This project aims to reestablish a relationship with traditional glass—a material once integral to Japanese architecture but now distant in modern life—by creating a new place for it in contemporary living.

Decorative glass used extensively in buildings during Japan’s Showa era (1926–1989) became known as “Showa retro glass” for its distinctive textures and high functionality, blending seamlessly into daily life. At the time, textured and patterned glasses such as frosted or figured glass were commonly used to diffuse natural light into interiors while partially obscuring the view—bringing both privacy and brightness. These materials were also widely used in sliding doors and room partitions, allowing natural light to pass through while maintaining overall brightness. Such glasswork became a symbolic element of Showa-era living.

In recent years, however, changes in architectural styles and the development of new materials have led to a sharp decline in the use of retro glass. As old buildings are demolished, many of these decorative glass pieces are discarded without their value ever being recognized. Once full of nostalgic charm and cultural aesthetics, these materials are quietly vanishing from everyday scenery.

Retro glass from demolished buildings is treated as industrial waste, and as applications continue to diminish, domestic production in Japan is also declining. While various new techniques and products emerge, we began to consider whether it might be possible to create a new form of circularity by reimagining the value of existing glass materials and putting them to new use.

SOUMEI is a project that reimagines the beauty and practicality of Showa retro glass and brings it into modern life. Rather than using it as a flat surface alone, we apply secondary processing to give it curved forms—allowing it to gently embrace and radiate light. In the morning, natural light softly fills the room; at night, interior lighting casts a quiet glow. This subtle shift in light becomes part of the space’s atmosphere and experience.

By preserving the comforting nostalgia of retro glass and transforming it into lighting that offers warmth and tranquility, SOUMEI becomes a form of light that connects the past and the present.

By converting vanishing fragments of Japan’s nostalgic landscapes into contemporary styles, this project protects cultural and industrial heritage while offering a new interpretation of forgotten materials.

In the morning, natural light gently fills the room. At night, warm interior light subtly illuminates the surroundings. This shifting play of light becomes part of the atmosphere. Embracing the familiarity of retro glass, SOUMEI brings serenity to contemporary living—a form of light that bridges past and present.