YUICHI TOYAMA:5 DIABLO / BEACON|DIABLO着用LOOK

Limited Restock | YUICHI TOYAMA:5: The Appeal of the Consistently Popular “BEACON” and “DIABLO” Models

A bold, distinctive outline that makes an impression at first glance. Look closer, and you’ll see delicate metal lines layered within.

The highly popular “BEACON” and “DIABLO” from YUICHI TOYAMA:5 are back in stock in limited quantities.

The soft, polygonal BEACON and the bold, classic Wellington DIABLO. Though they share the same craftsmanship, each creates a different look when worn.

Why have these two models remained popular for so long? We take another look at their appeal, from the brand’s background to the details that are best captured in photographs.

◎What is YUICHI TOYAMA:5? Eyewear crafted by Yuichi Toyama and five craftsmen in Sabae

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 is a prestige line created through the collaboration between designer Yuichi Toyama and five craftsmen in Sabae, Fukui. It launched in the spring/summer 2021 collection.

The “5” represents the five craftsmen responsible for prototyping, parts, molds, painting, and finishing.

Each craftsman uses their expertise to bring Mr. Toyama’s vision to life. To achieve this, not only the outlines of the frames but even small parts such as screws are designed in-house.

Five Craftsmen, Five Areas of Expertise

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Prototyping Process

01 / CRAFTSMANSHIP

Prototyping | Bringing Drawings to Life in Three Dimensions

Turning Mr. Toyama’s vision into a tangible form. Prototypes are used to test the thickness of the lines, the curves, and the balance when worn.

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Molding Process

02 / CRAFTSMANSHIP

Molding | Giving Form to Precision

Custom molds reproduce the shapes finalized during prototyping. They ensure the precision of the outlines from angles that are invisible in the finished product.

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Parts Process

03 / CRAFTSMANSHIP

Parts | Custom-Designed Even for the Smallest Details

Small parts such as screws and hinges also affect comfort. The necessary shape and function are built in from the ground up.

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Painting Process

04 / CRAFTSMANSHIP

Painting | Refining the Look with Color

Colors and finishes bring out the character of the materials. Fine lines and surfaces are meticulously worked to refine the overall impression of the frame.

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Finishing Process

05 / CRAFTSMANSHIP

Finishing | Creating a Single Pair of Eyewear

The parts created in each process are assembled, polished, and adjusted. The final precision and the texture when held are carefully checked by hand.

YUICHI TOYAMA. Has Two Fives

The Five of Design: Mr. Toyama’s daily routine of looking, thinking, drawing, making, and breaking.

The Five of :5 Craftsmanship: The five areas of expertise of the craftsmen: prototyping, parts, molds, painting, and finishing.

01
LOOKLOOK
02
THINKTHINK
03
DRAWDRAW
04
MAKEMAKE
05
BREAKBREAK

YUICHI TOYAMA. values the fusion of traditional techniques and innovative design. Above all, it aims to bring out the wearer’s individuality.

The “:5” collection takes this philosophy even further, exploring the thickness of materials, the continuity of surfaces, and the precision of parts. These glasses offer new discoveries not only from the front but also from the side and when held in the hand.

For more details about the brand’s history, the five craftsmen, and the custom parts, please see this article.

▶︎ A Complete Guide to YUICHI TOYAMA:5 | The Ultimate Eyewear Created by Five Craftsmen and Custom Parts

◎Announced in Fall/Winter 2021, Two Models Continue to Gain Support Through Repeated Production

BEACON and DIABLO were announced in Fall/Winter 2021 as the second collection of YUICHI TOYAMA:5.

The response was strong from the initial launch, and it was reported that the Black / Gold versions of both models sold out early in the spring of 2022. Since then, they have been repeatedly reproduced and restocked, becoming enduring favorites within the brand.

BEACON col.01 Black / Gold
BEACON col.01. A delicate outline created by the substantial acetate and the metal visible from within.

Their popularity lies in their striking design and their balance, which makes them easy to incorporate into everyday life.

Despite their thick frames, the surfaces flow smoothly together through cutting and polishing, while the thin metal lines give the overall design a refined finish. A sense of modern precision is evident within their substantial, vintage-inspired presence.

◎BEACON | Angular Yet Soft: An Exquisite Outline

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 BEACON Look

A Hexagon Designed for Natural Comfort

The defining feature of BEACON is its hexagon shape based on a six-sided design.

The outline features softened corners at the outer edges and rounded lines. It retains the distinctive character of a polygon while being shaped to avoid an overly bold look.

BEACON col.02 Black Clear / White gold
BEACON col.02. A soft hexagon where corners and curves coexist.

Round glasses can feel a little too soft. Square glasses can feel a little too severe.

For those seeking something different, this outline offers a striking look around the eyes while retaining a gentle atmosphere.

Cutting That Transforms Thickness into Light and Shadow

Looking closely at the area around the lenses reveals three-dimensional surfaces that recede from the surface inward.

This is a finish known as a “television cut.” By angling the thick acetate, surfaces that catch the light and areas that fall into shadow are created, giving the outline depth.

