Have you ever thought about what sets
Japanese eyewear production manufacturers, showcase the most modern technology designs.
Brands such as Jacques Marie Mage, Kaneko Optical, and Kenzo Takada (Sun of Japan), have honed their production processes and latest equipment to make eyeglasses that are not only stylish and sophisticated but also exceptionally well made.
The combination of traditional skills and the latest technology, from meticulous craftsmanship to innovative design, results in eyewear differs considerably from foreign manufacturers in terms of durability, uniqueness, and artistic design.
One famous example of this are
We will explore the world of
The brand is focused on creating luxurious different shapes eyewear that surpasses common material quality.
These sunglasses are made using methods passed down through generations and pay great attention to detail.
The shapes of the frames embody innovation and Japanese culture, and they are made using modern technologies and stainless steel to produce cat eye sunglasses , aviator sunglasses, gothic architecture inspired glasses and round sunglasses styles.
Come with us as we delve into the deep well of history that fills Sabae city, the epicenter of Japanese sunglasses craftsmanship and technological innovation.
Let's take a tour of the
(If you love
Introduction to Japanese Sunglasses Brands
When it comes to finding a luxury eyewear brand that is not just average, the top of your list should be
Why you ask?
Let me tell you. 🙂
When you think of eyewear from Japan, you think of advanced technology applied to finest materials.
You think of quality that surpasses any other.
You think of frames that fit you perfectly.
A whole range of high-quality eyewear designed with a perfect fit in varying styles: from browline sunglasses to square sunglasses to retro sunglasses,
Each set of glasses is designed with a profound admiration for tradition and an unyielding devotion to accuracy.
Moreover, when you opt for
People across the globe recognize
The Art of Japanese Sunglasses Crafting
The Process: From Concept to Finished Product
The devotion of the artisans who make
Eyewear isn't new to Japan, of course.
The second half of the 18th century saw the development of a style known as "peritas." before then, "nanshiki," (the equivalent to today's contact lenses) and astringent eyewash, were the solution to vision problems.
These all may have been ways of dealing with something they just didn't understand.
The Materials: A Blend of Innovation and Tradition
In the
Over the last three to four decades, acetate has completely dominated the Japan sunglasses frame market, hardly surprising, since it allows for the use of an amazing number of color and pattern combinations and offers a kind of chromatic lusciousness few eyewear materials can match.
But titanium—first commercially produced on a large scale in Japan in the 1980s, thanks to another materials science revolution here— has also become a medium in which
Spotlight on Noteworthy Japanese Sunglasses Brands
Matsuda: The undisputed #1
Matsuda frames are world famous. Matsuda is a luxury brand that distinctly combines old-world artisanship with the sensibilities and design aesthetics of today.
Every pair they create is an artwork in and of itself, conceived with the utmost intricacy and regard for human artistry and traditional techniques.
For Matsuda, part of artisanship is what you see when you are really up close.
Trained eyes will pick out the slivers of detailed work on seemingly plain or polished metal surfaces; they're really not as plain or polished as they appear.
The razor's edge on the finely honed temples of Matsuda eyewear wasn't there in pre-industrial times when humans and not machines were mostly responsible for finished products that bore their name.
Artistry was real; it was achieved in real-time.
And, Matsuda values this still today and expresses its wide variety of frames - and of course its famous customer service.
DITA: Crafting Excellence, One Frame at a Time
DITA represents what exacting attention to detail and profound love for perfection can bring about.
Its luxury eyewear frames are created using a process that can stretch for months, from the first flash of inspiration to the finalizing touches of a skilled workman's hand.
In a world where mass production has become the anthem for 20-something locals in a backroom, DITA stands out for the number of sets of hands it takes to make a frame worthy of actually being worn.
DITA is about as far from a knockoff as you can get in the eyewear world.
Oh My Glasses TOKYO: A Glimpse into Tokyo's Eyewear Fashion
Oh My Glasses TOKYO is exceptional in more ways than one. The brand is not only renowned and admired for its up-to-the-minute designs but is also planted firmly in the Aoyama district of Tokyo. Indeed, the phrase "found on the streets of Aoyama" stands as a guarantee of fashionable taste throughout that part of the city. Innovation and forward-thinking are Tōkyō-kō spiritual tenants, ones they share with Oh My Glasses.
Azabu Optical: Tradition Meets Contemporary in Kyoto
In the center of old Kyoto, you will find Azabu Optical—an establishment that finds common ground between classic
EYEVAN: Crafting Luxury in Tokyo's Roppongi
EYEVAN has established itself as a luxury icon in the Tokyo eyewear scene. Set in the stylish Roppongi neighborhood, the brand's designs are said to be a few steps ahead of those of its most formidable competitors. EYEVAN's clientele is discerning—it seeks a certain kind of high-class eyewear that isn’t just right for their faces, but also their personalities and, of course, for the price tag.
ayame: Contemporary Chic at Continuer
Continuer's eyewear brand, Ayame, emphasizes cutting-edge style in
fournines(999.9): Precision Eyewear in Ginza
Situated in the deluxe Ginza neighborhood, fournines is the very definition of first-class eyewear. this elite eyewear brand is noted for its engineer-level quality, where each frame is a work of art embodying comfort and style. if you are a persnickety eyeglass shopper, then you will truly appreciate the finesse that goes into every pair of glasses from the house of fournines.
