What Is YUICHI TOYAMA:5? The Ultimate Eyewear Created by Five Artisans and Original Parts

How precisely and beautifully can glasses be made?YUICHI TOYAMA:5 is YUICHI TOYAMA.'s prestige line, where designers and Sabae artisans directly address that question. At first glance, the frames appear neat and understated. But look closer, and you'll find that even the normally inconspicuous details—custom screws, hinges, sculptural rims, and layered materials—have been uniquely designed. Rather than adding visual opulence, the brand refines structure and comfort, with elegance emerging as a result. This is the essence of YUICHI TOYAMA:5. In this article, we'll explore the philosophy of the parent brand, YUICHI TOYAMA., the five artisans represented by the "5" in the brand name, original parts, signature models, and how to choose, all accompanied by photos. Key points first: YUICHI TOYAMA:5 is a high-end line created by designer Yuichi Toyama and five Sabae artisans responsible for prototyping, parts, molds, painting, and finishing. Every small component of the frames is developed in-house, combining modern design with the refinement of a durable tool. ◎First, meet the brand YUICHI TOYAMA. Designer Yuichi Toyama joined a Fukui eyewear manufacturer in 1993. He went independent in 2004 and launched his own brand, "USH," in 2009. In the spring/summer 2017 season, the brand was renamed "YUICHI TOYAMA." to bear his name. The brand's concept is "Neutral." It avoids leaning too heavily on trends or the times, valuing unadorned designs that bring out the wearer's individuality and the inherent structural beauty of the glasses themselves. Its guiding philosophy is "Tradition & Innovation." While respecting the techniques passed down through generations in Sabae, Fukui, the brand combines modern sensibilities with new structures to present the next form of Japanese eyewear. The five daily practices that support Mr. Toyama's design work are looking, thinking, drawing, making, and breaking. It begins with observation, followed by thinking, working with one's hands, and, if necessary, breaking and rebuilding. Through this repetition, designs where lines and structure become one are born, such as "Double Dutch," reminiscent of the path of a double dutch rope. 01LOOKLOOK 02THINKTHINK 03DRAWDRAW 04MAKEMAKE 05BREAKBREAK ◎What is YUICHI TOYAMA:5? | What the "5" in the brand name represents YUICHI TOYAMA:5 is YUICHI TOYAMA.'s prestige line, launched in the spring/summer 2021 season. It was named ":5" because Mr. Toyama formed a team with five artisans from Fukui and Sabae who have supported eyewear making for many years, each responsible for one of five specialized areas. The first collection featured the octagonal TOKYO and the rounded Boston-style KYOTO. Starting with the goal of uniting beauty and practicality in a single pair of glasses, the brand began an endeavor to custom-design not only the outline of the frames but almost every component, including the screws. YUICHI TOYAMA. has "two 5s" The 5 of design: Mr. Toyama's daily routine of looking, thinking, drawing, making, and breaking. :5's 5 of craftsmanship: The five specialized areas of the artisans: prototyping, parts, molds, painting, and finishing. In other words, :5 is not simply "another line using expensive materials." It is the name of a small development team where experts in each process technically validate the designer's vision and refine it into a single tool through repeated prototyping and revisions. ◎Five artisans and five specialized areas Eyewear making is not something a single artisan completes from start to finish. Someone translates the design into a three-dimensional form, someone creates precise molds, someone makes small parts, someone adds color, and someone makes final adjustments to the precision. Only when these techniques are linked is a single frame completed. ※Public materials do not list the names or faces of the five artisans, but instead primarily introduce their specialized areas. Here, we will not attempt to identify each artisan by inference, but will introduce the five confirmed roles and photos of the actual processes. 1 | Prototyping — Translating drawings into three dimensions The prototype artisan plays a crucial role in translating Mr. Toyama's drawings and concepts into the initial three-dimensional form. Line thickness, the flow of curves, and the tilt when worn on the face cannot be determined by a flat drawing alone. The artisan cuts and assembles by hand, checks the fit, and returns it to the designer. Through this back-and-forth process, the standards for appearance and fit are established. 2 | Molds — Bridging precision and mass production To consistently reproduce the shape established during prototyping, custom molds are created. Because the molds are adjusted to account for the springback and thickness of the pressed titanium, even slight differences directly affect the three-dimensional quality of the rims and the precision of the left and right sides. The molds, which are invisible in the finished product, are the foundation that supports the form. 3 | Parts — Custom-designing even small functions Even parts just a few millimeters in size, such as screws, hinges, and bridge hardware, affect the durability and character of the frames. In :5, rather than adapting the design to ready-made parts, the parts themselves are developed based on the required function and form. The hexagonal hinge screws, which are easy to tighten with tools and resistant to damage, are a prime example. 