Washin Optical
Washin Optical is a Japanese specialty optical retailer operating 70+ directly managed stores nationwide, selling prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. Founded in 1951 and integrated with Luxottica Japan (EssilorLuxottica) since April 2024, it serves general consumers, children, and seniors across Japan.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1951
- HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Washin Optical does
Washin Optical (株式会社和真) is a Tokyo-headquartered Japanese specialty optical retailer founded in 1951, operating approximately 70 directly managed stores nationwide from Hokkaido to Okinawa alongside a Washin Friend Shop voluntary franchise chain. The company's core business is the retail of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids, supplemented by sub-brands including the UTMO private-label Made-in-Japan frame line, the Tenmu sports/protective eyewear range, the Washin Palette character-licensing collaborations, and the Hiiragiya Megane mall-format concept. Its technical differentiation rests on a proprietary American-style 21-item vision testing protocol, in-house lens fabrication enabling same-day service, and an integrated customer data system (since 2002) that ensures continuity of care across the directly-managed network.
Since April 2024, Washin has operated as part of Luxottica Japan within the global EssilorLuxottica group, gaining access to international brand portfolios (Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel, Chrome Hearts, Gucci) and advanced lens technologies including pediatric myopia management lenses (MiYOSMART, Stellest) and AI-integrated smart wearables (Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta). Revenue is generated through in-store retail transactions (one-time unit pricing for frames, lenses, contact lenses, and hearing aids) priced from ¥8,800 for basic lens sets to ¥248,000 for premium hearing-aid pairs; the company does not sell online and uses its website primarily for appointments, product information, and brand storytelling. Customer segments span general vision-correction consumers, children/myopia-management families, hearing-impaired adults and seniors, and sports/outdoor enthusiasts, with over 300 optometry-school-trained staff supporting credentialed fitting and consultation services.
Washin Optical firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Washin Optical
- Legal name
- 株式会社 和真
- Website
- https://washin-optical.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1951
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Washin Optical is a Japanese specialty optical retailer operating 70+ directly managed stores nationwide, selling prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. Founded in 1951 and integrated with Luxottica Japan (EssilorLuxottica) since April 2024, it serves general consumers, children, and seniors across Japan.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Washin Optical industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Optical Retail
- NAICS
- Optical Goods Retailers (45613), Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)
- SIC
- Ophthalmic Goods (3851)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses) (HLAKAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Prescription Eyewear Frames (Optical) (CRAAAKAA), Sunglasses & Luxury Eyewear (CRAKAEAE), Contact Lenses & Care Systems (Soft/RGP/Scleral Lenses; Cleaning/Disinfection Solutions) (HLAHAJAE)
Keywords
Where Washin Optical is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tokyo
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices12 records
Markets served
Washin Optical business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Eyeglasses (Glasses) Retail: Sale of prescription eyeglasses including frames and lenses, with lens options ranging from basic to premium progressive lenses. Private brand frames (Made in Japan) as well as international brand frames are sold.
- Sunglasses Retail: Sale of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses with various lens technologies including photochromic, polarized, and UV-protective lenses.
- Contact Lens Sales: Sale of daily disposables, two-week disposables, monthly lenses, toric (astigmatism), multifocal, and colored/circle lenses. Includes adjacent clinic services for prescription management.
- Hearing Aid Sales: Sale of hearing aids including BTE (behind-the-ear), RIC (receiver-in-canal), ITE (in-the-ear), and pocket-style models. Professional fitting, adjustment, and trial services included.
- Accessories and Lens Options: Lens add-on options including anti-scratch coating, blue light filtering, lens colors, and photochromic coatings. Lens care products and contact lens solutions also sold.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Basic Aspherical Lenses 2-piece set |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Dual-surface Aspherical Lenses 2-piece set |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Progressive/Multifocal Lenses |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Lens Options |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ISP (In-the-ear) Custom Hearing Aids |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Value Package (Eyeglass Sets) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Washin Optical product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Washin Optical operates a chain of approximately 70 directly managed retail stores across Japan selling prescription eyeglasses (frames and lenses), sunglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. The company provides comprehensive vision testing using a proprietary American-style 21-item examination method, custom lens fabrication, frame fitting, and ongoing after-sales services including adjustments, cleaning, and lens replacement guarantees. Complementary sub-brands include private brand UTMO frames, specialty sports eyewear Tenmu, character collaboration brand Washin Palette, and concept stores under the Hiiragiya Megane format.