Kaneko Optical: Elegant Eyewear in Aoyama
Kaneko Optical is a desirable eyewear brand, and many people go to its shop, located in Aoyama, to get their hands or rather, eyes, on a pair of its glasses. The brand is beloved for its minimal and delicate designs, and the brand’s emphasis on the elegant shouldn’t be mistaken for producing eyewear that isn’t very functional. Quite the opposite, in fact, as the brand has won the Good Design Award in the past for some of its eyewear designs.
MASUNAGA: Century-Old Craftsmanship in Gifu
MASUNAGA has been around for nearly 120 years now. That's a long time in any business, but especially eyewear. This is a great story to tell your customers. In your shop, you probably know how to make customers feel comfortable. They may seem a little too comfortable with handling a delicate object (eyewear). They might even be too comfortable with the price tags. You've probably watched as customers waver over their choice. Maybe you've even compromised your bottom line by ordering in a pair of frames you didn't really want just to make a customer happy. When you do, you're giving away the powerful story that is MASUNAGA.
Hakusan: Vintage Appeal in Ueno
Located in Ueno, Tokyo, Hakusan is famous for its designs that are influenced by vintage styles. The eyewear made by this brand certainly has a "today" feel and is by no means a direct replica of something from the past. Yet, classic frames that have retained a modern feel are what this brand is good at. If you appreciate "geek chic," a style that pairs thick, nerdy eyeglasses with a look that calls to the 1960s, then this might be the brand for you.
BJ Classic: Bold Statements in OBJ EAST
Known for their bold eyewear design, BJ Classic comes strong for those of their clientele who want to make a loud and playful statement. With an array of innovative and audacious frames that defy the norms, the brand is making a case for next-level eyewear that is utilitarian without sacrificing style.
BostonClub: Sophisticated Styles in Ginza
Ginza's BostonClub provides eyewear that captures dignity and style. Employing mostly "Made in Japan" techniques and employing classic style, BostonClub caters to folks who desire glasses that are both practical and snazzy.
Yellows Plus: Trendsetting Designs in Daikanyama
Located in Daikanyama, Yellows Plus is leading the way in
The Rise of Japanese Eyewear in Pop Culture
Japanese Eyewear in Movies: A Symbol of Style
The silver screen has become a platform for
Whether it's on the set of a film or in a movie theater, the glasses worn by characters in contemporary
The sleek, matte black frames of Matsuda are associated with sophistication and quality.
In the film world, a character that wears these frames immediately reaches the same level—effortlessly sleek and sophisticated, with an eye for quality.
The design of the frames has become so iconic that their appearance in a film can be used to tell part of the story.
And in some cases, the frames are as memorable as the narrative, true film shorthand for both character and story.
The approval of the film medium itself has launched
They are now coveted by not only lovers of the cinema but by those wanting to infuse their own personal style with some of the glimmer and glamour of moviemaking.
Celebrities Embracing Japanese Eyewear
The Japanese eyewear brand's commitment has an impressive impact globally.
It is not merely the movies that they have influenced.
Somehow, the
Coolness is one of the qualities that sets the
The non-excessive, sleek look is one of the hallmarks of
Shopping Guide for Japanese Eyewear in 2024
What to Look for When Buying Japanese Sunglasses
When it comes to purchasing
What other things to pay attention to?
There is no one right answer, but it can be boiled down to the following three things:
- the hinges
- the textural and visual finish of the materials
- and the overall feeling of a properly engineered pair of stems and a bridge—an artful integration of the two—that will hold up with daily wear and still look good.
When it comes to eyewear, the "look good" part is decidedly important.
But keep in mind, the quality is most important.
Where to Buy the Best Japanese Sunglasses Brands
It may seem difficult to find the best
Start with specialty eyewear retailers in your area.
These stores frequently carry international brands, and many of them have an especially good selection of
The staff at these stores usually knows a lot about the frame lines that they carry, so the shopping experience can be more guided and informed.
If going to the physical shops isn't something that you find very convenient, you can turn to online retailers that carry
And certainly, if you're in Japan, there are loads of eyewear retailers to choose from.
Into sunglasses but not yet found the right
Here are some international brands and designs that
MADE IN JAPAN: With patience and pursuit of perfection being deeply rooted in Japanese culture, "Made in Japan" stands for the highest attention to details.
Made in Japan.
Gucci GG 0563SKN Navigator Shape Sunglasses.
MADE IN JAPAN: With patience and pursuit of perfection being deeply rooted in Japanese culture, "Made in Japan" stands for the highest attention to details.
Made in Japan.
Saint Laurent SL M104/F - 002 Monogram Palette Sunglasses.
Happy shopping!