Why Are Japanese Golf Clubs So Expensive?

If you’re exploring the world of Japanese golf clubs for the first time, prepare to have your mind blown. Japanese golf clubs — generally speaking — are very expensive golf clubs.

This reality leads to a very logical question:

Why are Japanese golf clubs so expensive?

The simplest explanation is this: Japanese golf clubs are expensive because of their strict manufacturing standards and the fact that golf tends to be an activity for the elite in Japan.

Let me dive into both of these factors in greater detail.

Japanese Golf Club Manufacturing Standards

If you purchase a club from Callaway Golf or any other reputable golf brand, you can be confident in your purchase. These companies invest tons of time and energy into their golf equipment.

Most PGA Tour players do quite well using clubs from the top American and UK golf companies, so there’s no reason to discount the performance of non-Japanese clubs.

So why would someone spend more money on a Japanese brand?

It’s fair question.

In many cases (but not all), the manufacturing process for a Japanese club is much stricter than companies based in other parts of the world. Let me give you two specific examples:

Example 1
Muira produces golf irons with a spec tolerance of +/- .5 gr. for each head. This is a very precise quality standard that may produce better results on the golf course. This attention to detail results in a higher price tag.

Example 2
Honma Golf clubs typically take 6 months to build. They’re built by master craftsmen who typically have 30+ years of experience. Each club touches over 100 hands before it is complete.

The handmade nature of a Honma club results in a higher price tag than mass produced alternatives.

Recommended Reading: Why are Honma Golf Clubs so Expensive?

There is also a case to be made that Japanese clubs are built using superior metals. Better raw materials are part of the manufacturing process and lead to Japanese golf clubs being more expensive.

Golf as a Sport for the Japanese Elite

Japan is an archipelago. As a country, it has a very finite amount of land to work with.

In spite of its land limitations, Japan still rings in as the 11th most populous country in the world, with over 125 million people calling it home.

What’s even more surprising? Japan is the location for half of all the golf courses in Asia.

NPR has an interesting article on the way the sport is changing in the country, but here’s a key takeaway: For many years, the opportunity to play golf in Japan was rare.

90% of the golf courses were private, so one needed to have a golf membership or country club connection in order to play. With expensive membership dues, golf was reserved for those with a high social and economic status.

I’ve already established that Japanese golf clubs are built to some of the strictest standards in the world. When you combine that fact with Japan’s socio-economic realities, it makes sense that a Japanese iron set is going to carry a hefty price tag.

The Japanese consumers who are playing golf typically have money to spend. As a result, each Japanese brand can set a price that matches what their audience is willing to spend.

Anyone outside of Japan is paying a higher price tag because:

• The manufacturing process is costly
• The sticker price is geared toward those with more disposable income
• The golf clubs have to be shipped internationally

Who makes the best Japanese golf clubs?

That’s a tough question to answer because without seeing your swing, I can’t tell you the best Japanese golf club for your game.

Instead, let me introduce you to several popular brands of Japanese golf clubs.

Mizuno Golf Clubs

Mizuno is the most well-known Japanese manufacturer amongst North American golfers.

Mizuno irons have a great reputation and a price tag that’s comparable to the other power players in the industry (Titleist, Callaway Golf, etc.)

There are several PGA Tour players, including Greyson Sigg and Keith Mitchell, who use Mizuno clubs.

Honma Golf

Honma is a Japanese company that makes some of the most expensive golf clubs in the world. Though luxury options like the Honma Beres aren’t realistic for many golfers, there are sometimes used options on the market for those who want to own a more expensive club set.

These hand-forged clubs include a handmade shaft along with gold and platinum overlays.

One thing worth mentioning: Honma does not make a putter.

Miura

Miura golf clubs are named after their master craftsman, Katsuhiro Miura. This family business produces some of the best forged golf clubs in the world.

Miura focuses exclusively on golf irons, wedges, and putters. Dedicated golfers will need to source their driver and fairway wood from another Japanese company like Ryoma Golf.

A single Miura iron starts at about $310.

Are Japanese golf clubs better?

The simple answer would be yes, Japanese golf clubs are often built to a better standard using better materials. However, the word “better” is a loaded word. Depending on your swing mechanics and your skill level, expensive Japanese clubs might not be the best option for your game.

Should you buy Japanese golf clubs?

If you fall into one of these three groups, you may want to buy Japanese golf clubs.

Group #1 (Perfectionists)

People who appreciate an extreme attention to detail may want to add some Japanese craftsmanship to their golf bag. After all, these clubs were made by perfectionists.

Who knows? Maybe you can hit a golf ball better when you’re playing with a better club.

Group #2 (Knowledgeable Golfers)

A golfer who wants forged clubs with a very specific lie for their irons and wedges will also benefit from these carefully-crafted golf sticks.

It’s probably worth getting a club fitting before dropping $10k+.

Group #3 (Elitists)

There’s clearly an air of luxury that goes with owning Japanese clubs. Some people love to set themselves apart from the crowd with a luxury handbag or a luxury vehicle. It’s no different in the golf world.

Owning a Japanese golf club set is similar to owning a PXG golf club set instead of an old Wilson Staff set.

Still wondering “Why are Japanese golf clubs so expensive?”

Feel free to post your questions in the comments below.