Combining Japanese Gold Leaf and Craftsmanship for Something Truly Special
Light has a significant impact on the expression of a space, whether in the form of an iconic chandelier hanging from a luxury hotel entrance, or a soothing soft bedroom lamp. At Yahiro Electronics, we develop one-of-a-kind lighting. We create lighting that further enhances the appeal of the space while incorporating its architectural features.
The unique lights change the expression of the space.
Established in 1968, we are a made-to-order specialist lighting manufacturer. We are lighting professionals, capable of versatilely controlling the appearance of a space. As a one-stop shop, our services include interpreting the appearance of the customer’s space, designing according to the lighting layout, manufacturing, and delivery.
At Yahiro Electronics, one of our major strengths is our involvement in the lighting layout. Our staff understand the space’s setup, and carry out a detailed design check from their blueprint to make subtle adjustments while monitoring the product at the factory. We are not willing to create a compromised product. With this in mind, in addition to the design process, we also perform a thorough check of luminescence and voltage tolerance. We bring our imagination to life, creating valuable lights that are one-of-a-kind. We are one of just a few such enterprises in Japan.
Detailed sheet metal processing is the work of skilled craftsmen.
Yahiro Electronics is located in the city of Higashiosaka in Osaka Prefecture. Higashiosaka is a leading area of craftsmanship for not just Osaka, but the whole of Japan. There are more than 6,000 small-to-medium-size local factories concentrated here, producing a wide variety of products. You can find anything in Higashiosaka. The local factories are distinguished by their specializations, and by partnering with each other, we have created a network of shared knowledge. This had led to the area receiving high praise both domestically and abroad. Such a culture of craftsmanship is unique to Higashiosaka. This environment allows us to work with partner companies to source irregular parts required for our made-to-order lights, from non-standard mirror sizes, to specially shaped pipes, special paints, and more. “We couldn’t make these lights if we weren’t in Higashiosaka,” says Sachiko Awano, managing director of Yahiro Electronics.
The assembly work is done next to the office. Depending on the delivery date, it may be done by all employees.
The artisans working at the assembly factory range in age from their 20s to 70s. The products they create widely vary in size, from small palm-sized lights to enormous 7-meter varieties. “First, I look at the completed design blueprint and break down the various parts in my head. Then, I combine the parts together through a process of trial and error. It’s a task where experience matters. Every day is like solving a puzzle,” says 46-year veteran craftsman Shirayama with a cheerful smile.
The design process is marked by an environment of open discussion across the company, bringing together sales staff, craftsmen, and design team members. The process means that no two items will ever be the same. Creating made-to-order process requires repeated problem solving. To complete our pieces, we work diligently everyday throughout the factory.
The lighting is completed by combining sheet metal parts with complex shapes.
The GOLDBLU Lamp is one of our in-house brands. The product series is a collaboration between Yahiro Electronics and Golden Valor Inc., a company skilled in traditional gold foil techniques. The product line is a result of this chance encounter between technical capabilities. The opportunity arose from our exhibition at Design Inspire Hong Kong 2018, where we met Golden Valor.
Holding up the gold foil to the light, we were struck by its blue-green hue. It was unlike anything we’d ever seen. At that moment we knew we wanted to create a product!
The GOLDBLU Lamp product line is available in three different configurations, PHASE, LESS THAN 600, and TIN. At the turn of a hand, PHASE transforms like the wax and waning of the moon. When placed in a room and illuminated, a mysterious blue-green light escapes from between the gold and tin foil. The sphere, floating in the dark, is reminiscent of the earth floating in space. Only the hues of blue and green, absorbed by the gold foil, are visible to the human eye. This phenomenon is unique to gold foil and cannot be replicated by tin or other materials.
「GOLDBLU Lamp PHASE」
Since long ago, gold foil has been used as a valuable material in Japan. While gold foil is widely used as a building material overseas, Japan is the only place with the craftsmanship to create a thinness of 1/10,000th. This 1/10,000 thinness is necessary for the light to pass through and give the GOLDBLU Lamp its distinguished blue-green hue. The degree of difficulty is such that a thinness of 3/10,000 is insufficient.
This Japanese technique is not found anywhere else in the world. Working together with ambitious and technically capable manufacturers, at Yahiro Electronics, we want to showcase Japanese craftsmanship to the world. “In recent years, design enthusiasts overseas have shown an appreciation for Japanese technical capabilities and traditions. At Yahiro Electronics, our strengths in craftsmanship come from techniques developed over 50 years as a made-to-order business. We want to work even harder to make products that appeal to the world.” Our anticipation is growing to see how our one-of-a-kind lights perform in architectural spaces overseas.
One of a kind Lighting to create a hotel entrance
