At first, Satsuma warevases and plates were the main products, but gradually the number of silver tableware and items of an everyday use that were popular among foreigners increased. In 1922, Uyeda's store moved to the Yarakucho neighborhood, located near the Ginza district, Tokyo.
In the same year Uyeda opened a store at the Imperial Hotel Arcade, designed by the famous american architectFrank Lloyd Wright. In 1923, most of the buildings in Yokohama and Tokyo, including the Uyeda's store, were destroyed by the tremors and fires caused by theGreat Kanto earthquake.
The store was rebuilt and opened in 1925. In early 1930s the business was inherited by the Kichigoro's sons, the elder Uyeda Fujiro and the younger Uyeda Yoshimi. Among the Uyeda's customers were many famous people: american baseball playersBabe RuthandJoe DiMaggio, actressMarilyn Monroe, diplomatHenry Kissingerwith his wife, professor and american diplomatEdwin Reischauerwith his wife, and others.
While being mostly associated with the silver tableware and items of everyday usage during pre- and just after the WWII period, around late 1950s company began to focus more on the cultured pearls and jewelry made of them. In 1973 Kichigoro's grandson, Uyeda Shintaro , introduced the Italian jewelry, uncommon in Japan at the time, into the company's product list. Uyeda" name to "Uyeda Jeweller. The company is in operation till today, located at the Imperial Hotel Arcade, Tokyo.
It is managed by the Kichigoro's great-grandson, Tomohiro Uyeda , and produces and sells jewelry made of pearls, precious metals and stones. Great addition to your collection?