Meeting a Lampworker: A Special Guest at “Lunch with a Friend”
A lampworker is a job that may not be familiar to many people.
It refers to a glass artisan.
“iriser”, located in Odaka Ward, Minamisoma City, is a handmade glass studio.
As an original brand, female lampworkers create beautiful glass works there.
Children from Yumenomori have visited this studio before to experience making glass straws and accessories.
At the end of the second term, the December guest for our “Lunch with a Friend” event was a lampworker from iriser.
On that day, the school lunch included a Christmas cake.
About Her Work
She shared her story with the students:
“I wear sunglasses while working. They help me see the glass more clearly and protect my eyes.
I have liked making things since I was little, and I always worked quietly on creating things.
I learned about glass artisans through television, and that sparked my interest.
I am from Niigata Prefecture and went to a vocational school in Toyama.
I practiced by making the same items many times to improve my skills.”
As a professional who sells her own creations, a high level of quality is required.
During her time at vocational school, she learned by asking others about their techniques and watching them work, and she practiced a great deal.
Even after getting a job, she continued making the same items repeatedly.
She talked about the sense of achievement she feels when customers purchase her work and how rewarding her job is.
She also shared a message for the children:
“I hope you will follow what you love and work hard at it with all your heart.”
After lunch, she showed the students her glass accessories.
She explained,
“Because they are made at very high temperatures, they are not easy to break.”
A Surprise Appearance!
Santa Claus and reindeer made a surprise visit, bringing Christmas treats for the children.
Although it was unexpected, they were welcomed with warm applause.
The treats were handed out to the children during homeroom time.
Thank you for the early Christmas celebration!
