“Tonbo-dama” Glass Bead Making Experience

A “tonbo-dama” is a type of glass bead. In Japan, unique beads were widely used during the Edo period (1603-1868). These beads have a complex pattern on the surface, resembling the eyes of insects like a dragonfly. The beads came to be called “tonbo-dama” (In English, “tonbo” means “dragonfly” and “dama” means “bead”). For a time after the Edo period the use of these beads fell out of popularity and briefly disappeared, but in recent years there has been a revival for the “dragonfly bead” type of glass beads made in Japan to be known throughout the world.

In this experience, we will melt a number of colored glass rods in the middle of a flame to produce beads. Choose one pattern from among several types then create two beads with the same design. The first bead will be made together under the guidance of the instructors so you can learn the production process. The second bead will be made by yourself to the best of your ability so you can experience making the traditional craft from start to finish on your own. The completed glass beads can be made into accessories such as straps and necklaces. This is sure to be great memory of your trip.