Kaneko Optical
Integrated handmade eyewear, complete manufacturing in Sabae since 1958
Philosophy
Japanese handmade eyewear from Sabae since 1958. Acetate and titanium frames, design collaborations.
History
Sabae, Fukui Prefecture. 95% of Japanese eyewear comes from this city. Kaneko Optical has been there since 1958. Three integrated factories, everything in-house: design, cutting, polishing, assembly, retail.
BACKSTAGE center (2009) for plastic frames. Masters both acetate and titanium. On specialist forums: 'beautifully made, minimalist with the devil being in the details.' 10-year daily wear reported. ~56,000 yen (350-400 euros). Only eyewear brand available via furusato nozei, Japan's regional tax system. The brand you discover by living in Japan and never let go.
Iconic Products
KC series (acetate)
Acetate series, Kaneko's core range. Cut from thick acetate sheets, hand-polished at BACKSTAGE in Sabae. Deep colors, precise hinges, balanced weight. 'Minimalist with the devil being in the details.'
KT series (titane)
Titanium series, Sabae's specialty. Remarkably light frames, almost invisible on the face. Sabae titanium is globally renowned. Kaneko works it in its own factories. For those who wear glasses all day and forget they have them.
Spivvy (ligne design)
Kaneko's design line, bolder contemporary frames. Adventurous shapes, acetate-metal combinations. For those who want their glasses to make a statement. Same Sabae manufacturing, more personality.