Japan has one of the deepest iron markets in golf. Alongside names you already know, there are makers whose clubs rarely appear in US shops. Here is a short guide to the main brands and how to choose between them.
The brands
Miura. Katsuhiro Miura began making golf clubs in 1957, and Miura irons, wedges and putters are still produced at one forge and factory in Himeji. Known for soft-feeling forged irons.
Epon. The house brand of Endo, a Japanese forging house that has also made forged irons for other well-known club companies.
Honma. Making clubs since 1959, with its plant in Sakata. The Tour World line is its best-known range for regular players.
Mizuno. Making golf clubs since the 1930s and widely respected for forged irons.
PRGR. The golf brand of Yokohama Rubber. Many PRGR clubs use flex codes such as M-37 or M-40 that point to a swing speed rather than a letter.
Yamaha. Better known for pianos, Yamaha also makes the inpres and RMX golf ranges.
XXIO. Dunlop's lightweight range, built for golfers with moderate swing speeds.
Maruman. Home of the Majesty line and SG irons, with a focus on light, premium clubs.
Fourteen. A Japanese maker known for its irons and wedges.
How to choose
Start with your swing speed. Many Japanese irons are built light. That can help a moderate swing and feel too soft for a fast one.
Compare lofts, not numbers. Yamaha's own specs list a 7-iron at 31 degrees in the RMX VD/M and 33 degrees in the RMX VD/R. A "7-iron" is not one fixed club, so check the loft before comparing distances.
Check the set makeup. Sets vary in which clubs they include. Read the listing to see exactly which irons you receive, and whether you will need a gap wedge.
Check the shaft. Many used sets have been reshafted. The shaft on the listing matters more than what the model came with new.
Looking for a model you cannot find? Request a club