The 13 Best Japanese Golf Clubs & Brands

Japan has a rich golfing tradition that dates back over a century. While golf may have originated in Scotland, the Japanese have embraced the sport with a passion and dedication that is truly remarkable.

One area where Japan truly shines is in the craftsmanship and technology of its golf clubs. Japanese golf brands are renowned for their attention to detail, use of premium materials and cutting-edge design. Many top PGA Tour pros have Japanese clubs in their bags, attesting to the quality and performance these brands deliver.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go through the fascinating world of Japanese golf. You’ll learn about what makes golfing in Japan unique, the philosophy and approach of top Japanese equipment manufacturers and discover some of the best Japanese golf clubs on the market today.

What Is Golf In Japan Like?

Golf has a storied history in Japan, with the first course built in the early 1900s. Since then, the sport has grown tremendously in popularity, with Japan now boasting over 3,100 courses nationwide. But what sets Japanese golf apart from the game played in the West?

One key difference is the emphasis on etiquette and respect. In Japan, golf is seen as a gentleman’s game, and players are expected to adhere to strict rules of conduct both on and off the course. This includes everything from proper attire to the way one interacts with playing partners and course staff.

Another unique aspect of Japanese golf is the attention to detail in course maintenance. Japanese courses are known for their immaculate conditions, with meticulously manicured fairways, greens and even bunkers. This level of upkeep is a point of pride for Japanese golfers and course managers alike.

But perhaps the most significant difference lies in the approach to the game itself. In Japan, golf is often viewed as a means of personal improvement and self-discipline. Many Japanese golfers prioritize practice and skill development over competition, spending hours at the driving range improving their swings.

The Best Japanese Golf Clubs and Brands

Japanese golf clubs are often characterized by precision engineering and attention to detail. Many are forged from high-quality steel or titanium, resulting in exceptional feel and performance. The manufacturing processes used are often more labor-intensive and time-consuming than those of mass-market brands, ensuring the highest standards of quality.

In the following sections, we’ll profile some of the most respected and sought-after Japanese golf club brands; we’ll also highlight the unique strengths and showcase some of the most popular and effective club designs for each brand.

Mizuno

Mizuno is a brand with a long and storied history in the world of golf. Founded in 1906, the company has built a reputation for crafting some of the finest irons in the game. Mizuno’s clubs are known for their buttery smooth feel, precision and exceptional workmanship.

What sets Mizuno apart is their unwavering commitment to the art of club design and manufacturing. The company uses a proprietary Grain Flow Forging process, which involves heating a single billet of high-quality steel and then shaping it into a club head using precise forging techniques. This process ensures that the grain structure of the metal flows continuously throughout the head, resulting in superior feel and consistency.

Mizuno also employs a team of highly skilled craftsmen who meticulously shape and grind each club head by hand. This attention to detail allows for tighter tolerances and a level of customization that is unmatched by mass-produced clubs.

Best Mizuno Golf Clubs

• Mizuno MP-20 Irons: These beautifully crafted irons offer the ultimate in feel and control for the low-handicap golfer. With a compact blade design and minimal offset, the MP-20s reward precise ball-striking and allow for maximum shot-shaping ability.
• Mizuno JPX921 Forged Irons: The JPX921 Forged irons provide a perfect balance of forgiveness and feel. Featuring a slightly larger club head and a perimeter weighting design, these irons are more forgiving than the MP series while still offering exceptional responsiveness and feedback.
• Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver: This high-performance driver features a beta-titanium face and a carbon composite crown, allowing for optimal weight distribution and increased ball speed. The ST200 also offers adjustable weights in the sole, allowing you to fine-tune launch conditions and shot shape.
• Mizuno T24 Wedges: Crafted from soft carbon steel, the T20 wedges offer incredible feel and spin control around the greens. With a wide variety of loft and bounce options, as well as Mizuno’s signature Grain Flow Forged construction, these wedges are a favorite among players of all skill levels.

