Our Story

Founded by Yamamoto Kogaku in 1911 as a specialist eye wear manufacturer the family has spent over a century perfecting specialist eyewear from swimming goggles, aviation glasses, sunglasses and protective eyewear.

Our Roots

Founded in 1911 as Yamamoto Spectacle Lens Manufacturing, Yamamoto Kogaku Ltd specialised in dust-proof glasses and lenses and later aviation eyewear for the Japanese airforce.

1945

Following devasating damage to the factory from air raids the company starting manufacturing swimming goggles and SWANS was born!

1950 - 1975

SWANS rebrands and continues to develop its swimming goggles with the SW-1 goggle became its first mass produced product.

1982

In 1982 SWANS develops its first anti-fog lenses for swimming goggles.

1983

In 1983 SWANS releases its first pair of prescription goggles. In 1986 SWANS then released swimming goggles with anti fog and prescription lens technology.

1996

SWANS releases its first competitive swimming goggle. With no silicone gasket the Swedish style goggle reduces resistance in the water.

2001

SWANS creates its first pair of swimming goggles with polarised lenses.

2014

SWANS develops its premium anti-fog coating - making goggles clearer in the water for longer.

Our History in Goggles

1946

1975

1982

1986

1996

2001

Swimming goggles with black frame and silver lenses on a white background Swimming goggles with black frame and silver lenses on a white background

2025

A Short History

SWANS ICONS