made in collaboration with "Asahara Glass Manufacturing," which developed fishing "buoys," and a "dried herring coaster" created by "ARAMAKI," which focuses on "wooden boxes" that are disappearing with the times and creates new value. The Kitamae-bune ships traveled the Sea of Japan, transporting goods and culture. At that time, herring were transported as fertilizer for cotton and indigo fields, as well as a valuable source of protein. "Minkaku-herring," which had the flesh of the belly cut out, dried, and transported in "wooden boxes." This design carries on that history, cutting printed boards that were to become wooden boxes for herring before they were assembled, and then overlapping the front and back to create a unique font that cuts out the place of origin, shop name, and weight, creating a rhythm. These coasters are one-of-a-kind, as they are made by randomly combining boards from several types of wooden boxes, meaning no two are ever exactly alike. They are finished with a glass coating, which makes them water-repellent while allowing you to enjoy the expression of the ink smudges and unevenness of the wooden boxes. The UNGA↑ original glasses are made by Asahara Glass Manufacturing, which continues to produce them in Otaru Tenjin in order to pass on the "floating glass manufacturing" technique, which is unique in Japan. You can choose from four different colors. *From left to right in the photo: clear, sea blue, retro green, navy blue [clear] A warm glass that evokes the feeling of old-fashioned household goods, thanks to the color of the recycled materials themselves. Sea blue A refreshing blue glass that evokes the lifestyle of Mr. Asahara, who loves nature so much. [Retro Green] These retro-style glasses are inspired by the float glasses that used to be made from recycled glass from liquor bottles. Navy blue A deep blue glass reminiscent of the night sea, retaining the warmth unique to handmade blown glass, crafted one by one by artisans. This will be delivered in this UNGA↑ original box. These glasses and coasters, inspired by the memories of the towns connected by the Kitamaejin (North Sea ships), are created from a modern perspective. Please enjoy a relaxing time while sipping your drink.

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- Deboned Herring Coaster: 84mm (vertical) x 84mm (horizontal) x 8mm (thickness) - Floating glass ball: Diameter approx. 8.5cm x Height approx. 9cm - Deboned Herring Coaster: Made of Todomatsu wood, finished with glass coating (compliant with food hygiene law) *Material provided by: Sanwa Seibako Co., Ltd. - Floating glass ball: Glass Please note that the "Hake-kaki Herring Coaster" is made by randomly combining boards from several types of wooden boxes, so the pattern may differ from the one shown in the product image.

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ARAMAKI began when a carpenter, who had returned to his hometown, recognized the potential of salmon boxes, which were commonplace in Hokkaido. The carpenter's teachings emphasize "valuing wood," "using it completely," and "using the right material in the right place." We are constantly seeking the "right place" for these salmon boxes, reevaluating and utilizing this material for purposes beyond simply containing salmon. Furthermore, we visited wooden box manufacturers, sawmills, seafood processing companies, and salmon fishermen to learn about the current state of the fishing, forestry, and distribution industries, including the situation where wooden boxes are being replaced by styrofoam and the decrease in salmon catches. As a result, we are reviewing our production lines, developing products together with manufacturing companies, and creating opportunities to think about the future of primary industries. From Shinmaki to ARAMAKI. We aim to reflect the food culture surrounding Shinmaki salmon in our products, and to cultivate new richness in daily life, not only through our artwork, but also through everyday items such as household goods and furniture. Around 1897 (Meiji 30), Otaru had a high demand for glass products as lighting fixtures and storage containers, and there were many glass factories. One of them was Asahara Glass Manufacturing. In 1903, the first generation, Hisakichi Asahara, founded a glass factory in Tomioka-cho, Otaru City, where he manufactured glass household goods such as lamps and medicine bottles. Then, he received a manufacturing request from the Fisheries Experiment Station at the time, and in 1910, he devised a method for manufacturing glass fishing floats. This greatly contributed to the herring fishery and the North Pacific fishery. It cannot be said that the development of Otaru's fisheries industry or the establishment of blown glass in Otaru can be discussed without this "floating ball." Hisakichi Asahara passed on the manufacturing method to his relatives and expanded Asahara Glass factories (Otaru, Nemuro, Asahikawa, and Sakhalin) throughout Hokkaido. However, with the rise of plastic float glass, the scale of operations gradually shrank. Currently, Saichiro Asahara, the fourth generation, has inherited the family business and continues to produce float glass in Otaru Tenjin, aiming to pass on the "float glass manufacturing" technique, which is now unique in Japan.

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"Majime Otaru" is an irregular column where we speak with Ishikawa, the director of the Otaru City Museum, and delve into the rich history of Otaru. Please enjoy it. We will deliver the history and culture of Otaru along with the craftsmanship of UNGAPLUS.