In 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War, Fukui saw the arrival of Yoneda Yohachi, an eyeglass craftsman from Osaka, invited by Gozaemon Masunaga. Yoneda passed on the art of eyewear making to the youth of Sabae. The passionate young craftsmen, eager to master the skills, also received guidance from another master, Matsutaro Toyoshima from Tokyo, who was invited the following year. Through their dedication and mutual improvement, the region grew significantly.
History
The heritage of eyewear craftsmanship
As a Winter OccupationDuring the winter months, eyewear production became a livelihood for the people of Sabae. In the harsh environment of winters buried in snow, traditional handcrafts like Echizen washi paper and Echizen lacquerware had long thrived.
Even during the severe winter, the people of Sabae wasted no time, using it productively with diligence and perseverance in their crafts. Their passion for achieving a richer life laid the foundation for eyewear manufacturing in this region. These various factors came together, allowing the eyewear industry to take deep root in this area.
During wartime Japan, material shortages caused many industries to halt, and in some regions, the transmission of traditional skills was interrupted. However, Sabae, driven by the demand for eyeglasses for soldiers, maintained its craft.
After the end of the war, the vast land that had been home to the 36th Infantry Regiment in the center of Sabae was sold to the private sector. This area was soon transformed into a hub for eyewear factories. The concentration of these factories is considered one of the reasons Sabae became known as a successful example of a regional industrial cluster in Japan. The concentration of industries facilitated the sharing of techniques and know-how, laying the foundation for the eyewear industry’s rapid development throughout the region.
Expansion
Towards becoming a major hub of the eyewear industry
Establishing Sabae’s Unique StrengthsThe primary factor behind the development of eyewear craftsmanship in Sabae lies in the intense passion of its craftsmen. They brought together all relevant technologies related to eyewear in Sabae, actively engaging in the research and development of materials and machinery, as well as refining manufacturing processes. Companies competed by sharing knowledge and gaining experience, allowing each to establish its own unique strengths. This passion and dedication became the driving force that transformed Sabae into a major hub of the eyewear industry.
Sabae’s eyewear is known for its lightweight design, aesthetic excellence, and easy fit for individual faces. The frames are crafted to be both flexible and highly durable, ensuring they can be easily adjusted by fitters. With a shared passion and sense of mission embodied in the belief that "Because it's something you wear every day, it should offer the best comfort," the craftsmen consistently continue to produce high-quality frames.
Sabae
A single large eyewear factory
Sabae city collaborates as a whole communityCurrently, 96% of the eyeglass frames produced in Japan are made in Sabae City. Specialized businesses enhance their skills by dividing tasks for each component, with more than 170 companies involved in eyewear-related operations. This entire region functions as if it were a single, massive factory.
The world’s highest-quality eyewear, produced in Sabae, extends far beyond Japan, reaching markets around the globe. Furthermore, the development of new materials and advanced processing techniques has expanded Sabae’s influence beyond eyewear, making an impact in fields such as medical devices and precision instruments.
Orient
Tradition and Innovation
Connecting Sabae's Craftsmanship,The founder, Yoshihiko Umeda, was involved in eyewear frame production before the war. After the war, he became independent and began manufacturing frame components. Following his return from military service, he established "Umeda Shoten" and fully committed to producing eyewear frames. He packed the completed frames into a backpack and began selling them to optical shops along the Sea of Japan route, from Sabae to Hokkaido. This initiative marked the origin of a rare wholesaler in Sabae, where original frames were traditionally the mainstream.
The company later changed its name to "Orient Glasses Shokai," and on August 6, 1968, it was re-established as the current "Orient Optical Co., Ltd." In 2024, Orient Glasses celebrated its 77th anniversary. From Sabae, we will continue to deliver reliable, high-quality eyewear that you can trust.