Zojirushi Mahobin's technology has always been a representative example of manufacturing that Osaka is proud of.

A thermos is one of the essential home appliances. Osaka has an overwhelming share of thermos production in Japan. It was also in Osaka that the domestically produced thermos was born. This is because Osaka was once the center of the glass industry, which has led to its current position as the center of Japan's thermos industry.

The thermos itself was born when British scientist Dewar invented the prototype, and later German scientist Burger successfully commercialized the thermos for home use. Thermos were first introduced to Japan in 1908, imported from Germany. The first domestically produced thermos was born in 1912. At the time, Tenma, Osaka, which was a leader in the glass industry, had many skilled glass craftsmen who manufactured light bulbs. Light bulb manufacturing has some similarities with the vacuum technology required to manufacture vacuum-sealed bottles for glass thermoses, and thermos manufacturing flourished in Osaka.

It's no exaggeration to say that thermoses are a staple in every household these days. However, there was a time when thermoses were not widely used in Japan and most of the products they produced were exported overseas. At the time, the majority of thermoses made in Japan were exported (90% of production at its peak in 1937 (Showa 12)). As the water quality in Southeast Asia, the main export destination, was poor and raw water was not drinkable, thermoses were necessary for many Westerners living in Southeast Asia, which was a Western colony. However, due to the war, thermoses could not be obtained from Europe, so when Westerners heard that thermoses were being manufactured in Japan, they began importing them from Japan.

As Japanese thermoses became popular in foreign countries and exports increased, there was a need to make sales procedures smoother, even in foreign countries, regardless of language differences, and to make it easier to understand which company their products were made from. This is where the "mark" was invented. It could be said to be the beginning of what we now call branding. If thermoses had not been exported to this extent, the Zojirushi elephant mark might never have been created.

In the 1950s, export volumes began to decline, but domestic sales grew steadily. However, while medium-sized bottles were still being produced by hand, automated production of medium-sized bottles became an absolute necessity to meet growing demand, and the company began developing its own automatic bottle-making equipment. The success of this development made it possible to mass-produce uniform medium-sized bottles, which lowered prices and led to further popularity throughout the country.

Thermos production was temporarily suspended due to the war, and until business resumed after the war, portable models were the norm, but the company later switched to tabletop pots. This was when the "Hot Pelican" was introduced. It was so named because the shape of its head resembled a pelican's beak. Sales were steady, and it was so popular that it remained on the market for an extended period, from 1948 to 1956. The Hot Pelican's design imitated the silhouette of a Western pitcher, but the company's management at the time were not content with simply making and selling imitations, even though it was such a big hit.

Furthermore, in 1967, flower-patterned thermoses became all the rage. They were immensely popular among housewives as they brightened up the drab dining table. Around this time, Zojirushi Thermos made a huge leap forward and became the number one thermos manufacturer in Japan. Incidentally, floral patterns sell well when there is a sense of economic stagnation, but sales of floral patterns were poor during the bubble economy. It's interesting that when the mood in the world is gloomy, the desire to break through it was reflected even in the patterns of the pot. In 1973, the "Just Push Air Pot" was released, which pours hot water by simply pressing a button, without the need to lift or tilt it.

Later, in 1983, we launched the "Just Press Pot Seer," which allowed you to see the remaining amount at a glance. This was also extremely popular. Nowadays, it's commonplace to be able to check the remaining amount by looking at the markings on the pot, but it's impressive to think that a company like this has taken every step in this way, thinking about customer convenience, and has helped create the convenient lifestyles we live in.

Since the huge success of the Hi-Pot Z-type, which was released in 1963, Zojirushi has released a succession of hit products, firmly solidifying its position as the industry leader. It all started with imitating tabletop pots. However, rather than resting on its laurels after good sales, it was this aggressive management attitude of taking on the challenge of developing original designs that propelled Zojirushi to the top of the industry. This management attitude seems to have been passed down to the present day.

