from SABAE to the WORLD | KANEKO OPTICAL

SABAE Flagship Store OPENS JULY 31, 2026

fromSABAE totheWORLD

KANEKO OPTICAL

I

ORIGIN
II

HERITAGE
III

EVOLUTION
IV

PRESENCE
V

REORIGIN

ORIGIN

The Crafts of Sabae,
Woven into One.

Sabae, one of the world’s foremost centers of eyewear,
accounts for over ninety percent of Japan’s eyeglasses.
Its legacy dates back to the late Meiji era,
when farming families crafted eyewear during the quiet winter months,
gradually evolving into a tradition of exceptional skill and precision.

Rooted in this fertile tradition, Kaneko Optical holds every stage close at heart
—from material selection and design to manufacturing,
fine finishing, and retail— all under its own roof.
With a clear vision of true quality, the brand transforms philosophy into form.

It is the enduring expression of faith in Sabae’s craftsmanship,
defining the spirit of Kaneko Optical.

HERITAGE

泰八郎謹製 TAIHACHIRO - KINSEI

井戸多美男作 IDO TAMIO - SAKU

Hands of Craft, Passed Down.

For generations, eyewear artisans have devoted themselves in quiet dedication to their craft.

In honoring these unsung makers,
Kaneko Optical found its inspiration—pioneering the world’s first artisan series,
in which each piece bears the name of its creator.
And from this vision emerged TAIHACHIRO-KINSEI and other craftsman series.

Today, as small workshops fade and successors grow scarce, the task of preserving these skills
and carrying their spirit forward has become a vital mission of Kaneko Optical.

恒眸作 KOH BOH - SAKU

小竹長兵衛作 KOTAKE CHOBEI - SAKU

YOICHI

EVOLUTION

Three Houses, One Vision: Kaneko Optical's Integrated Craftsmanship

Blending artisan craftsmanship with advanced technology,
the making of Kaneko Optical continues to evolve.

BACKSTAGE oversees every stage of plastic frame production,
from material selection to processing and finishing.

GLASSWORKS specializes in metal frames,
whose intricate production requires exceptional technical skill.

BASEMENT boldly incorporates advanced robotics,
opening new possibilities for eyewear making.

By bringing its three production bases together in Sabae,
Kaneko Optical weaves every element into one—under a single roof—
where materials, techniques, and craftsmanship are held in quiet harmony.

BACKSTAGE2009
GLASSWORKS2016
BASEMENT2019

PRESENCE

TAIPEI SINGAPORE BEIJING HONG KONG SHANGHAI PARIS

Sabae Quality,
Carried to the World.

Kaneko Optical operates its own stores across Japan,
each one rooted in its community,
continuing a legacy of trusted quality
that has defined the brand for decades.

In recent years,
the brand has extended its presence beyond Japan,
opening stores in key international cities
such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Paris, and Singapore
—sharing the beauty of Japanese eyewear craftsmanship with the world.

Techniques refined in Sabae,
and a quality made with quiet honesty to last.
Staying true to its origins,
Kaneko Optical steadily weaving its ties with the world.

Shop List

from SABAE
to the WORLD

REORIGIN

SABAE Flagship Store
OPENS JULY 31, 2026

A Place
Where Origins Come to Life Sabae Flagship Store OPENS JULY 31, 2026

As the brand continues its journey across the world,
Kaneko Optical returns once more to Sabae—establishing a new focal point at its origin.

The purpose is not to revisit the past, but to bring its founding spirit to new heights.
Here in Sabae,
one of the world’s foremost centers of eyewear, the craftsmanship and artisan culture
that have been carried forward will continue into the future.

The new flagship store was born from this unwavering determination.
It is a space that is unlike any before.
It connects the place of making with those who wear it.
The Sabae Flagship Store stands as a new origin for Kaneko Optical
—expressing its philosophy and defining where it stands today.

A Place
Where Craft and IdeasCome Alive

Located at the birthplace of Kaneko Optical-
The premier flagship store in Sabae harmoniously blends tradition
and contemporary style within a spacious and inviting setting.
More than a retail space, it serves as an inspiring hub
where visitors can experience the brand's philosophy and expertise.
Designed as a destination for eyewear enthusiasts
from around the world,
this unique space fully embodies the essence of Kaneko Optical.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you.

Sabae Flagship Store

2-31-11 Mizuochi-cho, Sabae City,
Fukui Prefecture, Japan 916-0022
Google Maps

Business hours　10:00-19:00

Concept Space

in SABAE Flagship Store

To Touch the Heart of Making

THE EYE is a space within the Sabae Flagship Store,
created to feel, in person, the essence of Kaneko Optical’s craftsmanship.

Through an immersive experience, it gives form to the philosophy, aesthetic sensibility,
and values shaped by Sabae’s enduring culture of eyewear making.

"Why does this pair exist in this particular form?"
Here, the answer is not explained, but quietly felt.
As each piece rests in your hands, a quiet connection unfolds
—deepening gently, becoming ever more personal.

BRANDS

Since its debut in 1997, the brand has continued to pursue “real‑mode eyewear”—designs rooted in a contemporary sensibility.
Through a sophisticated interplay of color, sculptural forms, and dimensional designs that reveal the character of each material, it expresses a distinctive presence—where delicacy and strength exist in quiet balance.
Supported by the refined craftsmanship of Sabae, each piece is created to awaken the senses.
KANEKO OPTICAL JAPAN presents refined craftsmanship to the world, expressed through bold detailing and a rich use of color.
By seamlessly blending traditions passed down through generations of artisans with advanced technology, the brand pursues an evolving form of craftsmanship—expanding the possibilities of eyewear beyond borders and cultures.
Founded in 1958, Kaneko Optical continues to carry forward time-honored techniques through eyewear meticulously crafted by artisans in its own ateliers.
Guided by the philosophy of Fueki-Ryūkō—the unchanging within the ever-changing—the brand builds upon over a century of craftsmanship nurtured in Sabae, one of the world’s foremost centers of eyewear.
With an uncompromising attention to detail, each pair is carefully brought to life, one piece at a time.
A craftsman series created to illuminate the techniques and aesthetic sensibilities cultivated by the artisans of Sabae, each collection bearing the name of its maker.
Reflecting the individual philosophy and craftsmanship of each artisan, the series pursues a distinctive texture and presence—one that can only be achieved through traditional materials and the touch of the human hand.
An eyewear project by ISSEY MIYAKE, launched in 2015.
Guided by three defining principles—creating eyewear rooted in everyday life; pursuing exceptional quality in materials, structure, and detail; and shaping pieces to be used and cherished over time—the project reflects a quiet clarity of purpose.
Such aspirations call for true craftsmanship and experience.
Through the collaboration between Kaneko Optical and Miyake Design Studio, a new expression of eyewear emerges— guided by Yō no Bi, "the beauty found in utility".