Close-up of BEACON’s television cut and inner metal

The smoothly polished acetate surfaces overlap with the inner metal rims that line the inside.

Three Elements That Create Depth

01
Acetate
Gloss and roundness
02
Cutting
Light and shadow
03
Inner Metal
A delicate shine

The gloss of the acetate, the shadows of the cut surfaces, and the delicate shine of the metal. By bringing these different textures together in a single outline, BEACON achieves its distinctive look.

Even when paired with simple clothing, it provides a striking focal point around the eyes. The closer you look, the more its exceptional craftsmanship becomes apparent, which is another reason people are drawn to this model.

Discovering BEACON Through Its Different Colors

BEACON col.01

col.01 | Black / Gold

Glossy black is paired with a gold inner rim in this colorway. While clearly defining the outline, the inner shine adds a touch of elegance. Ideal for those who want to fully appreciate the sculptural form of BEACON.

▶︎ View BEACON col.01

BEACON col.02

col.02 | Black Clear / White Gold

Black and clear layers are paired with white gold metal. The refined black frame maintains a sharp look, while the transparency reveals more depth. A must-see for those who enjoy exploring the interplay of materials.

▶︎ View BEACON col.02

BEACON col.03

col.03 | Demi / Silver

Deep demi-pattern acetate is paired with sleek silver. The warmth of the brown tones is balanced by the sharpness of the metal, creating a refined look. This colorway pairs beautifully with soft textures such as knitwear and wool.

▶︎ View BEACON col.03

◎DIABLO | Refining the Bold Wellington with Curves and Depth

YUICHI TOYAMA:5 DIABLO Look

A Striking Front That Defines the Eyes

DIABLO features a substantial Wellington shape.

The outer ends of the front, known as the “temple tips,” are particularly noteworthy. They are given a substantial presence while flowing smoothly into the bridge at the center.

DIABLO col.01 Black / Gold
DIABLO col.01. A bold front with gold visible from within.

For those who want a substantial black frame, this outline is particularly appealing.

Paired with a T-shirt or shirt, the glasses become the focal point of the outfit. Paired with a jacket, they add a substantial presence around the face. They create a clear impression around the eyes as part of any everyday look.

A Form Created from 10mm Material, Revealed from an Angle

DIABLO is crafted by cutting 10mm-thick acetate and polishing it by hand.

Its appeal is best seen from an angle. The thickness of the front, the cutting around the lenses, and the placement of the metal visible from within all come into view.

DIABLO col.01 Viewed from an Angle
Viewed from an angle, the three-dimensional construction from the front to the temples becomes apparent.

The thin gold visible inside the black surface makes the outline of the lenses stand out even more. Combined with the shadows of the television cut, it offers a different look from the front.

Strong yet delicate in detail, this balance makes DIABLO a truly memorable pair of glasses.

Temples That Refine the Profile

DIABLO col.02 Side View
The profile of DIABLO col.02. The thickness of the front and the lines of the temples leading toward the ears.

Viewed from the side, the temples can be seen narrowing toward the ears.

Both BEACON and DIABLO feature a design that reduces the thickness of the parts touching the face, with slim temples and rounded edges where they rest on the ears. This considers both a substantial appearance and an easy fit.

These two appealing models are ideal for those who enjoy choosing glasses that look good not only from the front but also from the side.

Comparing the Two Blacks of DIABLO

DIABLO col.01

col.01 | Black / Gold

Glossy black and gold enhance the substantial presence of DIABLO. The striking black frame is complemented by the elegant shine of the metal visible from within.

▶︎ View DIABLO col.01

DIABLO col.02

col.02 | Black Clear / White Gold

This colorway layers the sharp look of black with the transparency of clear acetate. The white gold inner rim stands out delicately, adding a light impression to the substantial design.

Even though both are DIABLO, the different layers of color create a different look. Those drawn to the combination of a bold outline and transparency will love this one.

▶︎ View DIABLO col.02

◎BEACON or DIABLO? The Impression They Create Around the Eyes

When choosing, first look at the outline of the front.

BEACON Comparison

HEXAGON / Individuality and Softness

For individuality and softness, choose BEACON.
The softened hexagon creates a subtle change around the eyes. It is also recommended for those who want to slightly change their usual look.

DIABLO Comparison

WELLINGTON / Strength and Refinement

For strength and refinement, choose DIABLO.
It features a clear Wellington outline and substantial temple tips. This is a model you should try if you want your glasses to become the focal point of your outfit.

Both models share a meticulous construction that reveals itself every time you pick them up and change the angle. They offer the joy of choosing a pair you can enjoy for years to come.

This restock is in limited quantities. If you have been interested, please view the photographs on each product page.


YUICHI TOYAMA:5 COLLECTION

Eyewear that pursues form and comfort down to the last detail.

Discover the YUICHI TOYAMA:5 lineup available at DOWNTOWN, including BEACON and DIABLO.

▶︎ View All YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Products

Please check each product page for the latest information on stock availability, pre-orders, and shipping.