Golf clubs from Japan are regarded as the best products in the world with a reputation for performance, craftsmanship, and precision. In this blog, Janbox will walk you through the process of purchasing these sought-after clubs and share the top 5 Japanese golf brands to look into.
1. Why Should We Buy Golf Clubs From Japan?
The reason for this lies in the unique craftsmanship of Japanese blacksmiths, which remains unsurpassed globally. It’s interesting to note that the forging techniques have remained largely unchanged for decades, which means the traditional method is still regarded as the best. This results in a club head that offers a softness that’s simply unmatched.
The remarkable feel at impact comes from the blend of high-carbon soft steel and the time-honored Japanese forging techniques. This fusion produces results that no other brand can replicate. Miura, one of the most notable Japanese golf brands, stands out not only for its exceptional quality but also for its patented manufacturing steps, which contribute to their exclusive and highly effective production process.
A significant advantage of Japanese clubs is the effortless adjustability of the lie and loft. When buying from many mainstream brands, you typically need to pick the lie when you order (if non-standard versions are available). If the lie turns out to be wrong or your swing changes, you’re out of luck and may have to purchase a new set entirely.
With Japanese clubs, lie and loft can be adjusted anytime, as often as necessary. This is especially useful when adjusting loft, such as when you acquire a new hybrid or wedge, and the gap between your irons becomes too large or too small for your liking.
Moreover, Japan golf equipment manufacturers are known for their emphasis on continuous improvement rather than marketing gimmicks. While other brands may pour resources into securing tour players, making bold claims like adding more distance, and releasing new models every year, Japanese companies concentrate on perfecting their clubs. For instance, Honma, with Justin Rose’s endorsement, doesn’t follow the cycle of frequent model launches or exaggerated marketing promises.
2. Top 5 Best Japanese Golf Clubs Brands
2.1. Mizuno
Mizuno is the largest Japanese golf club manufacturer in terms of production and is one of the most popular brands on Tour, particularly for irons. The company continues to rely on its “Grain Flow” technology, forging most of its irons. However, due to design constraints, some irons are now cast, such as the Hot Metals, which are not made in Japan. On the other hand, Mizuno’s MP irons and wedges are still forged in Japan using traditional methods.
Mizuno is also making a name for itself in the driver head market, offering products that rival the best in the industry. The price of their drivers and woods is often considerably lower than that of major Western brands. However, this price difference isn’t indicative of lower quality or performance, but rather reflects Mizuno’s strategy to build a stronger presence in this segment.
2.2. Honma
Honma is arguably the most prominent and respected golf club manufacturer in Japan, and there’s a good reason for this. The brand has been producing premium, handmade golf clubs on a large scale for many years. However, due to high demand, there are times when production can’t keep up. This is because they prefer to produce their clubs individually in Sakata, Japan, rather than using fully industrialized methods in China.
The Beres series by Honma is renowned for being both luxurious and exclusive. A standard set of Beres irons is priced at no less than 3,000€, while the premium 5-star models can reach up to 50,000€. These high-end clubs are beautifully decorated with gold, and the shafts are of unparalleled quality. Handcrafted by Honma, the Beres shafts are lightweight, soft, and deliver exceptional torque, which is why these clubs are highly sought after.
Honma also gained fame with its Tour World series, and since 2019, Justin Rose has been its brand ambassador. The new Tour World clubs maintain the brand’s high standards, offering hand-forged soft steel irons at a more affordable price. A full 5-PW iron set is available from 1,109€, with premium shafts included, without any extra charges.
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2.3. Vega
Vega is a distinguished Japan golf brand with a long history, famous for being the first to produce a forged cavity back iron. VEGA’s product range extends beyond irons, wedges, covering woods, hybrids, and putters as well. While Vega is more affordable compared to Miura, it maintains an exclusive appeal. With little to no marketing, it remains a niche option, likely to stay an insider’s secret for years to come.
