EssilorLuxottica and Meta Launch AI Glasses in Japan on May 21, 2026
EssilorLuxottica and Meta have announced the Japanese launch of Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta AI glasses on May 21, 2026. Equipped with 12MP cameras, open-ear speakers, and Meta AI, the lineup spans everyday wear to high-performance sports models.
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- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 02:01
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 17:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 06:49 (13h 17m after Collected)
EssilorLuxottica and Meta announced today that the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses will be available in Japan starting May 21, 2026. The AI glasses developed by the two companies have already sold millions of units globally. By further expanding their global footprint, the companies are advancing their partnership to shape the future of vision care and wearable technology.
Since its launch, the Ray-Ban Meta has achieved the top sales record in the AI glasses sector worldwide, redefining eyewear. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) features an ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera capable of capturing high-resolution photos and recording 3K Ultra HD video. A battery life of up to 8 hours ensures comfortable all-day use, while open-ear speakers allow users to enjoy high-quality music and phone calls without blocking ambient sounds. The glasses support hands-free calling and messaging, and users can access real-time suggestions and answers from Meta AI simply by saying, "Hey Meta..." (*Note: Some features available in other countries may not be immediately available in Japan or will be rolled out gradually.)
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) offers both sunglass and optical models. The sunglass line features three styles: Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner. A wide range of lens options is available, including sunglass, clear, polarized, and Transitions® Gen S photochromic lenses, allowing for seamless transition from day to night. For those requiring prescription lenses, optical models—the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics—are also introduced. These new Optics frames feature a lightweight and slim design for all-day comfort, enhanced with customizable elements such as interchangeable nose pads and adjustable temple tips. Furthermore, a hinge structure with an expanded 10-degree range of motion and a dedicated action button for one-touch Meta AI activation make accessing features and capturing content easier than ever.
Under the Oakley Meta brand, the company is introducing two models—the HSTN and Vanguard—delivering next-generation AI glasses that provide athletic intelligence in the performance realm.
The Oakley Meta HSTN blends bold design with advanced technology, embedding a 12MP camera and open-ear speakers within the frame. It features IPX4 water resistance, making it suitable for various environments. Select models come equipped with contrast-enhancing PRIZM™ lenses. The Oakley Meta Vanguard is designed with movement and endurance in mind, supporting performance enhancement through the utilization of real-time data. It is equipped with a 12MP camera offering a 122-degree field of view and high-volume open-ear speakers designed to reduce wind noise. Engineered to help users maintain focus during training sessions such as running or cycling, it boasts IP67 dust and water resistance to withstand harsh environments. Both models offer extensive customization options through a variety of colorways and lens combinations.
Comment from Olivier Chupin, Senior Vice President of EssilorLuxottica for Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia:
"We are thrilled to expand the rollout of our AI glasses to Japan. Japan is not only one of our most important markets but is also renowned for its high receptivity to innovative technologies that enrich daily life. We are offering a wide range of AI glasses in both sunglass and optical categories to accommodate diverse lifestyles and needs. We look forward to many people experiencing these continuously evolving AI glasses."
Comment from Matteo Battiston, Chief Design Officer of EssilorLuxottica:
"Technology is transitioning towards blending more seamlessly into our surroundings, becoming more personal, and better understanding the world around us. Eyewear sits at the intersection of utility, identity, and human connection, and will play a critical role in next-generation experiences."
Since its launch, the Ray-Ban Meta has achieved the top sales record in the AI glasses sector worldwide, redefining eyewear. The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) features an ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera capable of capturing high-resolution photos and recording 3K Ultra HD video. A battery life of up to 8 hours ensures comfortable all-day use, while open-ear speakers allow users to enjoy high-quality music and phone calls without blocking ambient sounds. The glasses support hands-free calling and messaging, and users can access real-time suggestions and answers from Meta AI simply by saying, "Hey Meta..." (*Note: Some features available in other countries may not be immediately available in Japan or will be rolled out gradually.)
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) offers both sunglass and optical models. The sunglass line features three styles: Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner. A wide range of lens options is available, including sunglass, clear, polarized, and Transitions® Gen S photochromic lenses, allowing for seamless transition from day to night. For those requiring prescription lenses, optical models—the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics—are also introduced. These new Optics frames feature a lightweight and slim design for all-day comfort, enhanced with customizable elements such as interchangeable nose pads and adjustable temple tips. Furthermore, a hinge structure with an expanded 10-degree range of motion and a dedicated action button for one-touch Meta AI activation make accessing features and capturing content easier than ever.
Under the Oakley Meta brand, the company is introducing two models—the HSTN and Vanguard—delivering next-generation AI glasses that provide athletic intelligence in the performance realm.
The Oakley Meta HSTN blends bold design with advanced technology, embedding a 12MP camera and open-ear speakers within the frame. It features IPX4 water resistance, making it suitable for various environments. Select models come equipped with contrast-enhancing PRIZM™ lenses. The Oakley Meta Vanguard is designed with movement and endurance in mind, supporting performance enhancement through the utilization of real-time data. It is equipped with a 12MP camera offering a 122-degree field of view and high-volume open-ear speakers designed to reduce wind noise. Engineered to help users maintain focus during training sessions such as running or cycling, it boasts IP67 dust and water resistance to withstand harsh environments. Both models offer extensive customization options through a variety of colorways and lens combinations.
Comment from Olivier Chupin, Senior Vice President of EssilorLuxottica for Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia:
"We are thrilled to expand the rollout of our AI glasses to Japan. Japan is not only one of our most important markets but is also renowned for its high receptivity to innovative technologies that enrich daily life. We are offering a wide range of AI glasses in both sunglass and optical categories to accommodate diverse lifestyles and needs. We look forward to many people experiencing these continuously evolving AI glasses."
Comment from Matteo Battiston, Chief Design Officer of EssilorLuxottica:
"Technology is transitioning towards blending more seamlessly into our surroundings, becoming more personal, and better understanding the world around us. Eyewear sits at the intersection of utility, identity, and human connection, and will play a critical role in next-generation experiences."
FAQ
When is Ray-Ban Meta launching in Japan?
The Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses will be launched in Japan on May 21, 2026.
Can I listen to music on Ray-Ban Meta?
Yes, they feature open-ear speakers that allow for high-quality music playback and hands-free calls without blocking ambient sounds.
Are prescription lenses available?
Yes, there are dedicated optical models, such as the Blayzer Optics and Scriber Optics, which are compatible with prescription lenses.