①Glass Artisans Reaching for New Heights In June 2018, Germany hosted an international chemical industry trade show. There, the most attention-grabbing device was one with a 200-liter flask—the largest in the world. The company behind this large-capacity flask is Asahi Glassplant Inc. Founded as a small factory approximately 70 years ago, it’s since grown to produce various unique products. Working with heated glass, the successes or failures of their artisans are decided in one nerve-racking instant. The company continuously surmounts seemingly-impossible projects thanks to the founder’s motto: never turn down customer requests. Asahi Glassplant now uses manual manufacturing processes unique to them thanks to their highly-skilled glass artisans. ②Globalizing Traditional Japanese Interiors A new project to export traditional Japanese interiors is underway. Targeting Asia, this project led by Teppei Yamaguchi (35) aims to increase business and expand the market for Kumamoto-grown wood and Japanese architecture. Joining them is Mitsunori Nagahama (65), a master of traditional carpentry, but opportunities to demonstrate his expertise in modern home construction grow scarce. In order to preserve traditional Japanese techniques, they concluded it was necessary to showcase its beauty overseas. While researching and exhibiting in Asia, a request to build a model room came from Thailand. But what do people in Asia look for in traditional Japanese interiors? These craftsmen take on a new challenge to show the world the appeal of Japanese interiors through timber and traditional techniques.