Tokai Optical president HIROKAZU FURUZAWA continues to uphold the values that his grandfather set in stone at the company’s origins in 1939. He discusses exemplifying this legacy through cutting-edge lens design and how the Australian market fits into the company’s global plans.
Mr Hirokazu Furuzawa, president of Tokai Optical, carries forward the legacy established by his grandfather, Mr Shizu Furuzawa, who was there at the company’s inception 85 years ago when he founded the Furuzawa lens factory in Nagoya, Japan.
Joining Tokai in 1994, Furuzawa’s journey from growing up as a descendant of a Tokai founding father before working on the production line, being promoted to oversee international divisions and then ultimately his presidency in 2009 is a story that embodies everything Tokai stands for. It’s a company built on decades-old family values that filter down to its customers – many who are small business owners of independent optical practices in Australia.
Over the course of its 85-year history, Tokai’s name has been synonymous to the evolution of spectacle lens technology, and perhaps there is no one better placed than Furuzawa to guide the company into its next era.
The family-owned Japanese lens manufacturer has been present at each major development in this space since Furuzawa’s grandfather laid the foundation in March 1939.
As a pioneer on many fronts, today Tokai’s mission is centred on QOL: ‘quality of life’, ‘quality of light’ and ‘quality of lenses’. Moreover, uniqueness is a cornerstone of the company that Furuzawa says is reflected in its products, services and human resources.
“Firstly, in terms of ‘quality of life’, Tokai provides high-quality lenses worldwide,” Furuzawa says. “Secondly, regarding ‘quality of light’, Tokai transforms light into high-value products and services.”
He adds that since the company’s foundation, ‘quality of lenses’ has been the driving force towards excellence, with a strong focus on creating unique eyeglass lenses and services under the ‘Made in Japan’ banner.
Furthermore, Furuzawa says Tokai’s commitment to research and development (R&D) contributes to the company’s success.
Each year, Tokai develops unique lenses and advanced designs in-house. The company also independently innovates multicoating technologies and collaborates on lens materials with partners, including its unique 1.76 high-index lens materials, which is said to be the world’s thinnest.
“These efforts contribute to the high-quality, high-performance image of the Tokai brand. We are dedicated to continually delivering these standards globally, alongside our partners and customers,” Furuzawa says.
Underlying Tokai’s values is its cooperative philosophy, which has been carried over generations. As the company expands, its customers, partners, staff and engineers grow in lockstep.
“At Tokai, our staff, engineers, and customers are all growing together, embodying a philosophy of collective growth. We operate as one team – akin to a Tokai family – driven by a shared mission and vision,” Furuzawa says.
This cooperative philosophy is reflected in Furuzawa’s journey from the production line to presidency.
“Understanding production processes and working closely with our staff is especially significant at Tokai, being a family-owned company. Our philosophy revolves around unity as one team which emphasises collaboration across all departments,” Furuzawa says.
“These principles – growth together, unity as one team, and a commitment to uniqueness – have been upheld across generations at Tokai.”
Writing history
Over the course of its history, the company has embedded itself within the global lens manufacturing through several key milestones. One of the more significant pivots of lens production was the transition from glass to plastic materials.
“Since its conception, Tokai has evolved significantly. Initially, eyeglass materials were primarily mineral, but with the advent of plastic, the market landscape changed dramatically,” Furuzawa says.
To adapt to market demands, Tokai acquired Sunlux in 1981 – a company in Fukui Prefecture renowned for its plastic lens technology. This acquisition marked a new era for the company as it began to compete in the plastic lens space.
After setting its roots in Japan, Tokai’s international presence began in 1994, as it established full-scale export activities and introduced its 1.60 index lens to Europe.
“Tokai’s exhibitions at MIDO in Milan and Optica in Germany marked a major turning point,” Furuzawa says.
In the same year, Tokai established a joint venture with Tokai Optecs – a Belgian company with a long-standing partnership across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This served as the base of its global network.
“Since then, Tokai has expanded globally, now with a presence in Shanghai, Australia, Italy, the UK, Spain and United Arab Emirates,” Furuzawa says.
“Today, Tokai exports to over 70 countries and continues to forge strong partnerships worldwide.”
As the company grew, so did its innovations. It introduced its famous 1.76 index lens in 2006 as well as pioneering neuroscience technology into its lenses in 2008.
More recently, Tokai established commercial operations in Australia in 2019, operated by Mr Justin Chiang. Furuzawa has made a concerted effort to show Tokai’s support for the independent optical market in Australia, flying in for recent events such as O-SHOW 24 and O=MEGA in 2023.
He says while the market is relatively small compared to others it stands out for a few reasons: it is defined by a concentration of top-tier eyecare professionals with a strong demand for quality and uniqueness – traits Tokai embodies.
“Our aim is for Australian professionals to rely on Tokai’s unique lenses, ensuring they can deliver exceptional care to their patients with utmost confidence,” Furuzawa says.
“Tokai’s goal is to introduce high-quality options and choices to Australian consumers who seek superior eyewear. By increasing awareness and availability, we empower individuals with the freedom to choose based on their preferences and needs.”
Envisioning the future
After placing itself firmly in the history of lens manufacturing, Tokai envisions a future in which it shapes and sets industry standards.
“Eyeglasses offer numerous possibilities despite existing barriers. At Tokai, we strive to create new and enhanced values for eyeglass wearers. Firstly, we recognise the intrinsic value of prescription lenses, ensuring clarity of vision for those who require corrective eyewear,” Furuzawa says.
He says this is realised through fashion innovations such tinted and coloured lenses, which serve as stylish accessories.
“Foremost, we prioritise eye healthcare by developing lenses that protect against UV light and other hazards.”
Through its R&D, Tokai is exploring new avenues of innovation with the aim to introduce new functionalities to eyewear. This includes advancements in digital eyewear, such as electronically adjustable dioptres and myopia control technology.
“By leveraging our R&D capabilities, we aim to pioneer new added values in the eyewear industry. We also value market insights to understand consumer needs and behaviours in real-world settings and retail environments,” Furuzawa says.
One of the biggest challenges the global industry faces today is a shift towards carbon-neutrality and waste reduction.
“A major goal for us is to develop more environmentally friendly production systems to sustain our capabilities. As a manufacturer, Tokai produces 10,000 units of optical lenses daily. However, a significant portion of the materials used – more than half – are not fully utilised which results in waste,” Furuzawa says.
“We are focused on optimising our production processes to minimise material wastage and enhance environmental friendliness. This entails re-evaluating how we utilise materials to reduce waste and improve efficiency in our optical range production.”
Currently, the company is working towards minimising waste by producing smaller diameter optical lenses whenever feasible. Looking ahead, Tokai aims to align lens production with specific frame shapes to optimise material usage.
“While this is an ideal scenario for the future, our current focus is on reducing waste not only in lens manufacturing but also throughout our technical operations to enhance sustainability,” Furuzawa says.
Tokai implements several initiatives under the principles of reduce, reuse, and refuse. For example, waste materials that cannot be used are ground into a fine powder. Rather than discarding these, the company collaborates with third-party companies to convert them into industrial charcoal for energy generation.
“With a strong global presence and a focus on continual growth, Tokai is poised to keep leading the eyewear industry for generations to come,” Furuzawa says.
More reading
Seeing the world in a new light with Tokai’s CCP/CCP400 lenses
Tokai Optical Australia: Bridging employee and company values
Tokai Optical’s lens designed with neuroscience in mind
