Issue #29

Words by Cory Ohlendorf | Photography courtesy

From Tokyo’s streetwise frames to the meticulous craftsmanship of Sabae, Japanese eyewear has long held a quiet dominance in the world of men's style. Why? Because nobody else blends engineering, materials, and aesthetics quite like Japan.

It all goes back to Sabae in Fukui Prefecture—widely known as the country’s eyeglasses capital—where over 90% of Japan’s eyewear is still handmade by master craftsmen, many of whom are second- or third-generation artisans. The region has spent over a century perfecting the process—from hand-polishing celluloid to machining custom titanium hinges. Precision isn’t a buzzword here; it’s built into the culture.

Then comes design. Japanese brands approach eyewear the way a tailor approaches a suit: measured, refined, and always intentional. Whether it’s a minimalist acetate frame or a wire-rimmed revival, the best Japanese eyewear marries technical perfection with unassuming beauty. Here are the brands we’re watching—and wearing—in 2025.

EYEVAN

Originally founded in 1972 and relaunched in 2013, EYEVAN takes cues from old-world industrial tools, vintage eyewear and architectural blueprints. Every frame is handmade in Sabae from the best materials with a simple, subtle styling. Think titanium temples, delicate rivets and impeccable balance. Their opticals and sunglasses are quietly luxurious—the kind of frames people notice but can’t quite place.

↦ Standout style: The 181 enamel and titanium frame

Masunaga

Founded in 1905, Masunaga is the godfather of Japanese eyewear. They still produce every frame in-house, from raw material to final polish—a rarity in the modern industry. Masunaga’s aesthetic leans timeless, with gentle curves and brushed metals. The GMS series (short for Gozaemon Masunaga Spectacles) is especially revered for its blend of Meiji-era elegance and modern refinement.

↦ Standout style: GMS-824 titanium and acetate frame

Matsuda

Matsuda’s tagline, “old world technique, new world expression,” perfectly sums up the vibe of this luxury eyewear brand that was founded in 1967 by Mitsuhiro Matsuda. Originally a fashion label, it was the brand’s eyewear creations that really took off. Over the last decade, the brand has been revived and specializes in intricate frames for those who appreciates design, crafted from fine stainless steel, titanium, sterling silver and 18k solid gold.

↦ Standout style: M2058 hand-carved acetate frame

Kame Mannen

Kame Mannen’s name is derived from the Japanese proverb, "A crane lives a thousand years, a turtle ten thousand years," reflecting founder Kikujiro Kimura’s aspiration to create eyewear that embodies longevity and timeless design. Kame Mannen’s commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous manufacturing processes, including labor-intensive ion plating techniques that ensure exceptional durability.

↦ Standout style: The 54 titanium flip frame

Hakusan

Rooted in the original Shirayama Optical Store, founded in Ningyocho in 1883, this brand grew into the current Hakusan Optical Shop, which opened in Tokyo’s Ueno neighborhood in 1946. By 1975, they were creating their own line of frames, designed and crafted in Japan. One of their original designs, the Hank frame, is still produced today and the simple acetate style accented with gold hardware remains a best-seller.

↦ Standout style: The Hank frame

Even if you don’t consider yourself a bath person, you’ll likely be charmed by the ritual of visiting a Japanese hot spring, or onsen. “The bath culture in this country is really ingrained,” explains Colin Fukai, global marketing chief at Nishimuraya Honkan, a traditional-style ryokan with a 165-year legacy located in Kinosaki. “It’s a ritual. It’s for comfort and pleasure,” he says, reminding me that the goal of these soaking sessions isn’t to clean yourself, but to relax. “It takes the stress off your body.” This, he says, is the big reason why Japanese people like to have their bath at the end of the day, rather than at the beginning. If you want to bring that experience to your home, you can with these mineral bath packets that offer a tour of four different hot spring spots in Japan.

Fuubutsushi (風物詩) in Japanese refers to sensations—the sights, sounds and smells—that evoke a specific season or a particular mood, often associated with a sense of nostalgia or anticipation. It's not just a single word but a concept that captures the essence of seasonal transitions and the way they resonate with our emotions. Common fuubutsushi include the springtime sight of cherry blossom petals floating in the breeze, the taste of takoyaki at a summer festival, the aroma of chestnuts roasting on the streets in autumn, or the warm glow from a fireplace in winter.