Meta’s AI Glasses “Meta Glasses” Land in Japan, Starting at ¥50,600 with Prescription Lens Option — BigGo Finance

U.S.-based Meta and France’s EssilorLuxottica began sales of their AI glasses “Meta Glasses” in Japan on August 26. Pricing starts at ¥50,600 (approximately $310, tax included). In addition to Meta’s official online store and authorized retailers, SoftBank also began offering the product the same day through the SoftBank Online Shop and select SoftBank retail locations.

The new product is Meta’s own-brand AI glasses, first announced in the U.S. in June. It represents the third lineup in Japan following the “Ray-Ban Meta” and “Oakley Meta” released in May. While the existing two series range from ¥73,700 to ¥96,580, the Meta Glasses start at ¥50,600—a notably more affordable price point.

Three frame styles are available. The “Meta Adventurer” features a square design in standard and large sizes; the “Meta Fury” is characterized by its bold silhouette; and the “Meta Glasses by Kylie” is a slim oval frame created in collaboration with Kylie Jenner. Color options include Classic Black, Classic Tortoise, Racing Green, Linen, Merlot, Mahogany, and Sandstone, among a wide variety of choices. In total, 26 style combinations are available across frames, colors, and lenses.

Lens options include sunglasses, polarized, clear, and Transitions lenses that adapt to changing light conditions from indoors to outdoors. Prescription lenses are also supported, covering prescriptions from -12 to +2.25. Customers can also have prescription lenses fitted at optical shops after purchase without voiding the product warranty. Standard colored and clear lenses start at ¥50,600, with Transitions lenses priced in a higher tier and prescription lenses requiring an additional fee. The special-edition “Meta Starfire Kylie Edition” starts at ¥68,200.

On the functionality front, the glasses allow users to summon Meta AI by voice, and feature open-ear speakers that don’t block the ears, along with a multi-microphone array that reduces wind noise. Users can capture photos and videos hands-free, with a front-facing capture LED that flashes white to notify those nearby during recording—this LED cannot be turned off. To enhance comfort, the design incorporates an over-extension hinge, a nose pad adjustable in three directions, and adjustable temple tips.

Battery life exceeds 8 hours. Using the included foldable charging case, runtime can be extended to up to 40 hours.

SoftBank has been selling the “Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2)” since June, and the addition of Meta Glasses expands consumer choices based on use case and preference. SoftBank retail locations carrying the product will display demo units, allowing customers to try on the glasses and experience select features before purchasing.

AI Glasses Competition in the Japanese Market Intensifies

Since entering the AI glasses market in 2023 through its collaboration with Ray-Ban, Meta has steadily expanded its product lineup. The new Meta Glasses are positioned as an entry-level model that shares core functionality with the existing Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta while significantly reducing the price.

In the AI glasses market, interest from major technology companies is rising, with Google announcing its Android XR platform and hinting at co-developed devices with Samsung Electronics. Through its partnership with EssilorLuxottica, Meta is seeking to gain an early lead with products that balance fashion appeal and optical technology.

In the Japanese market, the key question is whether the sub-¥60,000 price point will become a tipping point for adoption. Given that the previous Ray-Ban Meta exceeded ¥70,000, the roughly 30% price reduction represents a significant lowering of the barrier for consumers. Additionally, prescription lens support and the ability to swap lenses after purchase are factors that strengthen appeal to consumers who wear glasses on a daily basis.

SoftBank’s in-store try-on experience is also expected to lower the psychological hurdle before purchase. AI glasses are products where fit and design preferences directly influence purchasing decisions, and an environment where customers can physically inspect the product could accelerate adoption.