Glassmakers in the city of Joetsu, in Niigata Prefecture, began the local glassmaking industry by manufacturing glass scientific instruments such as thermometers. Over time, production shifted to making glass for street lamps and other lighting fixtures, which were in high demand during the post-war reconstruction period. Joetsu glass craftsmen use a variety of blowing and molding techniques – including free-blowing, mold-blowing, spindle/centrifugal, and stretching – along with secondary processes such as sandblasting and transfer printing to make a wide range of products.