One of the key players in the smart glasses movement is Ray-Ban Meta. The current Gen 2 model was released in the US and several other countries on September 17, 2025, but the original model (2023) and Ray-Ban Stories (2021) were not released in Japan. However, it has finally been decided that they will be released in Japan.
On May 21, 2026, the Ray-Ban Meta series and Oakley Meta series will be available for purchase at official Ray-Ban and Oakley stores, as well as at retailers carrying each brand.
The prices are as follows: Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) from 73,700 yen, Ray-Ban Meta Optics (Gen 2) from 82,500 yen, Oakley Meta HSTN from 77,220 yen, and Oakley Meta Vanguard from 96,580 yen. It’s good news that you can get what is probably the world’s best-selling AI glasses starting from around 70,000 yen.
This time, we’re introducing three main types of glasses, but the built-in AI and functions are basically the same for all of them. What differs between the models are the camera performance, price, and appearance. Since they’ll be used as eyeglasses, the frame design and how they look when worn are also important factors when purchasing. Let’s take a look at the features of each model, as well as their respective designs.
Ray The-Meta Ban (Gen 2) can be considered a basic model.
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) incorporates Ray-Ban’s signature design of thick, beautifully framed sunglasses. In terms of hardware, it features a 12-megapixel camera sensor, capable of recording video at 3K/30fps, 1440p/30fps, and 1080p/60fps, and taking photos up to 3024 x 4032 pixels, along with 32GB of internal storage.
You can choose from black sunglasses lenses, clear lenses, or photochromic lenses, but prescription lenses will need to be added on top of the existing lenses.
You can choose from three frame types: Wayfarer, Skyler, and Headliner.
Ray-Meta Ban Optics (Gen 2) with interchangeable corrective lenses.
For those who normally wear glasses and want the lightest possible Meta AI glasses, we recommend Ray-Ban Meta Optics (Gen 2).
The design offers two frame styles for a cleaner look, and features like interchangeable nose pads and adjustable temples improve comfort.
For an additional fee, you can have the lenses replaced with prescription lenses. This will likely result in the lightest total weight after correction.
Oakley Meta HSTN – Sporty casual style
One of the Oakley brand’s models is the Oakley Meta HSTN. Its rounded shape and massive frame design give it a youthful, active feel.
This model features photochromic lenses. Because it transforms into sunglasses in strong sunlight, it’s especially recommended for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
However, since the frame seems to have been designed to fit the slender skull structure of Westerners, it may feel a little narrow for Asians with wider heads.
Shielded Oakley Meta Vanguard
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is a model with even more enhanced sportiness. Its styling is a perfect match for helmets used for cycling, snowboarding, and other sports.
These glasses are lightweight and comfortable to wear. However, they cannot use corrective lenses. Please note that they cannot be used as a substitute for eyeglasses.
Because of its wrap-around design that also covers the sides, it softens light coming in from the sides.
We’ll focus on two key aspects: design and high-performance Meta AI.
While smart glasses are becoming more readily available in Japan, the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta, which are finally being launched into the market, can be purchased at Ray-Ban and Oakley retailers, as mentioned earlier. EssilorLuxottica, which was in charge of the joint development, explains that one of the strong points of these glasses is that there are many places where you can try them on, as they are a new type of gadget.
Olivier Chupin, SVP of EssilorLuxottica Japan, Korea, and Asia Southeast, also stated that they aim to create an environment that makes new technologies more accessible. He also expressed high hopes for Ray-Meta Ban Optics (Gen 2) in Japan, where there are many glasses and contact lens users.
“Japan is a country where tradition and technology coexist. Japanese users are very receptive to innovation that blends seamlessly into their lives. Given the high demand for prescription lenses, frames that accommodate them will be a great help.”
Matteo Battiston, Design Chief Officer at EssilorLuxottica, explains that the top priority in bringing the product to market was creating eyeglasses that were beautiful.
“This will be the first time that technology becomes something personal, something that defines who we are. Our motto is ‘Invisible technology, visible humanity.’ We believe this is what future technology will achieve.”
Ajisawa Masahiro, CEO of Japan Facebook, the Japanese subsidiary of Meta, stated that AI glasses are the ideal device for building Meta’s AI vision of personal superintelligence. He explained that AI glasses are devices in which AI directly understands what is seen and heard and provides support.
“We see AI glasses as the next-generation computing platform following PCs and smartphones. By recognizing what they see and interacting with them via voice, they can provide a highly personalized AI experience. We hope people will enjoy the diverse use cases.”
The number of features available in Japanese is also increasing.
The current Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta series are still under development. However, Meta AI now supports Japanese and offers photo-based translation. Future plans include real-time translation and integration with other apps such as LINE. Even now, it’s possible to use services like Gmail and Google Calendar, so we can look forward to future advancements.