BuddyOptical

BuddyOptical is an eyewear brand founded in 2011 by designer Gen Ikehara, based in Osaka. The name “Buddy” reflects Ikehara’s desire for the eyewear to become a familiar part of one’s lifestyle. The brand’s design philosophy centres on the idea of eyewear as a component of clothing, emphasizing a minimalist approach to create a balanced look when paired with apparel. BuddyOptical blends vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Each frame is crafted in collaboration with skilled artisans in Sabae, Fukui Prefecture, a region renowned for high quality eyewear manufacturing in Japan.