Masunaga Eyewear Singapore - Japanese Craftsmanship Since 1905
Masunaga is a Japanese eyewear maker founded in 1905 and widely regarded as the original pioneer of optical-frame production in Fukui, Japan. At EMME Visioncare, our optometrists help you select and professionally fit premium Japanese frames so that a century of craftsmanship sits comfortably and corrects your vision precisely.
Why Fukui is the heart of Japanese eyewear
Fukui is one of the world's three largest production regions for optical frames, alongside China and Italy, and around 97% of all Japanese-made frames are crafted there. Masunaga started it all: in 1905, founder Gozaemon Masunaga brought skilled craftsmen from Osaka and Tokyo to establish the optical industry in Fukui. The earliest Fukui-made eyeglasses were dismissed as third-rate, but Gozaemon's guild-like training system raised standards and seeded the workshops that made the region the global benchmark it is today.
A heritage recognised by the Imperial Court
Masunaga's pedigree is rare even among luxury eyewear. In 1933, Gozaemon Masunaga presented three solid-gold frames to the Emperor of Japan — an honour that inspired the brand's enduring GMS (Gozaemon Masunaga Spectacle) series. In 1970, the brand's "Custom 72" frame was sealed into the time capsule at the Osaka World's Fair, and the modern MASUNAGA Collection pays tribute to its timeless design. The brand has also collaborated with celebrated designer Kenzo Takada on the "MASUNAGA designed by Kenzo Takada" line, known for its delicate 1920s-inspired engraving.
What goes into a Masunaga frame
Each Masunaga frame can take up to 200 manual steps to complete, and the brand refuses to rush any of them. Masunaga is the only company in Japan running a fully integrated production system — from raw materials through to production and finish — all in-house. Moulds for new models are built internally, so comfort and fit are engineered at the source rather than corrected after the fact. Signature details include beautifully hand-polished Japanese acetate, high-grade pure titanium, durable seven-barrel hinges and distinctive silver rivets.
Masunaga's timeless mission
The company's founding mission has stayed unchanged for over a century: to manufacture excellent eyeglasses, take a profit where possible but never hesitate to take a loss in pursuit of quality. That philosophy is exactly why Masunaga rewards a proper professional fitting — the engineering only delivers its full comfort and longevity when the frame is correctly sized and aligned to your face.
Choosing and fitting Masunaga at EMME Visioncare
A premium Japanese frame deserves a premium lens and a precise fit. Our optometrists take the time to balance frame weight, bridge fit and temple length against your prescription, then pair your chosen frame with the right prescription lens options for clarity and all-day comfort. Masunaga sits within our wider designer eyewear collection, so you can compare it against other independent luxury houses such as LINDBERG and DITA in one styling consultation.
Available at both EMME Visioncare branches: The Cathay (beside Dhoby Ghaut MRT) and Jelita Mall (Holland Road).
Frequently asked questions about Masunaga eyewear
What makes Masunaga eyewear worth the price?
Masunaga frames are made through a fully integrated, in-house Japanese production process of up to 200 manual steps, using hand-polished acetate and high-grade pure titanium. That craftsmanship delivers exceptional durability, comfort and finish that mass-produced frames cannot match.
Can Masunaga frames take my prescription lenses?
Yes. Almost all Masunaga optical frames can be glazed with prescription lenses. Our optometrists will recommend suitable lens options to match your prescription and how you use your glasses day to day.