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Made in Japan

Made in Japan, where a single frame passes through hundreds of separate steps by hand before it is finished.

Read: Japanese eyewear brands

73 frames

About Made in Japan

The frames on this page are made in Japan. Blake Kuwahara has the most: designs built as a classic inner shape inside a contrasting outer one, milled separately in Japan and laminated together over several weeks. DITA’s are made in Japan in titanium, 18K gold and acetate, with a single frame passing through hundreds of production steps. Matsuda’s are made by hand in Japanese workshops for a Tokyo label whose first eyewear collection appeared in 1989.

Only brands with a verified Made in Japan fact are here. All three state it plainly, so every one of their frames online is on this page.

Acetate, metal and the two together

Most are acetate, and the rest are metal or combine the two, a higher share of combination frames than any other origin page. DITA’s pairings of white gold or silver with crystal, black glass or blossom tortoise account for most of them, along with Matsuda’s Caramel / Brushed Gold and Antique Silver / Navy.

Round and square lead, then geometric, with cat-eye, aviator, oval and rectangular behind. Eye sizes run from 43mm to 58mm with a median of 50mm. Most are one of a kind, and each ships as a frame, insured and free within the US with a signature on delivery, for your own optician to glaze.

Which glasses brands are made in Japan?

Of the brands we stock, three state that their frames are made in Japan: DITA, Matsuda and Blake Kuwahara. DITA is a Los Angeles brand whose every frame is made in Japan; Blake Kuwahara’s are milled, laminated and finished there; Matsuda is a Tokyo label made in Japanese workshops. We only place a brand here when the brand itself says where it makes, so nothing on this page is a guess.

Why are Japanese glasses frames considered good?

The brands here describe the process rather than make the claim. DITA says a single frame can pass through more than 300 steps, with hinges and fittings engineered as carefully as the shapes. Blake Kuwahara mills the inner and outer parts of each frame separately, laminates them over several weeks, then polishes by hand. Matsuda works in titanium, sterling silver and gold alongside acetate. Time and materials, in short.

Are DITA frames made in Japan?

Yes. DITA was founded in Los Angeles in 1995, and every frame is made in Japan. Production is slow and exacting: titanium, 18K gold and premium acetate pass through hundreds of steps. Every DITA frame online is on this page, many of them combination frames pairing white gold or silver with crystal, black glass or tortoise acetate. Sizes run from 48mm to 58mm across the eye.

Can I get prescription lenses in Japanese frames?

Yes. Every frame ships as a frame, and your own optician fits the lenses. Blake Kuwahara’s laminated acetate hides a thicker lens edge; DITA’s and Matsuda’s metal and combination frames show more of it, so your optician may suggest a thinner lens for a strong prescription. Our lens guide covers the options. The Eye Rx practice at either of our shops can glaze and fit.