Srixon

Srixon, a subsidiary of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries, has been making waves in the golf world with their innovative club designs and cutting-edge technologies. While the brand may not have the same long history as some of its Japanese counterparts, Srixon has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

One of the key factors that set Srixon apart is its focus on research and development. The company invests heavily in new materials and manufacturing processes, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in golf club design. This commitment to innovation has resulted in some truly groundbreaking products.

Srixon is particularly known for their exceptional golf balls, which have been used by numerous PGA Tour professionals. The company’s expertise in ball technology has also informed their club designs, resulting in a seamless integration between ball and club for optimal performance.

Best Srixon Golf Clubs

• Srixon ZX5 Driver: The ZX5 driver features a lightweight carbon crown and a high-strength titanium face, allowing for faster ball speeds and increased forgiveness. The club also features adjustable weights in the sole, allowing you to fine-tune launch conditions and optimize spin rates.
• Srixon ZX7 Irons: Designed for better players, the ZX7 irons offer a compact blade shape and minimal offset for maximum control and workability. The irons feature Srixon’s proprietary MainFrame technology, which optimizes the club face for enhanced ball speed and consistency across a wider area.
• Srixon ZX4 Hybrids: These versatile hybrids offer a combination of forgiveness and control, making them a great option for golfers of all skill levels. The clubs feature a high-strength steel face and a low center of gravity, promoting high launch and long carry distances.

Honma

Honma is a brand that epitomizes luxury and craftsmanship. Founded in 1959, the company has built a reputation for creating some of the most beautiful and high-performing clubs on the market. Honma’s clubs are known for their exquisite aesthetics, premium materials and uncompromising attention to detail.

What sets Honma apart is their meticulous handcrafting process. Each club is made by a team of skilled artisans who take great pride in their work. Every step of the process is executed with the utmost care and precision, from the forging of the club heads to the finishing touches. This level of craftsmanship results in clubs that not only look stunning but also deliver exceptional feel and performance.

Honma is also known for using premium materials such as high-grade steel, titanium and carbon fiber. The company’s proprietary ARMRQ shafts are made from high-quality composites and designed to optimize energy transfer and provide a smooth, responsive feel.

Best Honma Golf Clubs

• Honma TW 757 Vx Irons: These irons feature a forged S20C steel body and an L-cup face design, which expands the sweet spot and enhances ball speed across a wider area of the club face. The irons also feature Honma’s VIZARD graphite shafts, which are lightweight and responsive.
• Honma TW GS Driver: The GS driver features a lightweight carbon crown and a high-strength Ti811 titanium face, allowing for optimal weight distribution and increased ball speed. The driver also features adjustable weights in the sole, allowing golfers to customize launch conditions and shot shape.
• Honma Beres 09 3-Star Fairway Woods: These fairway woods are crafted from premium materials and feature Honma’s proprietary ARMRQ shafts. The woods offer a combination of distance, forgiveness and control, making them a great option for golfers of all skill levels.
• Honma T//World TW-W4 Wedges: These wedges feature a forged S20C steel construction and a CNC-milled club face, which creates exceptional spin and control around the greens. The wedges are available in a wide range of lofts and bounces, allowing golfers to customize their setup for optimal performance.

Miura

Miura is a brand synonymous with precision, craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to producing the finest forged irons in the world. Founded by master craftsman Katsuhiro Miura in 1957, the company has built a reputation for creating clubs revered by golf enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Each Miura club is handcrafted by skilled artisans using a proprietary forging process that involves heating a single billet of high-quality steel to a precise temperature and then shaping it into a club head using a series of careful strikes. This process ensures that the grain structure of the metal is tightly aligned, resulting in exceptional feel and consistency.

Miura’s attention to detail extends beyond the forging process. Each club head is meticulously ground and shaped by hand, with every curve and angle carefully considered to optimize performance. The company also uses a proprietary spin welding process to attach the hosel to the club head, ensuring a seamless and secure connection.

