A Family built on tradition & Legacy

HERITAGE HERITAGE THE HISTORY OF NAKANISHI A Family Built On Tradition And Legacy Fukuoka, Japan We are very delighted to finally share our family history to the world. This is the first time that NAKANISHI will be distributed outside of Japan and it marks a new milestone for our family. Nakanishi Masayoshi, fourth generation of NAKANISHI Since 1928, NAKANISHI has enrooted its name in the eyewear industry as one of the most thriving multi-generational family businesses in Japan s handmade optical industry. Focusing its core business in the artistry of handmade eyeglasses since 1920s, NAKANISHI has been one of the pioneers in eyewear business in Fukuoka, Japan. The Nakanishi family has also grown its heritage and legacy as a highly respected family in the eyewear industry across the country. First generation, Nakanishi Takeo began learning his craft at the age of 12 from a master craftsman in Kyoto, where he was originally from. After more than a decade of perfecting his skills and artistry, he moved to Fukuoka, started a family and began making eyeglasses to support his family of six children. Working from a makeshift garage in his home, he honed and crafted some of the most iconic eyeglass pieces made using pure gold, artificial gold (Goukin) and a king of metal known as Yohaku.

HERITAGE Takeo then founded the first NAKANISHI shop in Hakata, Nakashima town in Fukuoka selling handmade eyepieces that he handcrafted alone. In those days, learning the arts of eyeframe making was a very complicated task that required a great deal of attention, perseverance, patience and dedication. The level of precision that that went into the processes in the golden days were beyond compare. Takeo was one of the earliest craftsmen in Japan and the only handmade eyewear craftsman in Fukuoka city. Second generation, Nakanishi Takao decided to continue his family heritage as a young lad in his 20s. He took over 15 years to master his craft and skills under the watchful eyes of Takeo, teacher by day and father by night. Takao was a great apprentice. And like his father, he learned the artisanal craft of making eyeglasses using metal and gold, which was a very popular trade back in those days. In the 1950s, the NAKANISHI shop began operating in Nishitetsu Market, the heart of Fukuoka city, which is now known as Ten-Jin Core. It was in this shop that third generation, Nakanishi Takayoshi was born. Takayoshi grew up around the business and even as a young child, he understood the responsibility to take over the family business. Unless his patriarchs, Takayoshi took a different route. The day after his graduation from high school, on 1st April 1968, he left to Tokyo to study eyewear. He worked in one of the biggest optical company in Tokyo for 15 years, acquiring one of the most important skills that gave the family business a new perspective and commerciality. Throughout his employment with the eyewear company, he was heavily involved in the production and operations of the optical business. His expertise allowed the brand NAKANISHI to leapfrog to a whole new level when he returned to Fukuoka in 1983 to take over the family s dominion. In the 1950s, the Nakanishi shop began operating in Nishitetsu Market, the heart of Fukuoka town, which is now known as Ten-Jin Core. It was in this shop that third-generation Nakanishi Takayoshi was born. Takayoshi grew up around the business and even as a young kid, he understood the responsibility to take over the family s business.

HERITAGE HERITAGE Takayoshi took a different route unlike his patriarchs. On 1st April 1968, a day after he graduated from highschool, Takayoshi left to Tokyo to study eyewear. He worked in one of the biggest optical company in Tokyo for 15 years, acquiring one of the most important skills that gave the family business a new perspective and commercial value. Throughout his employment with the eyewear company, he was heavily involved in the production and operations of optical shops. His expertise allowed the brand Nakanishi to leapfrog to a whole new level when he returned to Fukuoka in 1983 to take over the family s dominion. As the brand approaches its 90th year, fourth generation, Nakanishi Masayoshi now aims to take over the business with a whole new sensibility. Harnessing the values of handmade artisanal craftsmanship from his forefathers and the operational expertise from his father, Masayoshi combines his artistry in handmade celluloid eyewear frames and a contemporary creative direction into the namesake brand. NAKANISHI sets its eyes on establishing a stronger foundation in the global market as the brand expands outside of Japan for the first time. In 2017, NAKANISHI launches its latest set of eyeglasses that epitomizes its roots and heritage. Each piece carries a deep meaning to the family s heritage and legacy; paving a new way for the brand to reestablish itself in the optical world. Discover the revival of heritage and legacy through supreme handmade artistry and an honest sensibility that transcend generations with NAKANISHI Heritage Collection, featuring five new models that pay homage to the prominent people behind the brand. Introducing TAKEO, HAKATA, TAKABO, TENJIN and MASA.

