Of all the Japanese seed beads and those from the Asian continent, Miyuki and Toho beads are among the must-haves . Do you know why? Even today: honor, work, respect for ancestral customs, but interest in cutting-edge technologies, are all notions that contribute to the reputation of Japan and its inhabitants. Also famous for their taste for precision and their sense of refinement, the Japanese make these values ​​shine through even in the exceptional quality of these seed beads that they shape. However, many cheap glass beads from Asia flood the fashion jewelry market. But, in the field of low-cost glass craftsmanship and in terms of perfection, Japanese Miyuki & Toho beads are the favorites. Beads for Miyuki jewelry or Toho seed beads, the world of luxury, designers or DIY: they attract and fascinate as much as Mount Fuji. Round, cylindrical, cube-shaped, Magatama, Tila or Delica, investigate these small colored shapes from the land of the rising sun which are a hit in the West .

Japanese Seed Beads | Why They're So Popular!

Because they are the most beautiful glass beads from Asia and they offer you:

• a quality glass ;
• precision calibration ;
• vibrant and long-lasting colors ;
• original shapes ;
• but, moderate prices within everyone's reach !

So here are 5 good reasons why designers are crazy about them, and why we absolutely wanted to tell you about them. What's more, from luxury to creative hobbies, transparent, matte, shiny, or iridescent beads are open to all kinds of uses:

• embroidery on canvas and textile customization such as decorating wedding dresses with Japanese seed beads ;
• leather goods , with trendy belts and handbags personalized with colored glass beads;
• costume jewelry , with incredible possibilities of earrings, necklaces or bracelets in Miyuki or Toho beads.

Obviously not an exhaustive list!

Unit of measurement for seed beads: Good to know

Seed beads in "15/0" or "3/0" seed beads: these references indicate the quantity of beads that can be aligned. In fact, the higher the number, the more beads you will fit on your thread in a given space . In summary:

1. the higher the number (15/0), the more numerous and therefore smaller the beads.
2. the smaller the number (3/0), the fewer beads there are and therefore the bigger they are.

What are MIYUKI beads?

Miyuki beads are a brand of high-quality Japanese seed beads widely used in costume jewelry. Their popularity stems from their infinite regularity. A precision calibration that promotes meticulous creations with impeccable results.

Miyuki Beads: the Success Story

It is the mid-1930s. It is the beginning of the Shōwa era, corresponding to the tumultuous reign of Emperor Hirohito . The first MIYUKI glass beads are developed in Fukuyama, near Hiroshima on the island of Honshu (the largest in Japan). Glass shaping techniques are perfected year by year, allowing the Japanese seed bead brand:

• to constantly improve and export its products to the United States from the 1940s;
• to found the glass bead manufacturing company “Hiroshima Glass Beads Industrial Co” in 1953 which became “Miyuki Shoji Co” in 1974;
• to open a branch in Tokyo in the 1980s, another in Osaka in 1982, then in Sasebo and Oita in the early 2000s;
• to develop its different ranges of Delica, Tila and Long Magatama seed beads , etc.;
• and to build a new factory completed in 2006.

The HIT of MIYUKI models

Thanks to innovation and cutting-edge technology, the perfect calibration of these small colored glass beads has conquered the world. So, what are the Japanese bead styles offered by the brand that contributed to its fame? Here are three ranges of inexpensive Miyuki beads for jewelry creations not to be missed.

Miyuki Delica beads

Miyuki Delica beads are commonly found in 11/0 and in a wide variety of colors.

• Features? They are light as feathers, perfectly cylindrical in shape , and each 1.6 mm long with a 0.8 mm diameter hole making it easy to pass several threads through. They are ideal for crafts , jewelry and weaving.

Miyuki Tila beads

Miyuki Tila beads have become very popular for creating Japanese seed bead bracelets .

• Characteristics? They are 5 mm square, flat and square in shape and have two holes on their edge . A particularity which results in impeccable positioning of each pearl. A diameter of the holes which offers the possibility of passing two threads to ensure the solidity of the jewel. Flat pearls of all colors to alternate with gold lacquered metal tiles by playing on the contrasts of effects and materials.

