Brand
Connecting the history of eyeglass-crafting to the future
FACTORY900
- 1937
- Sabae glasses
- Takashi Aoyama
History
Our quest to make eyeglasses has continued for more than 100 years.
FACTORY900 is an in-house eyewear brand from Aoyama Optical, which was founded in Fukui Prefecture in 1937.
The history of Aoyama Optical goes back more than 100 years to the work of the founder's father, Hikozaemon Aoyama, who strove to become an eyeglass craftsman.
Initially, Hikozaemon worked at the post office, and would invite opticians from Tokyo to learn their skills.
He also taught a number of apprentices, but unfortunately, he had to stop production after four years.
Around 30 years later, his son, Katsuhiko Aoyama, trained in eyeglass manufacturing and founded the Fukui Cooperative Eyeglasses Factory. After a series of name changes, the company finally ended up as Aoyama Optical.
FACTORY900 is a brand launched in 2000 in pursuit of innovation and creativity, and aims to connect the sound techniques of the past to the future.
Characteristic
Trusted technique meets innovative design
Most of FACTORY900's eyeglasses are manufactured at our own factory, including the planning and design phases.
There are two methods of making plastic eyeglasses: one is to pour plastic into a mold, and the other is to carefully bend and cut acetate sheet material.
The former method has the advantage of mass production, however, our brand uses the latter, which demands the full skill of our trained craftspeople, who painstakingly make each pair of glasses one by one.
The intricate and bold frames produced are both stylish and functional, earning them a fanbase in both Japan and abroad.
This comes from the technical skills that we have nurtured since before our company was even founded, as well as our ambitious spirit that does not flinch at any challenge.
By consistently manufacturing our own products instead of entrusting them to other companies, we are also able to ensure comprehensive after-sales support.
For Customers
Creative eyewear created at a local factory
FACTORY900 is a brand established more than 20 years ago from the ambitious desire for “more new things.”
FACTORY900 is named after the number 900, our member number of the Eyeglass Industry Association, and is based on the tried-and-trusted techniques of small-town factories.
In our mission to make even more beautiful eyeglasses, we have asked ourselves time and time again basic yet earnest questions like “what really are glasses?” “what is design?” and “what is beauty?” Our entire production process is in-house, ensuring full control over every detail.
We believe that this approach will keep us at the forefront of innovation.
Experience the future of eyeglasses with our stylish and functional FACTORY900 range.
Award
2002 Eyewear of the Year, Trend category (Tokyo International Exhibition)
2003 Eyewear of the Year, Men's Category (Tokyo International Trade Fair)
2004 Eyewear of the Year Grand Prix in Women's Category (Tokyo International Exhibition)
2008 Governor's Prize, Fukui Prefectural Art Exhibition (Fukui Prefecture)
2012 V Award Silver Prize (Hong Kong International Exhibition)
2013 Silmo d'Or, Sunglasses category (Paris International Exhibition)
Nominated for Silmo d'Or 2014 in the frame category (Paris International Exhibition)
V Award Silver Prize (Hong Kong International Exhibition)
2015 Silmodore Special Jury Prize (Paris International Exhibition)
Winner of the FUTURISTIC DESIGN category of the 2016 A' DESIGN AWARD (A' DESIGN AWARD) Italy
German Design Award Special Mention (GERMAN DESIGN AWARD) Germany