"T he first and second models are tributes to my great grandfather, Nakanishi Takeo and grandfather, Nakanishi Takao. T he frames take shape from their original design and we are bringing these beautiful designs back to modern context. Entirely handmade, we also use the original colours that were produced back in those days." Nakanishi Masayoshi

Heritage Collection TAKEO / HAKATA / TAKABO / TENJIN / MASA

collection collection Focusing its core business in the artistry of handmade eyeglasses since 1928, Nakanishi is one of the pioneers in eyewear business in Fukuoka, J apan. Nakanishi TakEo First Generation The TAKEO is designed in 1920s by first generation, Nakanishi Takeo. The revival of this frame design pays tribute to the founder of the brand and highlights the importance of the people behind the family heritage. The frame is patented as a round-shape eyepiece, with a very traditional vintage design language. TAKEO comes with a double dot rivet and an understated confidence that reminisce the beginning of modern avant-garde era in Japan. Sizing Eye: 47mm / Bridge: 23mm / Temple: 150mm Material Pure Japanese Celluloid Country of Origin Fukuoka, Japan Black Clear Grey Red Tortoise

collection collection Nakanishi TakAo Second Generation The HAKATA is a design from year 1950 by second generation, Nakanishi Takao. Having created numerous eyewear designs in his lifetime, Takao has always believed in making eyeglasses that flatter facial features. HAKATA, which was originally designed post-war, was the most iconic best seller in Fukuoka city. This frame is revived with absolute splendour, highlighting its beautiful sweeping profile and effervescent luster. Sizing Eye: 45mm / Bridge: 24mm / Temple: 150mm Material Pure Japanese Celluloid Country of Origin Fukuoka, Japan Black Black Brown Yellow

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collection collection It features a fusion of two materials, back then was celluloid and gold celluloid and Sun Platinum Metal (SPM), which is a very rare metal material available only in J apan. Nakanishi Takayoshi Third Generation The name TAKABO is a byname that was given by the first generation, Takeo to third generation, Nakanishi Takayoshi when he was a little child. The TAKABO is an exclusive design created in the late 1930s that has been long forgotten. Originally a fusion of celluloid and gold, the latest edition combines the luminosity of celluloid with the rare Japanese Sun Platinum Metal (SPM). This model is a piece of happiness from Takayoshi s fondest memory with his grandfather. Sizing Eye: 44mm / Bridge: 25mm / Temple: 150mm Material Sun Platinum Metal (SPM) & Japanese Pure Celluloid Country of Origin Fukuoka, Japan Bronze Gold Silver

collection collection Nakanishi Masayoshi Fourth Generation The MASA frame is handcrafted and designed personally by fourth generation Nakanishi Masayoshi. As a complement to the heritage pieces, MASA pays tribute to the resurgence of young craftsmen who are passionate in this handmade artistry. The oversized frame design features an edgy look with a bold statement. MASA comes in four dark tones and is best paired either as day-to-day eyeglasses or as sunglasses; appealing to both men and women. Sizing Eye: 53mm / Bridge: 22mm / Temple: 150mm Material Pure Japanese Celluloid Country of Origin Fukuoka, Japan Black Brown Clear Grey Tortoise

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collection collection The TENJIN is the most prized design, which was handed down to fourth generation, Nakanishi Masayoshi by his master craftsman sensei several years ago. The frame design was once worn by music legend, John Lennon, who purchased the exact model during his last visit to Japan in 1977. After years of perfecting this handmade artistry, the TENJIN frames are handcrafted once again using original molds, tools and archives, including the exact materials and colours from the 70s. Sizing Eye: 48mm / Bridge: 21mm / Temple: 150mm Material Pure Japanese Celluloid Country of Origin Fukuoka, Japan Black Black Grey Brown Clear Yellow