Product overview
Washin Optical (和真 / WASHIN OPTICAL) is a comprehensive eyewear retail chain operated by Kabushiki Kaisha Washin (株式会社和真), a subsidiary of EssilorLuxottica. The company operates approximately 70 directly managed stores across Japan under brands including WASHIN OPTICAL, WASHIN ANNEX, and 柊や眼鏡 (Hiiragiya Megane). Its product portfolio centers on prescription eyeglasses (frames and lenses) and sunglasses, complemented by contact lenses, hearing aids, and private-brand products. The eyeglass offering includes a private brand line (UTMO) developed in-house, the specialty sports line 天武 (Tenmu), and character collaboration sub-brand 和真 Palette. The company also retails smart wearables including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta AI-integrated glasses, alongside international luxury brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel, Chrome Hearts, Gucci, and others. Contact lens services are offered through dedicated stores and clinics, while hearing aid services include custom ISP (in-ear), BTE, RIC, and pocket-type devices with professional fitting and free trial programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 和真 Palette: Character and collaborative eyewear brand featuring licensed designs such as Hatsune Miku and racing collaborations
- UTMO
- 天武 (Tenmu)
Products and services
- Prescription Eyeglasses (Frames and Lenses) Prescription eyeglasses combining frames and lenses for individual consumers requiring vision correction, including progressive/multifocal options for presbyopia. Lenses range from basic aspherical (from ¥8,800) to ultra-thin progressive (from ¥22,000), with add-on options such as anti-scratch coating, blue light filtering, photochromic Transitions GEN S, and variable polarizing Transitions XTRACTIVE POLARIZED.
- Sunglasses Prescription and non-prescription sunglasses for general consumers and sports/outdoor enthusiasts, featuring lens technologies including photochromic, polarized, and UV-protective coatings.
- Contact Lenses Contact lenses including daily disposables, two-week disposables, monthly lenses, toric (astigmatism), multifocal, colored/circle lenses, and oxygen-permeable hard lenses, with adjacent eye clinic services at select stores for prescription management.
- Hearing Aids Hearing aids for adults and seniors with hearing loss, including pocket-type, in-ear custom ISP, behind-the-ear (BTE), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) models, with professional fitting, adjustment, free trial loan programs, and aftercare services.
- UTMO Private Brand Frames Washin Optical's original private brand eyewear frame line developed with focus on design, quality, and functionality, manufactured in Japan (Made in Japan), offered at accessible price points.
- Tenmu (天武) Sports Eyewear Specialized sports goggles product line for martial arts and contact sports requiring protective gear, developed over 33 years of research and performance testing.
- Washin Palette Character Collaboration Eyewear A collaboration sub-brand featuring character-themed eyewear including Hatsune Miku and racing collaborations, offering licensed designs targeted at fans and collectors.
- Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses AI-integrated smart glasses offering camera, audio, and Meta AI assistant functionality, available at Washin Optical stores.
- Oakley Meta Smart Glasses AI-integrated smart sports glasses combining Oakley's athletic eyewear design with Meta's smart technology for active consumers.
- Stellest Myopia Management Lenses Nikon-Essilor Stellest myopia management lenses for children, designed to slow progression of myopia in pediatric patients.
- MiYOSMART Myopia Management Lenses HOYA MiYOSMART myopia management lenses for children, providing a therapeutic option to slow progression of childhood myopia, with insurance reimbursement available for children under 9 with eligible conditions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Same-day eyeglass fabrication available at many locations
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Washin Optical
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Washin Optical technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Washin Optical partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- EssilorLuxotticacoreEssilorLuxottica acquired Washin Optical, expanding its optical retail footprint in Japan. Washin was integrated with Luxottica Japan in April 2024. This acquisition provides Washin with access to EssilorLuxottica's global brand portfolio (Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel, etc.), advanced lens technologies (Stellest myopia management lenses, Nuance Audio glasses), and international supply chain. Washin operates as part of the EssilorLuxottica group while maintaining its domestic brand identity and store network.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Washin Optical competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Washin Optical social profiles
Digital presenceWashin Optical financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Washin Optical leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Washin Optical subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Washin Optical funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Washin Optical M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Washin Optical
What does Washin Optical do?
Washin Optical operates a chain of approximately 70 directly managed retail stores across Japan selling prescription eyeglasses (frames and lenses), sunglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. The company provides comprehensive vision testing using a proprietary American-style 21-item examination method, custom lens fabrication, frame fitting, and ongoing after-sales services including adjustments, cleaning, and lens replacement guarantees. Complementary sub-brands include private brand UTMO frames, specialty sports eyewear Tenmu, character collaboration brand Washin Palette, and concept stores under the Hiiragiya Megane format.
Is Washin Optical a public or private company?
Washin Optical is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Washin Optical founded?
Washin Optical was founded in 1951. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Washin Optical based?
Washin Optical is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Washin Optical make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Eyeglasses (Glasses) Retail is the primary driver. The others are sunglasses Retail, contact Lens Sales, hearing Aid Sales and accessories and Lens Options.
Does Washin Optical have an API?
No public API is recorded for Washin Optical.
What industry is Washin Optical in?
Washin Optical's product category is Optical Retail. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAKAKAL, Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Retail (Glasses/Frames/Lenses), with a secondary code of CRAAAKAA, Prescription Eyewear Frames (Optical). Its NAICS code is 45613 and its SIC code is 3851.