Best Miura Golf Clubs

• Miura MC-501 Irons: These muscle-back irons feature a classic blade design and are forged from soft carbon steel for exceptional feel and control. The irons have minimal offset and a thin top line, making them ideal for skilled players who prioritize workability and precision.
• Miura CB-302 Irons: The CB-302 irons offer a slightly larger club head and a cavity-back design, providing a bit more forgiveness than the MC-501s while still maintaining the exceptional feel and control that Miura is known for. These irons are a great option for low-to-mid handicap golfers.
• Miura K-Grind 2.0 Wedges: Designed in collaboration with legendary wedge maker Ken Miura, the K-Grind wedges feature a unique sole design that allows for versatility and precision around the greens. The wedges are forged from soft carbon steel and are available in a wide range of lofts and bounces.
• Miura Giken Driver: While Miura is primarily known for their irons, the Giken driver showcases the company’s ability to create high-performing woods as well. The driver features a forged titanium face and a lightweight carbon crown, allowing for optimal weight distribution and increased ball speed.

JDM

JDM, which stands for “Japanese Domestic Market,” is a term used to describe golf equipment that is designed and manufactured specifically for the Japanese market. These clubs often feature unique designs, premium materials and cutting-edge technologies that set them apart from clubs marketed to Western audiences.

One of the key characteristics of JDM clubs is their focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many JDM clubs are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. This results in clubs that are beautiful to look at and deliver excellent feel and performance.

Another aspect that sets JDM clubs apart is their use of premium materials. Japanese manufacturers often use high-grade steels, titanium alloys and advanced composites to create clubs that are lightweight, durable and responsive. These materials allow for optimal weight distribution and improved energy transfer, resulting in longer, more consistent shots.

Best JDM Golf Clubs

• Epon AF-105 Irons: Epon is a sub-brand of Endo Manufacturing, a company known for crafting some of the finest forged irons in Japan. The AF-105 irons feature a compact blade design and are forged from soft carbon steel for exceptional feel and control.
• Fourteen TC-7 Irons: Fourteen is a boutique Japanese brand that has gained a cult following among golf enthusiasts. The TC-7 irons offer a unique cavity-back design that provides a blend of forgiveness and workability, making them a great option for skilled players.
• Yamaha RMX 220 Driver: While better known for their motorcycles and musical instruments, Yamaha also produces high-quality golf equipment. The RMX 220 driver features a lightweight carbon crown and a variable thickness face, allowing for increased ball speed and forgiveness across a wider area of the club face.

Seven Golf

Seven Golf is a relatively new Japanese brand that has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative golf equipment. Founded in 2010, the company’s mission is to create clubs that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to help golfers of all skill levels play their best.

Seven Golf uses advanced materials and manufacturing processes. The company uses a proprietary “Tensile Integration Technology” (TIT) in their club heads, which involves a special heat treatment process that enhances the strength and elasticity of the metal.

Seven Golf also places a strong emphasis on customization and fitting. The company offers a wide range of shaft and grip options, allowing golfers to customize their clubs to their specific swing characteristics and preferences. Seven Golf even offers a full custom fitting service, where golfers can work with a professional fitter to create a completely personalized set of clubs.

Best Seven Golf Clubs

• Seven Golf TS-01 Irons: The TS-01 irons feature a hollow-body design and are forged from a soft S20C carbon steel for exceptional feel. The irons also incorporate Seven Golf’s TIT technology, which enhances ball speed and distance while maintaining a soft, responsive feel.
• Seven Golf MB Irons: Designed for mid-to-high handicap golfers, the MB irons offer a larger club head and a wider sole for increased forgiveness. The irons also feature a cavity-back design and a low center of gravity, promoting a higher launch angle and longer carry distances.

Kyoei

Kyoei has been crafting high-quality clubs since 1955. The company is committed to traditional craftsmanship, using time-honored techniques to create beautiful clubs that deliver exceptional performance.

The company sources the finest steels and other metals from around the world, ensuring that each club is built to the highest standards of quality and durability. Kyoei also employs a team of skilled artisans who hand-forge and shape each club head with meticulous attention to detail.

Kyoei also believes that a golf club should provide a seamless connection between the golfer and the ball, allowing for precise control and shot-shaping. To achieve this, the clubs are designed with a careful balance of weight, flex and responsiveness, creating a sense of unity between the club and the golfer.