Vega perfectly represents what one would expect from a Japanese manufacturer in terms of quality and precision. Their equipment is always produced with remarkable accuracy, down to one-tenth of a gram. This fine level of precision is key to creating golf clubs that are a perfect fit.
2.4. Miura
Miura is the go-to name when it comes to traditional Japanese golf club makers. A small forge established by Katsuhiro Miura in Japan, Miura started forging golf clubs at 16 and was quick to notice flaws in his first employer’s techniques.
Miura’s commitment to mastery led him to create his own brand, which quickly became known for its premium forged irons. Unlike other manufacturers, Miura doesn’t try to make everything; they focus exclusively on putters and irons, leaving drivers and woods in the hands of others.
Miura is gradually increasing its influence in North America and Europe by refining its approach to marketing and distribution. Abraham Ancer is one of the first professional golfers to switch to Miura clubs, marking a new chapter for this Japan golf shop. For those in search of unique, handmade Japanese golf irons with a legacy of craftsmanship, Miura is the top choice.
2.5. XXIO
XXIO, a golf club Japanese brand that’s recently gained widespread attention, derives its name from the Roman numeral – 21 (XXI) and the letter O, symbolizing “King” in Japanese and referencing the word “On” for onward. As their website explains, the brand’s name translates to “Push Onward as the King of the 21st Century,” which truly embodies their bold ambition.
Pronounced ZEKS-E-OH, XXIO is a brand under the larger Dunlop, a company with a long-standing history in producing golf balls and tennis dating back to the 1800s. While Dunlop has been around for more than a century, XXIO was founded much later, in 2000. Today, it is considered the “brother brand” of Srixon and is part of a family of popular golf brands, including Srixon and Cleveland Golf.
At just 24 years old, XXIO has made a remarkable impact on the Japanese golf market, securing a large share. While they may not be a go-to choice for PGA Tour players, XXIO clubs have enjoyed widespread popularity with amateur golfers and some professionals in Asia and Europe.
XXIO’s clubs are positioned at the high end of the market, and their prices reflect that. Drivers can run up to $800, and a set of irons can easily cost $200 or more. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, XXIO may not be the right choice.
3. Where To Buy Golf Clubs From Japan
When it comes to buying golf clubs from Japan, there are several well-established and trustworthy platforms that give you access to high-quality Japanese golf equipment. Here’s a guide to the best places to purchase golf clubs from Japan:
- Local Golf Shops in Japan: Niki Golf Ameyoko, S’Port Mizuno, Honma Golf, Kotobuki Golf
- Japanese golf store online retailers: Janbox, PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, Amazon Japan
- Japan golf second hand stores: Niki Golf Secondhand Center Ameyoko, Yahoo Japan Auctions
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4. How To Buy Japanese Golf Clubs On Janbox: both new and used golf clubs japan
Janbox provides a great solution for golfers seeking to improve their equipment with premium golf clubs from Japan. Whether you’re searching for brand-new models or high-quality used golf clubs Japan, you’ll find a broad selection available.
Janbox gives shoppers access to any Japanese golf shop and popular platforms such as Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Mercari, and many more. Featuring a user-friendly design and supporting languages like English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, we make buying golf clubs in Japan a hassle-free and enjoyable experience while providing a range of added benefits:
- Our experienced and devoted team is always ready to provide guidance in finding the best products at competitive prices, available to assist you whenever necessary.
- We offer comprehensive transport insurance and various payment solutions, such as Janbox Wallet (prepaid funds), credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay, for your convenience.
- Customers can expect swift shipping, with orders arriving in 7-9 days directly from Japan.
- Our service fees are budget-friendly, and we frequently feature appealing discounts for our customers.
It’s easy to buy Japanese golf clubs online on Janbox by following these 4 simple steps:
- Sign up an account (if you’re new): Get started by downloading Janbox app on your phone or registering an account on the website to begin placing your order.
- Look for your favorite golf clubs from Japan: Just type a keyword like “golf clubs from Japan” or paste the product link into Janbox’s search field. You’ll quickly be able to access any Japan golf shop online with just a few clicks.
