When it comes to eyewear, Japanese manufacturers are a cut above the rest; there is something so special about products made in Japan. From the quality of materials to the precision of the design, Japanese eyewear manufacturers have gained a reputation for excellence, with customers worldwide recognising the quality of their products. Whether you are a fan of classic styles or bold, cutting-edge designs, there is something for everyone in the world of Japanese eyewear. 

Quality of Materials: Japanese eyewear manufacturers use only the best materials to create durable, long-lasting frames. Titanium and acetate are two of the most popular materials used, and are known for their strength and flexibility. Some Japanese eyewear manufacturers also use plant-based cellulose, notably cellulose acetate, due to its high-quality attributes, including being lightweight, durable, and customisable in a wide range of colours and patterns. The materials are sourced directly in Japan, ensuring every frame is made with the highest quality components. 

Attention to Detail: Japanese eyewear makers are meticulous when it comes to their craft. They take pride in their work and ensure that each frame is made to perfection. From the precision of the hinges to the polish on the frame, every aspect of the eyewear is carefully considered. Japanese eyewear manufacturers don’t cut corners resulting in beautiful yet functional eyewear.

Innovative Design: With innovative and unique designs, there is a historical significance to Japanese eyewear manufacturing as it dates back to the early 20th century in cities such as Sabae. When crafting in Japan, there is no fear of experimenting with different shapes, colours, and materials. From classic round frames to bold geometric shapes, Japanese eyewear makers push the boundaries of design to create one-of-a-kind products. 

Superior Technology: When crafted in Japan, advanced technology plays a significant role in creating high-quality eyewear. Manufacturers also use cutting-edge techniques for lens manufacturing, resulting in thin, clear lenses that provide excellent visual clarity. They're always looking for ways to improve their products and incorporate the latest technologies.

Reputation For Excellence: With a reputation for excellence that is known worldwide, customers trust Japanese manufacturers and are therefore willing to pay a premium for the quality and craftsmanship that is associated with Japanese eyewear. They take pride in their work, striving to create frames that are not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting. 

BEHIND THE LABEL: HIGH-QUALITY JAPANESE EYEWEAR 

Without a bold label stating "Manufactured in Japan", it can be hard to find out what brands manufacture in Japan. Many brand names will advertise where their products are crafted on their website, while others may print it on the inside of the temple. Luckily for you, we will list our top five brands that unveil quality, as well as distinctive designs that are perfect for anyone seeking Japanese-manufactured eyewear. 

First up is DITA Eyewear. The luxury eyewear brand was founded in Los Angeles in 1995 by John Juniper and Jeff Solorio. The brand is known for its high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative designs. DITA eyewear is handmade using traditional techniques and modern technology, focusing on creating timeless pieces that are both functional and fashionable. 

DITA's manufacturing process takes place in Japan, involving highly skilled artisans who specialise in creating eyewear. The production process is divided into multiple stages, with each requiring careful attention to detail and precision. The frames are made using high-quality materials such as titanium, acetate, and gold and are carefully crafted to ensure a perfect fit and balance. DITA lenses are made by using the latest technology and materials to ensure optimal visual clarity and protection. DITA have a reputation for producing some of the world's finest eyewear, and its Japanese manufacturing process is a key part of this. 

DITA states that creating a frame can take up to as many as 320 separate production stages and that it can also take up to 8 months to complete from start to finish. To shop the collection and find out more about DITA, click here. 

Akoni frames are made using the finest Japanese acetate and titanium, which are guaranteed to keep their shape. The acetate frames are crafted from cotton and renewable wood over a three-month process, and their dual-AR polarised lenses enhance the wearer's vision, making them great for those looking for superior eyewear.

 The Akoni brand is relatively new, founded in 2019 by Rosario Toscano and Salma Rachid, who shared a vision for evolving eyewear through innovation and a commitment to quality materials and unique techniques. So far, they have collaborated and signed deals with two of the biggest names in the luxury fashion market - Valentino and Balmain. Both brands have addressed that their visions align with Akoni and will allow their eyewear collections to elevate, producing products of a higher quality. To shop the collection and find out more about AKONI, click here.

Matsuda Eyewear is a luxury eyewear brand founded in 1967 by Mitsuhiro Matsuda. He was known for his innovative designs and use of high-quality materials. The brand's philosophy is to create timeless eyewear designs that are functional and fashionable. Matsuda's manufacturing process is highly specialised and uses traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques. The brand works with skilled artisans who use time-honoured techniques to create each piece by hand. The production process includes several steps, including cutting, polishing, and assembly. Using traditional techniques ensures that each pair of Matsuda frames are unique and of the highest quality.

Matsuda eyewear is manufactured in their factory in Sabae, Japan. Sabae is known for its history of eyewear production and is home to many other eyewear brands. The brand sources materials from other parts of Japan known for high-quality materials, such as the Fukui region - they are renowned for their acetate materials. By producing their eyewear in Japan, Matsuda ensures that each pair of glasses is made to the highest standards that reflect the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. To shop the collection and find out more about MATSUDA, click here.

Masunaga Eyewear has been the epitome of timeless elegance since 1905. Founded by eyewear pioneer Gozaemon Masunaga in Fukui, Japan, the brand earned acclaim, securing a Gold Medal at Japan's National Manufacturing Trade Exhibition within six years. Today, Fukui is a global optical frame production hub, with Masunaga at its forefront, overseeing all production steps in its integrated factory.

Masunaga's optical glasses collection exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, with up to 200 manual processes dedicated to each frame. Unique in its approach, Masunaga is the sole Japanese company with a factory handling all processes, ensuring unparalleled detail and quality, reflecting the brand's commitment to excellence. The timeless design philosophy seamlessly merges tradition with innovation, offering optical frames that transcend trends, complementing any style effortlessly.

Crafted in Fukui, Japan, the brand sources premium materials, including acclaimed acetates, from various parts of Japan ensuring each pair reflects the brand's unwavering dedication to excellence. Immerse yourself in Masunaga's world, where tradition meets innovation, and every pair of glasses narrates a tale of enduring style. Explore more of Masunaga's legacy by visiting our glasses & sunglasses collections.

Another eyewear brand that surprisingly handcrafts its products in Japan is Thom Browne. The luxury fashion brand was founded in 2001 by American designer Thom Browne. The brand is known for its classic and timeless designs that have a modern twist, and the eyewear collection is no exception. The classic American brand has a long-standing partnership with DITA eyewear to produce collections of high-end, luxury eyewear (mentioned above). The collaboration began in 2011 and has resulted in several highly sought-after collections. Both brands are known for their attention to detail and dedication to creating exceptional products, making them a perfect match for one another. Thom Browne is responsible for the eyewear designs, while DITA handles the production and manufacturing process - resulting in Japanese production. Much like DITA products, Thom Browne eyewear is made using only the highest-quality materials, such as Japanese acetate and titanium. The brand’s signature designs often feature a mixture of classic and contemporary elements, such as iconic stripes and unexpected shapes. 

Overall the collaboration has been highly successful, resulting in some of the most sought-after luxury eyewear on the market. The combination of Thom Browne’s innovative designs paired with DITA’s exceptional craftsmanship has made Thom Browne eyewear a favourite. To shop the collection and find out more about Thom Browne, click here. 

If you are looking for frames guaranteed to last, eyewear manufactured in Japan will tick this box. You can rest assured that when purchasing from one of these brands, you will be presented with a product that is durable yet super stylish from one of the most reputable names in the eyewear market. 

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