Sori Yanagi is one of Japan's leading designers. He has had a huge impact on Japanese product design, including the Butterfly Stool, which is on permanent display at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, New York), and the design of the Olympic flame container and torch holder for the 1946 Tokyo Olympics. In 1966, Sori Yanagi designed the Y Glass. Although it was featured in the media, it had never been commercialized. However, after 50 years, it was finally created as a glass that can be used daily by Sumida Contemporary, a company in Sumida Ward, Tokyo that proposes collaborations between manufacturers and designers from around the world, and Hirota Glass, a long-established glass manufacturer founded 120 years ago. The cylindrical, linear form has four teardrop-like protrusions on it, creating a simple yet eye-catching design. Even if you pour a cold drink into it and water droplets form on the surface, these protrusions make it less slippery. In addition, when you hold it in your hand, it feels a little heavier than a regular glass, but this weight makes it stable when placed down, and there is no need to worry about it accidentally tipping over with your hand. It is a design that is not excessively decorated, with ease of use in mind.
The minimalist design blends in well with any tableware. The small S size, about 7cm tall, is just the right size for water when you wake up, whiskey with crushed ice, shochu, or juice for children. You can also use it as a dessert cup by putting yogurt or ice cream in it. The tall L size is an easy-to-use size for any drink, such as beer, iced coffee, tea, or juice. It comes in three colors: clear, blue, and amber. The retro coloring gives a nostalgic feeling. When commercializing it, the colors were chosen as close as possible to the colors of the time. Couples can use different sizes, or families can use different colors. The weight you feel when you hold it in your hand, the feel when you touch it, and its beautiful appearance. As you use Y glass, the ordinary act of drinking a drink will start to feel a little special.