Best Kyoei Golf Clubs

• Kyoei KK Forged Irons: These classic blade-style irons are forged from soft carbon steel and feature a thin top line and minimal offset. They are ideal for skilled players who prioritize control and workability. The KK Forged Irons deliver exceptional feel and feedback, allowing for precise shot-shaping.
• Kyoei KK Wedges: Forged from soft carbon steel, the KK Wedges feature a classic teardrop shape and a high-spin face milling pattern. These wedges provide excellent feel and control around the greens, allowing for precise shot-making and a variety of trajectories.

XXIO

XXIO is a premium golf equipment brand that has been making waves in the industry since its inception in 2000. A subsidiary of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries, XXIO has quickly established itself as a leader in high-end, performance-driven clubs, particularly in the Japanese market.

XXIO is committed to developing cutting-edge technologies that help golfers of all skill levels play their best. The company invests heavily in research and development, constantly renewing and improving club design.

One of XXIO’s most notable innovations is their proprietary “True-Focus Impact Technology,” which is designed to enhance the transfer of energy from the club head to the ball at impact. This technology involves a unique weighting system that helps to stabilize the club head and minimize twisting, resulting in straighter, more consistent shots.

Best XXIO Golf Clubs

• XXIO Thirteen Driver: The XXIO Thirteen Driver features a lightweight titanium body and a thin, high-strength titanium face for exceptional ball speed and distance. It also incorporates XXIO’s True-Focus Impact Technology, which helps optimize energy transfer and improve accuracy.
• XXIO X Forged Irons: Designed for better players, the XXIO X Forged Irons offer a sleek, compact head shape and a soft carbon steel construction for exceptional feel and control. The irons also feature XXIO’s “Weight Plus” technology, which concentrates weight in the toe and heel areas for increased stability and forgiveness.
• XXIO Prime Royal Edition Fairway Woods: These premium fairway woods feature a lightweight titanium body and a thin, high-strength steel face for increased ball speed and distance. The woods also incorporate XXIO’s “Dual Speed Technology,” which optimizes the center of gravity and moment of inertia for a high, easy launch and long carry.
• XXIO Thirteen Ladies Irons: Designed specifically for female golfers, the XXIO Thirteen Ladies Irons feature a lightweight graphite shaft and a wide, forgiving sole for easy launch and maximum distance. The irons also incorporate XXIO’s True-Focus Impact Technology, which helps to stabilize the club head and improve accuracy.

Vega

Vega is a Japanese golf equipment manufacturer that was founded in 1983. The company is known for its innovative designs and use of advanced materials.

Vega offers a wide range of custom fitting options, allowing you to get the best performance from your clubs. Vega’s experienced craftsmen work closely with each golfer to understand their unique swing characteristics and preferences, ensuring that each club is tailored to their specific needs.

The company also uses advanced computer modeling and simulation techniques to optimize club head design, weight distribution and aerodynamics. Vega’s proprietary “FTS Technology” (Floating Thin System) allows for the creation of thin-faced irons and drivers that provide exceptional ball speed and distance without sacrificing forgiveness.

Best Vega Golf Clubs

• Vega VD-01 Driver: The VD-01 Driver features a lightweight carbon crown and a thin, high-strength titanium face for increased ball speed and distance. The driver also incorporates Vega’s FTS Technology, which optimizes the face thickness for maximum performance across a wide area of the club face.
• Vega Alcor Tour Forged Irons: Designed for better players, the Alcor Tour Forged Irons offer a compact head shape and a soft carbon steel construction. The irons also feature Vega’s “Micro Slot Technology,” which incorporates small slots behind the club face to enhance ball speed and forgiveness.
• Vega Alcor Satin Wedges: Forged from soft carbon steel, theese Wedges offer the best feel and control around the greens. The wedges feature a unique “Double Milled Face” design, which incorporates both straight and circular milling patterns for optimal spin and trajectory control in various conditions.

