The Technological Innovation in Japanese Ceramics Industry

<p>In 1920, the Toyo Toki (existing TOTO Ltd.) introduced to Japan the tunnel kiln developed in Europe in late nineteenth century. Thereafter so-called companies of Morimura origin such as Nippon Toki (existing Noritake Company Limited) and Nippon Gaishi (existing NGK INSULATORS Ltd.) introduced the kilns into the Tokai district with success. In the process of the introduction, people who graduated from Tokyo Higher Technical School, including Magoemon Ezoe, played an active part forming a network. Generally, as for the original tunnel kiln introduced from Europe, the length was grandiose: more than 100 meters. However after the mid-thirties the tunnel kilns established in the factory that Shozo Sone ran in Nagoya and in Dachicho, Gifu prefecture were the length of 20-25 meters, indicating an attempt to start reducing the size.</p> <p>During the occupation period after World War II, the ceramics officer of the allied general headquarters gave a technical open order to the companies. Thereafter, the financial support of the industrial revival public corporation under instruction of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in Dachicho and Yokkaichi, Mie prefecture established the tunnel kilns. In this process, they downsized existing tunnel kilns and also spread the technology. Simultaneously, under the influence of a policy at this time, the tunnel kiln spread to the class of craftsmen and engineers who did not obtain a high level of industrial education. The model example that enjoyed the benefits of such industrial policies was Takasago Kogyo in Gifu prefecture run by Kiyoshi Suzuki. At first, Takasago Kogyo supplied tunnel kilns to Gifu and Aichi prefecture while reducing the size of the kilns. Later he became the top maker of the tunnel kiln supplying them all over Japan and to foreign countries. The manufacturers which produced the ceramics including the tile using tunnel kilns were given an opportunity of development.</p>