4 | Painting and Cloisonné — Refining the depth of lines with color This process involves applying color to the grooves and surfaces of the metal and polishing it. Some models use delicate cloisonné coloring, which may appear understated from the front but reveals the structure when viewed from the side or at an angle. Color is not merely decorative; it is part of the design that makes the lines and depth of the frames easier to read. 5 | Finishing — Determining the perfection of a single pair at the final stage This final process involves assembling the parts made at various stages, polishing them, and adjusting the opening and closing tension, any differences between the left and right sides, and the fit on the nose. Even if the measurements on the drawing are correct, they may not be comfortable to wear on a person's face. In the end, the artisan's eyes and hands check everything from the feel of the edges to the movement of the hinges. DESIGNYuichi Toyama↓PROTOTYPE → MOLD → PARTS → COLOR → FINISHFive techniques are linked to create a single pair of glasses ◎Why original parts are necessary In :5 design, the brand does not follow the order of "thinking of a form within the range of available ready-made parts." First, it considers the ideal line, thickness, and fit, and if necessary, creates the parts to achieve them. This is why a consistent design intent runs through not only the front but also the sides and back. Original hinge screws that are easy to tighten with custom tools Milled acetate and inner metal structure Delicate metal rim visible through the acetate Hexagonal screws and card-shaped tool The hinges use original hexagonal screws, different from common slotted screws. This design ensures a surface that can receive the force of tools while protecting the screw head from damage. A dedicated card-shaped tool and cloth are also provided, allowing the owner to take part in daily care, reflecting the philosophy of a tool meant to be used for a long time. Quiet from the front, sculptural from the side In metal models, you can find hood-like rims and bridges that appear thin from the front but have thickness on the side. Acetate models are also characterized by a structure where the surface is boldly milled and a thin metal rim is layered inside. The thinness and volume shift depending on the viewing angle, so they do not make too much of a statement when worn, but their craftsmanship becomes apparent when held in the hand. Revealing function and transforming it into beauty Hinges, screws, and inner rims are functional components that are often hidden to avoid drawing attention. :5 does not excessively decorate them, but instead presents their precision and the texture of the materials as part of the form. This is where the YUICHI TOYAMA.-like idea that "beauty comes from correct structure" is most evident. ◎Representative models and the YUICHI TOYAMA:5 product range The model names of :5 often use proper nouns reminiscent of cities, towns, and districts, including TOKYO and KYOTO. However, the name alone does not determine the materials or lens shape. Even within the same brand, the designs are diverse, including delicate titanium frames, metal and acetate combinations, and substantial acetate. MALIBU | Quiet front and thick sides A Wellington-style titanium frame. The front appears neat and slim, but the rims and bridges have rounded, thick sides that create subtle shadows. This is a model that makes it easy to understand the metal forms of :5. View MALIBU → BEACON | Hexagon and the depth of mixed materials A combination of soft hexagonal acetate and a delicate metal rim. The milled surfaces and layers of color reveal different expressions depending on the angle. A modern pair that goes beyond classic design. View BEACON → WILLIAMSBURG | Refining thickness through structure An acetate model that tightens the wide square shape with low lens heights. The design includes a wide inner metal core, original seven-piece hinges, and even the color of the inner metal, creating a balance that prevents the thick frames from looking heavy. View WILLIAMSBURG → ※Lineups, colors, and stock availability vary by season. Please check each product page for the latest information. ◎Differences between regular YUICHI TOYAMA. and YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Comparison YUICHI TOYAMA. YUICHI TOYAMA:5 Positioning The main collection developed around "Neutral" A prestige line that condenses the brand's techniques and philosophy Craftsmanship Proposing a wide range of designs that combine traditional techniques and innovative structures Closely developed by the designer and five artisans in five specialized areas Parts Adopting unique structures according to the concept of each model Thoroughly custom-designing even small details such as screws Highlights Light lines, originality that blends into everyday life, and structural beauty Three-dimensional quality viewed from multiple angles, precision, and functionality for long-term ownership Rather than one being superior to the other, it is easier to understand :5 as the line that delves deepest into the philosophy of YUICHI TOYAMA., including parts development and the division of labor among artisans. ◎Who is it recommended for? Key points for choosing Look not only at the front, but also the sides and back: The appeal of :5 is expressed in the cross-sections, hinges, and inner metal. Please check it not only in the mirror but also by holding it and changing the angle. Decide between delicacy and presence: Metal models like MALIBU have a quiet three-dimensional quality, BEACON has the depth of mixed materials, and WILLIAMSBURG has an attractive thick outline. Prioritize face width and eye position: Rather than the model name, the position of the eyes within the lenses, pressure on the temples, and fit on the nose are important. Consult about daily maintenance as well: To enjoy custom screws and precision hinges for a long time, regular cleaning, screw checks, and fit adjustments are recommended. For those who want to use a single pair for a long time and enjoy even contemplating the details, rather than following trends. For those who are drawn to Japanese craftsmanship but are looking for modern eyewear that is different from so-called reproduction styles. YUICHI TOYAMA:5 is a collection that such people should try. ◎Official LOOK and DOWNTOWN lineup You can also see how YUICHI TOYAMA:5 frames look on the face, with clothing, and in the light in the brand's official VISUAL. Please view the world of the collection, including the atmosphere that differs from individual product photos. Brand official VISUAL View the appearance when worn in the official LOOK To official VISUAL → DOWNTOWN product list View available models in product photos that show the details View YUICHI TOYAMA:5 → Reference materials:YUICHI TOYAMA. official ABOUT／YUICHI TOYAMA:5 official PRODUCTS／THE LOBBY TOKYO brand guide／HOUYHNHNM YUICHI TOYAMA:5 introductionDOWNTOWN has summarized and reconstructed this based on official and brand management materials and interview articles. Product specifications and availability are based on information at the time of publication.

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What Is YUICHI TOYAMA:5? The Ultimate Eyewear Created by Five Artisans and Original Parts

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