TOHO BEADS, one of Japan's most renowned glass bead manufacturers, was established in 1951 in Hiroshima and produces high-quality seed beads that are prized by designers and bead artists around the world for their uniform shape, rich colors, and durability. These beads are especially favored in intricate bead weaving, embroidery, and jewelry-making techniques. In 2013, the company launched TOHO Challenge, an annual global bead art event that invites designers from around the world to create original works using a special color palette and set of bead that TOHO provides. This year's theme is "Sonoran Sunset": artworks are inspired by the beautiful sunsets and landscape of the Sonoran desert.