- Make an order, finalize the 1st payment: After you’ve located the product, add it to your cart and proceed with the initial payment, which includes the product’s price along with any purchase-related fees.
- Finalize the 2nd payment and receive your order: Janbox will manage your order fulfillment from Japan to Vietnam based on your specifications. After the products arrive in Vietnam, you’ll need to make a second payment to cover the shipping and service charges before receiving your order.
5. Tips For Buying Golf Clubs From Japan
To ensure you select the right golf clubs from Japan, it’s crucial to evaluate a number of key elements to guarantee that the clubs will suit your personal needs and preferences on the course:
Consider your level
When selecting golf clubs, it’s essential to consider your skill level. Beginners find that clubs offering more precision and forgiveness, like hybrids or cavity-back irons, are the most helpful. These clubs are designed with larger sweet spots, which help in making it easier to hit the ball and launch it into the air.
On the flip side, low-handicap golfers and other seasoned players often prefer blade irons or single-driver models, which offer more control and shot-shaping potential. These clubs allow for precise shot manipulation, but they demand a higher level of swing skill and precision.
Decide on set type
It’s essential to know which clubs to buy and how many you need when beginning your golf journey. A beginner would do well with a basic Japanese golf set that consists of a driver, hybrids, a few woods, a putter, and several irons.
As you improve in golf, you might be inclined to add more specialized clubs, such as wedges for precise short-game shots or specialty woods for powerful long hits. The style of play you prefer will heavily influence both the types of clubs and how your set is structured.
Customization and fine-tuning
For optimal golf performance, it’s vital to customize your clubs to suit your body. This includes selecting the appropriate flex, shaft length, and grip size based on your strength, height, and hand size. Ill-fitting clubs can result in poor posture, inconsistent swings, and increased risk of physical injury.
Various manufacturers and golf store Japan retailers provide thorough fitting services to guarantee that every part of the club is customized to suit the golfer, improving overall performance and providing a more comfortable fit.
Consider your budget
Budget considerations should be reviewed before you decide to buy golf clubs in Japan. High-end, personalized clubs can be expensive, but many affordable mid-range models provide excellent quality and performance when maintained well. Setting a budget before you shop in a Japan golf store helps you focus on the best options for your game without exceeding your financial limits.
6. FAQs
6.1. How do golf clubs from Japan differ from those from the US?
Japanese golf clubs, like Mizuno, stand apart from American clubs due to their unique design philosophy. Japanese manufacturers emphasize precision, detailed construction, and craftsmanship, frequently using top-tier materials and state-of-the-art techniques. Their clubs have a more classic design and are suited for golfers who prioritize consistency and a polished playing experience.
In contrast to their Japanese counterparts, American clubs, like Callaway, focus heavily on incorporating technology and innovation in their designs. They use advanced features, such as adjustable elements and composite materials, to boost performance and meet the needs of golfers across different skill levels.
American golf clubs are typically more modern and diverse in appearance, prioritizing adaptability and user-friendliness. The final decision between these two well-known clubs depends on the golfer’s personal style, performance needs, and preferences.
6.2. What factors contribute to the higher cost of Japanese golf clubs?
With a reputation for premium quality, Japanese golf clubs are priced higher due to the premium materials, precise engineering, and skilled craftsmanship that go into each club. This attention to detail leads to improved performance and a more refined playing experience.
Moreover, Japanese golf clubs tend to offer customization options and distinctive design elements that suit the individual preferences of golfers. The combination of excellent craftsmanship and these personalized features makes them more costly.
6.3. How should the proper grip look?
The ideal grip allows your middle and ring fingers of the left hand to grasp the club, while your thumb pad makes only light contact. If there’s no contact between the thumb and fingers, it means the grip is too large.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, purchasing golf clubs from Japan can significantly enhance your golfing experience. By following the tips outlined in this guide and considering the top 5 brands highlighted, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision. Head to Janbox right away to start searching for high-quality products and enjoy attractive deals!
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