Miyuki Long Magatama beads

Miyuki long Magatama beads allow for innovative configurations .

• Characteristics? The main one is the originality of their silhouette. Because, the Miyuki long Magamata are in the shape of an elongated petal and have a single off-center hole . In fact, this specific model from Miyuki is articulated in a random manner for more lively and contemporary results.

In their dark pink amber line and white pink color, Japanese seed beads are incredibly poetic. They are like a celebration of "sakura": the cherry blossoms that mark the Japanese landscapes in spring and bring joy to their inhabitants.

Toho and Miyuki beads: what are the differences?

TOHO is the second major Japanese glass bead brand that is a hit, and you absolutely must know about it. Indeed, in the enormous market represented by the sale of wholesale and retail seed beads , Toho beads are not to be outdone. With their thousands of configurations, looks and colors available today, you will certainly find them everywhere, in standard sizes and others, very original. Suffice to say that the two Japanese seed bead brands are neck and neck .

The beginnings of the TOHO pearl

Regarding its history, the brand is rather discreet. From what we know, "TOHO Beads" was also founded in Hiroshima at the beginning of the Shōwa era , in 1951 (so officially a few years after its competitor). In any case, since its creation, the company has continued to prosper and expand its range of beads. Close to the expectations of the public, the brand has won the hearts of designers around the world by offering truly inspiring textures and volumes.

The HIT of TOHO Rocailles

Toho Standard Seed Beads

It is a great classic pearl that can be used in all circumstances, thanks to its numerous diameters and shimmering colors.

• Advantages : Toho seed beads are small , rounded and ideal for weaving , as they are perfectly uniform for bead embroidery or for creating complex works.

Toho Geometric Rockeries

There is something for everyone and they clearly display their originality. The seed beads are called Toho Bugle for tube beads and Toho Cube for cube beads . They are called Toho Triangle for triangle seed beads or Toho Hexagon for hexagonal beads .

• Advantages : very popular across all generations, these geometric shaped beads allow for more modern or at least more contemporary and rhythmic creations.

Toho rockeries with originality

Take for example the half-round seed beads , which are smaller than traditional Japanese seed beads (with the same hole diameter). Conversely, the Toho Takumi LH beads offer a larger diameter with 15% more opening . An off-center hole with an offset thread passage: Magatama beads bring a touch of madness to jewelry. In terms of texture, the silky feel of Treasure beads is unparalleled in terms of rendering. As for Glow in the Dark beads, they are revolutionary, as they phosphorescent at nightfall.

• Advantages : Unique proposals in terms of glass processing or singular shapes that open up the field of possibilities. These rockeries stand out and the public loves them.

Record sales of Miyuki and Toho bracelets

The must-have is to have your own bracelet made of flat seed beads or a wide woven version. Trendy and elegant Miyuki bracelets to match all your outfits in summer and winter. For the first: choose flat beads with two holes, interspersing them in different lengths and colors. In the case of a woven bracelet with Toho beads , prefer round multicolored glass seed beads to use them with the help of a special bead loom .

Did you like this article and are you tempted by the experience?

Do you also want to get started and design your own bracelet with Japanese glass beads? In your online store i-Perles.fr , Miyuki beads wholesaler or order accessories and threads for seed beads: find everything you need to make your first piece of flat bead jewelry, create your first weave with Japanese seed beads , etc.

At your disposal, a quantity of Miyuki beads await you in around fifty colors as well as hundreds of Toho seed beads. From the 3/0 glass bead in 5.5 mm to the 15/0 seed bead in 1 mm , all you have to do is find the ones that catch your eye.

Our tips

• Consider bead mixes like the Miyuki Delica 11/0 Serenity Mix or the Wasabi-Green Mix .
• Visit the special Toho Seed Mix page which offers harmonious combinations of Toho beads.

You are hesitant to order in bulk  ? Check out our article on the subject!