Ryoma

Ryoma is a relatively new Japanese golf equipment manufacturer that has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-performance clubs with cutting-edge designs. Founded in 2009, Ryoma has made a name for itself by pushing the boundaries of golf club technology and innovation.

Something that distinguishes Ryoma is the focus on aerodynamics and club head speed. The company uses advanced modeling and wind tunnel testing to optimize the shape and design of its club heads, minimizing drag and maximizing swing speed for longer, more powerful shots.

Ryoma also employs a unique “Dual Face Technology” in its club faces, which features a thin, flexible inner face and a strong, rigid outer face. This design allows for increased ball speed and distance while keeping forgiveness or durability.

Best Ryoma Golf Clubs

• Ryoma D-1 Maxima Driver: The D-1 Maxima driver features a 460cc club head with a sleek, aerodynamic design that reduces drag and increases club head speed. The driver also incorporates Ryoma’s Dual Face Technology, which optimizes ball speed and launch conditions for maximum distance.
• Ryoma DSI Irons: The DSI irons feature a hollow-body construction and a thin, high-strength steel face for increased ball speed and forgiveness. They also have a wide sole and a low center of gravity, promoting a high launch angle and easy launch for maximum distance.

Itobori

Itobori is another Japanese club manufacturer that has been producing high-quality equipment since 1969. The company offers innovative designs and uses advanced materials, creating clubs with exceptional performance and feel.

Itobori uses advanced computer modeling and simulation techniques to optimize club head shape, weight distribution and aerodynamics to produce clubs that are both forgiving and powerful.

Itobori is also committed to using high-end materials in their club construction. The company employs high-grade steels, titanium alloys and composite materials to create clubs that are lightweight, durable and responsive. Itobori’s proprietary “Forged Ultra Thin” (FUT) technology allows for the creation of exceptionally thin club faces, which flex more at impact to increase ball speed and distance.

Best Itobori Golf Clubs

• Itobori Black Boron Wedge: A high-quality club featuring a sleek black boron finish with a striking red logo and black accents. Weighing around 2 Lbs, this wedge offers customization options for font/number color and loft, allowing you to personalize the club to suit your preferences. The Black Boron Wedge showcases the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and performance, making it an attractive choice for discerning golfers looking to enhance their short game.
• Itobori Hybrid 3 Black Edition: The ITOBORI Hybrid 3 Black Edition is a premium club designed for golfers seeking a high-performance hybrid. Priced at $550, the club head is sold separately, allowing golfers to customize their club with their preferred shaft. It features a sleek black finish that complements ITOBORI’s other offerings, such as their iron sets in chrome satin, black chrome and vintage copper finishes. With its advanced design and materials, the ITOBORI Hybrid 3 Black Edition promises to deliver exceptional performance and versatility on the course.
• Itobori Black IP Driver: This sleek, black IP-finished driver is available for purchase as a head only, so you can customize the club with any preferred shaft. Priced at $1,480.00, the driver head comes in various loft degrees. For those seeking the ultimate in performance and luxury, Itobori offers the option to pair the Black Driver head with their exclusive Green Bamboo Shaft, creating a top-of-the-line club for discerning golfers.

Takomo

Takomo is a Japanese golf club manufacturer that has been making waves in the industry with their innovative designs and commitment to quality. Founded in 2017, Takomo may be a relative newcomer compared to some of the more established Japanese brands, but they have quickly earned a reputation for producing high-performance clubs that rival those of their competitors.

One of the key factors that sets Takomo apart is their focus on customization and fitting. The company recognizes that every golfer is unique, with their own swing characteristics, preferences, and goals. To accommodate this, Takomo offers a wide range of custom fitting options, allowing golfers to fine-tune their clubs for optimal performance.

Takomo also places a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. The company uses advanced materials and manufacturing processes to create clubs that are lightweight, durable, and powerful. Takomo’s proprietary “Forged Hollow Construction” technology, for example, allows for the creation of thin-faced irons that provide exceptional distance and forgiveness.

