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Pioneering the future through innovation and tradition.

Pioneering the future through innovation and tradition.

Kaneko Optical has always pursued innovation. We trace our roots to the outstanding skill and uncompromising artisanship long cultivated in Sabae. Our own factory, BACKSTAGE, was built to further pursue that eyeglass manufacturing heritage. Our system, in which all processes are integrated and performed in-house, rather than through the conventional division of labor system, enables us not only to thoroughly enhance design, function, and fashion, but also to keep introducing new technology and designs. Innovation results from refining tradition. The KANEKO OPTICAL Series was created from that insatiable drive.
Kaneko Optical has always pursued innovation. We trace our roots to the outstanding skill and uncompromising artisanship long cultivated in Sabae. Our own factory, BACKSTAGE, was built to further pursue that eyeglass manufacturing heritage. Our system, in which all processes are integrated and performed in-house, rather than through the conventional division of labor system, enables us not only to thoroughly enhance design, function, and fashion, but also to keep introducing new technology and designs. Innovation results from refining tradition. The KANEKO OPTICAL Series was created from that insatiable drive.

KANEKO CELLULOID

KC SERIES
KANEKO CELLULOID

The Expressiveness of Black.

 

"KC Series" is an abbreviation for KANEKO CELLULOID. Different from the acetate materials in use by virtually all other manufacturers, our celluloid material requires very high technical skill to handle, and a large number of manufacturing steps. Its great appeal, unavailable with other materials, comes from its distinctive feel and texture on the skin, and its deep color and luster, which changes over time. 

The process of "laying down" and "polishing" is performed to bring out its true value. Celluloid is reborn as a hard and durable material by drying it for a long time and letting it lie down. After that, in buffing, which is an important process that occupies two-thirds of the total, various types of buffs are used properly for each part and process, and by repeating hand polishing, a deep luster is created.

Beyond Time

The KC series includes models incorporating traditional Sabae methods, such as "no-core" manufacturing, in which no reinforcing metal core is embedded in the temples, or the use of rugged 5-tenon hinges. Other models, while still using celluloid, employ standard manufacturing methods (with cores). The KC series offers a wide lineup, using optimal manufacturing methods without compromising design or fashion impact. 

5-tenon hinges
fastened by traditional riveting 
are rugged for the long haul.
The ”no-core" manufacturing method highlights the beauty of the material.
 This detail highlights a method that predates metal core insertion techniques. 

There are no shortcuts.

Everything we do takes time - from the demanding techniques for polishing celluloid to the fine details of design. Eyewear constantly contacts the wearer's skin. We take that to heart, so we don't mind spending the time required to be thorough. The people of KANEKO OPTICAL don't just make glasses to sell - we sincerely consider how our eyewear adds to the lives of our customers after leaving our hands. 

A rivet pierces a hinge and is hammered in and fastened.
Traditional riveting
48 hours and 3 stages of barrel polishing produce a natural rounding and bring out the inherent beauty of the material.
Adjustments for daily changes in temperature and humidity are important.

KANEKO CELLULOID

KC SERIES
  • KC-70
    KC-70
  • KC-18
    KC-18
  • KC-35
    KC-35

KANEKO VINTAGE

KV SERIES
KANEKO VINTAGE

Our version of
Vintage.

The "KV (KANEKO OPTICAL VINTAGE) SERIES" proposes a new vintage style that combines classical details found in Boston and Wellington frames with a modern esthetic. Transcending the age, this eyewear will live on with unfading appeal. That's KANEKO OPTICAL VINTAGE.

  • Classic milk-white nose pads.
  • Ornamentation on the rim and bridge animate a modern image.

Strength hidden in the delicate.

Titanium is used for the front, and β-titanium for the temples. Compared to nickel alloy, β-titanium's lower specific gravity and stronger spring force make it less fatiguing and more comfortable to wear. Risk of breakage is also reduced.
  • Titanium - light weight with excellent rigidity
  • High spring force β-titanium.
 

Perfect timing.

In the KV series, we offer a large number of combination plastic and metal frames. Metal and acetate parts are normally made in separate factories, so slight mismatches can occur when the parts are assembled, but KANEKO OPTICAL produces all parts in-house, which promotes close cooperation between craftsmen to create combination frames with exceptional precision.

KANEKO VINTAGE

KV SERIES
  • KV-109
    KV-109
  • KV-66
    KV-66
  • KV-78L
    KV-78L

Superb 
artisanal eyeglass manufacturing.

KANEKO OPTICAL offers several collections in addition to the KC series and KV series. Each one reflects the technique and passion for perfect eyewear inherited from Sabae's tradition of dedicated craftsmanship.

Challenging what's possible.
Quality from our integrated production and sales system.

"BACKSTAGE" is where we integrate the entire process, from product planning to design to plastic frame manufacturing, while "GLASSWORKS" specializes in metal frame manufacturing.
"BASEMENT" uses cutting-edge robot and other technologies for such tasks as polishing and shape cutting.
This trinity of three factories and our ability to connect to customers through sales enable us to deliver Kaneko's reliable quality at the optimal timing. 
It also leads us to the challenge of discovering new possibilities for craftsmanship.

The fun of choosing. The joy of wearing.