■Glass has its life at the moment of its transformation from a formless liquid to a solid form. In a similar way seven years ago, the JGAA was begun − it was without form and studies were made, brainstorming and discussion undertaken until it took its shape from which it has grown steadily. In 1974, ‘Glass in Japan’ was held successfully at The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura. As a result, “Glass in Japan ‘78 (all about glass, from Art to Design)” was held and sponsored by the JGAA at the Shinjuku Odakyu department.
In recent years, Glass craft has increased in popularity because the number of books and exhibitions about glass has increased. This is very gratifying and we wish that people interpret and write about glass in the best way possible. Therefore, we believe that this exhibition will be a chance to bring a deeper insight of glass craft to our audience. I consider glass as the most widespread craft material in the world, and I feel it is not exaggerating to say that the quality of glass represents the quality of a culture. The World Craft Conference in Kyoto, of which we are a supporter, will be held at the same time as our exhibition. About 60 accomplished glass artists, designers and others from abroad will attend.
This will be a great opportunity to show to the world the art-craft that is representative of the work of our members. It will also reveal the current status of Japanese glass craft and we will also introduce the cultural and historical meanings of glass. Through this experience we will open the way to new stage of Japanese glass craft. This exhibition will feature works of Supporting Members, and the works of two Honorary Members, Toushich Iwata and Kozo Kagami.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to Mr. Hijikata, Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Asahi Shinbun, The Ceramic Society of Japan, the Glass Manufacturers’ Association of Japan, and all persons concerned with supporting this exhibition.


　September, 1978
　Chairman of Japan Glass Artcrafts Association
　Kyohei Fujita