If vacuum technology is Zojirushi's signature technology, then the development of the electric rice cooker marked a major turning point. Until then, glass thermoses used to keep rice warm had poor heat retention, leading to an unpleasant smell the next day, and most importantly, they were prone to breaking, a fatal flaw. So, with a change of mindset to "use the best products," they introduced an electric heat retention system. This new product development, which would have a major impact on the huge electronics industry, which already had a strong sales network, was a major decision that would have put Zojirushi's fate at risk. This bold decision marked the transition to Zojirushi as a comprehensive manufacturer of household goods, specializing in vacuum heat retention and new businesses.

Traditionally, thermoses were made with glass as their inner bottle. This was because it was difficult to find a material other than glass that could replace the glass inner bottle. However, as the thermos market matured, we felt the need to explore new developments beyond glass, and we began developing stainless steel thermoses. However, their price was significantly higher than that of glass inner bottles, so they did not become widely used at the time. Furthermore, we were concerned that bringing a stainless steel thermos to market would displace glass thermoses and hinder our own products, and we temporarily shelved development. However, the early commercialization of stainless steel thermoses by other companies motivated us to create even higher-quality products. In 1981, we completed the "Stainless Steel Thermos Tough Boy." Our product range also expanded. While the initial vacuum layer was 3.5 mm wide, we introduced a slit design to achieve a 1.1 mm vacuum layer. We also succeeded in making the product more compact and lightweight. By bringing your own thermos, you can reduce the amount of plastic bottles and paper cups that are thrown away, while also reducing the CO2 that is emitted when they are disposed of. This has led to a reevaluation of the practicality of thermos, and in this eco-conscious age, the need for stainless steel thermos has become a driving force, and they have become one of our main products.

Among Japan's exports, thermoses are among the most highly rated, boasting exceptional quality. While not as common as the days when most production was exported, demand for them remains high in Thailand and the Middle East, and rice cookers are popular in China. Furthermore, in the United States, the "drop-type coffee server" (Beverage Dispenser AY-AE and SY-AA), a model change from the "Mieeru Pot Ittooshi VYA" model, which features an upside-down thermos design and allows coffee to be poured with a single push, is a best-seller and is widely used in offices and self-service coffee stands as an OCS (Office Coffee Service). Isn't it a source of pride to know that Japanese technology is valued around the world?

From a thermos manufacturer to a comprehensive lifestyle manufacturer, the company now leverages its vacuum technology to develop collaborative products in other fields. Its technology is not limited to household products; it's also used in industrial applications. Take space development, for example. While a move from the home to the space industry may seem a bit outlandish, the company is involved in the production of space-resistant thermoses. Is a space-resistant thermos really that special? It is. To explain how impressive it is, it's said to be able to withstand the 40G forces experienced in space. So, is 40G really that impressive? Considering that the impact of a jet fighter landing on an aircraft carrier is typically 7G, it's clear that they've created something that can withstand even the harshest of environments.

After touring the Vacuum Bottle Museum, be sure to head to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and check out the stone monument that reads "Birthplace of Glass"! After all, this is where the development of thermos production really began! After visiting the birthplace of glass, pay your respects at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. At Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, you can enjoy plum blossoms, a flower beloved by Michizane, in February. Students preparing for exams or working professionals preparing for qualification exams should make a sincere prayer to Michizane, the god of learning! After your visit, you'll find Tenmangu Tenjin Hanjotei, a popular venue for Kamigata Rakugo storytelling, located right next to the shrine. Get caught up in the comedy of Osaka, the home of comedy. For shopping and souvenirs, try Wadaman, a shop selling gold sesame seeds. This small shop is packed with delicious items, including oil made with precious domestic sesame seeds and delicious sesame sweets. Highly recommended.

Another must-see when you come this far is Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. This arcade shopping street boasts the longest straight-line distance in Japan, and is packed with shops, each with its own unique character. Not only is the food delicious, but the shopping is also incredibly cheap! 500 yen wine coins are the norm, and some boutiques even have time-limited sales for 100 yen. Among the food items, taiyaki has been all the rage recently at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street! Shops offering thin-skinned taiyaki filled with sweet bean paste are dotted all over the area, making it a fun way to snack on them while you shop.