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  2. TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI | IDO TAMIO-SAKU | KOH BOH-SAKU | YOICHI
IDO TAMIO
IDO TAMIO
TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI, IDO TAMIO-SAKU, KOH BOH-SAKU, YOICHI

Pure passion and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Unfazed by the latest trends, four craftsmen have long persisted in their own way of making glasses. With almost naive sincerity, they invest themselves daily in each pair, polishing it to completion.
Their passion and pride is commemorated by the inscription of their names in the CRAFTSMAN SERIES.

SERIES 01

TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
For 50 years he has focused on one material: celluloid. The TAIHACHIRO KINSEI frames that emerge from his hands are made by the traditional "no-core" manufacturing method, and take on an unmistakable warmth and softness through repeated, meticulous polishing.
The understated craftsmanship of TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
The understated craftsmanship of TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
The understated craftsmanship of TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI

Disciplined handwork.

TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI frames
Taihachiro Kinsei follows traditional Sabae practices such as the "no-core" method, which purifies design elegance by omitting a reinforcing metal core from the temples, or using rugged 5-tenon hinges fastened to the frame by riveting. These glasses, lovingly made with the user in mind, deserve the KINSEI name -- "made with care." 
TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI
Taihachiro Kinsei follows traditional Sabae practices such as the "no-core" method, which purifies design elegance by omitting a reinforcing metal core from the temples, or using rugged 5-tenon hinges fastened to the frame by riveting. These glasses, lovingly made with the user in mind, deserve the KINSEI name -- "made with care." 
TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI Premier
TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI Premier

The true essence of polishing and luster.

The TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI polish
The TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI polish
After slow drying and curing over a three year period, followed by meticulous polishing by the artisan's hands, celluloid reveals its unique deep luster. This can only be achieved by craftsmen who have invested decades perfecting their skill in daily contact with the material. 

Exclusive-4
Exclusive-4
Exclusive-6
Exclusive-6
Premier-4
Premier-4

SERIES 02

The craftsmanship of IDO TAMIO
IDO TAMIO-SAKU
IDO TAMIO-SAKU
In 1963 he chose his father Ido Hisaaki as his master, apprenticing with him for about 10 years. He then continued to devote himself to eyeglass making, mastering many complex processes on his own. His artisanal skills include some traditional methods so old they are no longer even seen or heard of. The sensitive, refined feel of his work conveys restraint and dignity.
Image of IDO TAMIO-SAKU
Image of IDO TAMIO-SAKU

From exploration and research
comes refined detail.

​ ​IDO TAMIO-SAKU Ichiyama frame
​ ​IDO TAMIO-SAKU Ichiyama frame
​ ​IDO TAMIO-SAKU Ichiyama frame
​ ​IDO TAMIO-SAKU Ichiyama frame

Mr. Ido's Ichiyama frames are made with close attention to detail, such as a nose pad height fitted to Japanese faces, traditional asymmetrical hinges,* and outwardly turned temple ends for ease of donning and removal. Ido manipulates massive stationary tools as an extension of his own hands, applying long-cultivated techniques to create fine detail, stripped of all excess. *In asymmetrical hinges, the fastening screws on the left and right face in opposite directions, one up, one down, to assure minimal and equal loosening on both sides over time.  

The craftsman's hand: IDO TAMIO
The craftsman's hand: IDO TAMIO

Emotional resonance from human hands.

IDO TAMIO
IDO TAMIO
Sun platinum, parts
All the way to brazing on the nose pad support arms, Ido himself performs the many complex assembly steps. To bring out the gloss in sun platinum metal requires three times the normal buffing time. This warm, delicate brightness comes only from the hands of IDO TAMIO, one of Japan's finest metal workers.

T-461
T-461
T-446R
T-446R
T-468
T-468

SERIES 03

KOH BOH-SAKU
KOH BOH-SAKU
From the start, Yamazaki wanted to follow in his father Tsuneyuki's footsteps as an eyeglass maker. By now he has accumulated more than 30 years experience. His KOH BOH-SAKU glasses incorporate modern design with traditional techniques, using an old material known as sun platinum. He is a tireless worker with rare technical skill and an attitude toward artisanship expressed by his motto: "keep learning until your last day on earth."
KOH BOH-SAKU
Yamazaki
Yamazaki

A craftsman's lifelong study

KOH BOH-SAKU
KOH BOH-SAKU's workshop
A variety of machines and tools are used for metal pressing, cutting, and other key processes. But final adjustments are made with just a few tools and the sensitivity of the craftsman's eyes and fingertips. This is the most important and exacting step, and cannot be achieved by a machine.   
High finish KOH BOH-SAKU frames
High finish KOH BOH-SAKU frames

Exquisite finish rooted in long history. 

KOH BOH-SAKU's Sirmont frames
Well known models such as the Sirmont and the Combination were achieved by combining sun platinum metal with celluloid. Yamazaki takes pride in their unequaled high finish, reflecting experience and instincts nurtured over many years. 
KOH BOH-SAKU

KOH BOH-SAKU

T-245S
T-245S
T-265
T-265
T-272
T-272

SERIES 04

Sasaki
Yoichi
YOICHI
Yoichi Sasaki's filing and polishing techniques are unrivaled in the industry. He achieves the highest level of artisanship, preserving a corner or filing down an edge to better show a corner to impart refinement and ruggedness simultaneously. 

Standing at the pinnacle.

An eyeglass craftsman's file
Hyper-defined edges (corners) and mirror surface brilliance -- Yoichi's most distinctive hallmarks -- are produced by an extreme shortening of barrel polishing time, followed by hand polishing with a wide variety of tools. His technique is considered the highest in the industry, and results in a true radiance which can only be achieved by craftsman with total knowledge of technique and materials. 
Barrel

Both Technique and Material

Prominent edge frame
Prominent edge frame
Yoichi uses Kaneko's original material, "Kishu Bichotan Blended Acetate." High polishing technique and the blackness of Kishu Bicho charcoal impart an elegant, dignified air and a prominent presence. 

Y-25
Y-25
Y-27
Y-27
Y-31
Y-31