Anon Sunglasses: Made in Japan
The Japanese Craftsmanship Tradition
Innovation, style, and quality have become the central heart of creating premium sunglasses, particularly notable in the Fukui region of Japan.
Fukui, Japan, introduced eyewear manufacturing in 1905 and is primarily known for their hands-on approach to creating high-quality eyewear from start to finish. Both stylish and functional, each frame crafted maintains a precise level of detail and a keen eye for design, durability, and makeup.
Japan's forward-thinking and cutting-edge tactics for eyewear production helped generate the Anon sunglass line, featuring five unique models perfectly tailored for the outdoor enthusiast. This collection is designed for those in-between moments on the mountain. When the goggles come off, the sunglasses come on. Whether skinning a new track, hanging out for a post-ski aprés, or exploring the local mountain trails for a run or hike, you have sunglasses suited for the adventure.
Today, Anon sunglasses are designed and handmade in partnership with Nakanishi Optical Products Corporation, Anon's sunglass manufacturer based in Japan, who share the same values and present an impeccable process for creating sunglasses.
Below, you'll see just what it takes to create a high-quality frame at Nakanishi from start to finish.
Manufacturing Sunglasses From Start To Finish
Nakanishi Optical Products Corporation approaches each project with every bit of detail incorporated.
This process includes:
- Design + Approach
- Prototyping Sunglasses
- Manufacturing Components
- Hands-On Assembly
- Final Product
From the initial design process to engineering and crafting each frame, there are nearly 300 steps involved in creating one single sunglass, some of which we'll get more into below.
The Design Process
The creation process starts with the initial intent and design concept, which takes several rounds, including multiple design iterations. Consider this the brainstorming phase, where designs are brought to life through human-powered drawings and ideas. After narrowing down the options and dialing in the details, the plan for each frame begins to take shape, leading to a 2D illustration featuring a complete sunglass, often referred to as a technical drawing, highlighting each frame component (images below).
Anon's vision helped to inspire final designs featuring stylish sunglasses that maintain functionality for whatever condition may come while on the mountain. These ideas take shape across the line, like the use of sleek side shields to eliminate peripheral wind on the Strategist Frame, the ability to switch between a bright and low-light lens on the Winderness, along with the use of metals like stainless steel and titanium components for enhanced durability.
Once the final concept has been approved, it's time to move on to the next round, prototyping.
Prototyping Sunglasses
At this point, there is a complete vision for the sunglass, and it's time to bring that vision to life in a tangible form. After a design concept is reviewed and approved, the prototyping begins.
Final 2D drawings will be transitioned to a 3D printer through specialized software, which converts the 2D illustration into an enhanced 3D print. This is called the die-making and mold process, creating a mock of the sunglass frame. When the 3D mold is created, it is moved to a press machine, which accurately represents the sunglass in a block form. This must then be cut and shaped accordingly, which takes ample time, precision, and accuracy.
This is essentially the first creation of the "mock," forming various parts that lead to the makeup of a sunglass, all inspired by the technical drawings. This portion of the process also considers materials and what the frame's ingredients comprise. Once approved, the sunglass will move to the next step in the process, which leads to manufacturing and assembly.
Below are technical drawings and initial prototype samples of the Winderness and Promoter frame.
Below, you'll see a photo (left) of the Advocate sunglass, plus the temple arms for the Opportunist and Promoter. The photo to the right highlights stainless steel hinges, and the Strategist's beta-titanium temple arms, designed to be malleable, for a secure and comfortable fit.
Hands-On Assembly
It's now time for the hands-on experience, leading to the completion of a sunglass. This process contains multiple steps, with fine-tuned instructions for each frame.
Different stages are involved in the final assembly, which comes down to the materials used to make the sunglass - metal or acetate.
For acetate frames, rough machining is done in the early stages - primarily in the prototyping phase to complete the 3D mock. With acetate frames, filing takes place, which is completed by a highly skilled craftsman, carefully filed to the exact shape, delivering the final style of the sunglass.
Temple arms, which hold the sunglass together, are then completed with a machine that works through the temple core (consisting of metals) to join the parts of the sunglass together. This core is what strengthens the temple of the sunglass shape and frame. Lastly, they are placed in a barrel with abrasives - like walnut chips to smooth and polish the structure while rotating - which can take up to a few days to polish the frames. This tumbling process creates a beautiful surface finish. Whether the frame is a gloss or matte style, the perfect look is achieved at the end of the process.
For metal components, parts like stainless steel hinges, titanium arms, or brow bars are trimmed and cut, then applied by screws or embedded into the frame. They are then polished with a high-speed buffer, cleaned, and smoothed. Exposed metal components on the frame are either titanium or stainless steel to maintain durability and a hypoallergenic status.
From here, polishing will give that sheer, beautiful look of a durable acetate sunglass. Both the Opportunist and Promoter are acetate frames. The images below feature the Advocate sunglass, highlighting the hinge components and polished frame.
Below, are the Opportunist frames in their finished, polished look. These frames host an acetate temple and frame, with stainless steel hinges in a classic shape, perfectly fit for everyone.
Final Touches
Regardless of the frame's material, all sunglasses will undergo a final assembly, inspection, and quality check to finalize the sunglass. Quality inspections include a strength and durability test, which is repeated multiple times to ensure the sunglass passes the test before moving forward. They are also checked for quality and style to ensure the sunglass is in perfect shape. This is the last step in the process for Nakanishi's sunglass creation.
What to expect from an Anon Sunglass?
The Anon Sunglass Collection offers five unique styles, all perfectly tailored and designed with the Anon customer in mind. Each frame has been made through the intricacies of Japan's artisanal background featuring premium materials, including stainless steel and titanium metal components. These sunglasses also have Perceive Polarized lens technology, amplifying real-world color to create impeccable clarity for any adventure.
Check out Anon's small-batch, handcrafted sunglass collection. Your perfect sunglass awaits.