Masunaga Sunglasses, Since 1905

If you’re the kind of person who thinks sunglasses are just for shielding your eyes from UV rays, allow us to introduce you to Masunaga, a brand that will ruin all other sunglasses for you forever, in the best possible way.

Masunaga Optical isn’t new to the game. In fact, they practically invented the game in Japan. Founded in 1905 in Fukui, the birthplace of Japanese eyewear, Masunaga was the original cool kid long before the words “artisan eyewear” got slapped on every overpriced pair of glasses in a boutique store. Back then, founder Gozaemon Masunaga had a simple but legendary idea: bring the best craftsmen under one roof and make every part of the glasses in-house. No outsourcing. No excuses. Just meticulous, handmade perfection.

Fast forward 100-plus years, and Masunaga is still doing things their way. No mass production. No corner-cutting. Just quiet, obsessive craftsmanship that borders on the meditative. While other brands brag about using titanium or cellulose acetate, Masunaga has been doing that for decades without making a fuss. Their frames are polished for over two weeks by hand. Some models take over 200 manual steps to complete. It’s eyewear as an art form, with the personality of a vintage jazz record and the precision of a Swiss watch.

Now, let’s talk about style. Masunaga sunglasses are like that person who walks into a room and everyone instantly wants to know what playlist they’re listening to. Clean, classic lines. Subtle curves. A balance between timeless and modern that feels less like fashion and more like natural evolution. These are frames that work just as well in a tailored linen suit in Tokyo as they do in a T-shirt and jeans on a beach in Kamakura.

And here’s the kicker: Masunaga doesn’t scream for attention. There are no gigantic logos splashed across the temple. No gimmicky designs. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, well, someone at a sidewalk café in Kyoto is probably giving you a side-eye from behind their Masunaga Keane 33s.

So why should you buy a pair when you visit Japan? First, the experience. You’ll often find Masunaga frames in boutique optical shops that feel more like zen gardens than retail spaces. Staff will help you pick the perfect fit like they’re matching you with a life partner. You might even walk out feeling like you owe your glasses a coffee date. Second, the pricing. While Masunaga frames aren’t cheap anywhere, they tend to be slightly more reasonable in Japan, plus, you get to say you bought them in the country that made them. That earns you at least three cool points on Instagram and possibly a knowing nod from a Tokyo local.

But beyond all the fashion talk and craftsmanship flexing, the real reason to buy a pair is simple. Masunaga sunglasses just feel right. They don’t try too hard. They don’t follow trends. They’re the quiet, confident type of accessory that elevates your look without upstaging you. They protect your eyes, yes, but they also protect your soul from mediocre eyewear.

So next time you’re in Japan, skip the flashy department store brands. Head to an eyewear boutique in Daikanyama or Osaka, or check one of their official retail stores. Try on a pair of Masunagas. Look in the mirror. Then try to walk out without buying them.