Best Takomo Golf Clubs

• Takomo Skyforger Wedges: Takomo’s Skyforger wedges, forged from premium S20C carbon steel, offer unmatched precision and control around the green. With progressively tapered blade thickness and strategic weight distribution, these wedges provide optimal spin and trajectory control for both full shots and delicate approaches. Available in four lofts (48, 52, 56, and 60 degrees) and equipped with the KBS WEDGE shaft and Lamkin Crossline grip, the Skyforger wedges deliver a soft feel, versatility and Tour-proven performance at an affordable price.
• Takomo Iron 201: The Takomo Iron 201 is an excellent set of forged irons that delivers exceptional feel, forgiveness and performance at an unbeatable price point. Precision-forged from premium S20C steel, these cavity back irons offer the perfect blend of control and workability, making them an ideal choice for advanced players seeking a superior feel without sacrificing forgiveness. With a milled back pocket that enhances ball speed and strategically positions the center of mass, the Iron 201 ensures impressive distance and accuracy, even on off-center hits.
• Takomo Iron 101: The 101 irons are the ultimate game-improvement set for beginner golfers, offering unparalleled forgiveness, distance and affordability. Crafted from soft, durable 431 carbon steel with a precision-milled 1.65 mm thin face, these irons promote explosive ball speeds and consistent ball flights. The hollow-body design, perimeter and low-cg optimized weighting, longer blade length, thicker top line, and moderate offset instill confidence and help you launch the ball straight and far. With premium stock options like Lamkin Crossline grips and KBS Tour Lite shafts, the Takomo 101 irons feature strong lofts and generous offset to enhance your performance.

Fujimoto

Fujimoto was founded in 1963, and it is known for its traditional approach to club design, focusing on classic shapes and premium materials to create clubs with exceptional quality.

The company sources high-grade steels, titanium alloys and other premium metals from around the world, ensuring that each club is built to the highest standards of quality and durability.

Fujimot’s skilled artisans also hand-craft each club head with meticulous attention to detail, which allows for a level of precision and customization that is difficult to achieve with mass-produced clubs.

Best Fujimoto Golf Clubs

• Fujimoto Ladies Her Wedges: The Fujimoto Ladies Her Custom Wedge is a specially designed club for women golfers, offering the classic feel of Fujimoto irons with enhanced forgiveness and optimized weight distribution. Crafted using traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques, each head undergoes a unique 72-hour tempering process in straw ash, resulting in an evenly structured metal grain that delivers a premium feel. This attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship makes the Ladies Her wedges an exceptional choice for female golfers seeking both performance and luxury on the course.
• Fujimoto SUS303 Milled Putter: The Fujimoto SUS303 Stainless Milled Custom Putter is a premium, precision-crafted club with extraordinary performance and feel. Made from high-quality SUS 303 stainless steel, this fully milled putter boasts a 3-degree loft, 70-degree lie angle, and a perfectly balanced weight of 345g (+/- 1g). With its standard .370 hosel diameter and included putter shaft and grip, this Fujimoto putter is ready to elevate your putting game right out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section of the article, we will answer some commonly asked questions related to Japanese golf brands so that you have a broader idea of what sets them apart.

Final thoughts

Japanese golf clubs and brands have earned a well-deserved reputation for quality, innovation and craftsmanship in the golf world. Japanese brands offer a diverse range of options for golfers of all skill levels, from industry giants like Mizuno and Srixon to boutique manufacturers such as Miura and Honma. These companies consistently push the boundaries of technology and design, often combining traditional forging techniques with cutting-edge materials and engineering.

While some may perceive Japanese clubs as primarily catering to better players, many brands now offer game-improvement options suitable for a wider range of players. The attention to detail, precision and commitment to performance that characterize Japanese golf equipment continue to win over players worldwide.

Intrigued by the unique features of Japanese golf but curious about how the overall golfing experience differs between Japan and the U.S.? Explore contrasting golf experiences of Japan vs. USA to learn the fascinating world of golf across these two countries.

For beginners, you may want to check our golf clubs guide to explore various options designed to improve your swing, accuracy, and overall enjoyment on the course

Thanks for reading!