"This blog post was written by LINEGEAR in「 August 2022 」and has been translated into English"
" I've summarized the Ichiro Juliet ★ "
2022/08/23
Theme: Blog
"Thank you for advertisement" released by OAKLEY at the time of Ichiro's retirement in 2019
Ichiro is wearing a polished Juliet, isn't he?
When it comes to Ichiro, it's all about the Juliet.
Today, I've compiled some information about the Ichiro Juliet.
I'll write more about it in detail later.
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Hello everyone,
How are you all doing?
Juliet / Lens: NXT lens, Flash Copper
Summer is coming to an end so quickly, isn't it? This year, despite being mindful of COVID-19, I've managed to enjoy a somewhat summery summer without any restrictions, which I'm quite satisfied with.
"Although it's a bit late, thank you very much for the numerous orders during the Summer Sale."
Due to the busy repair season, we haven't been able to update the blog for a while, so please understand that this is our first update in a long time.
LINEGEAR is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, and we owe it all to your support. We, the staff, are truly grateful.
Although the blog updates are irregular, it seems that many of you are reading it, which makes us very happy.
We hope to continue writing persistently in the future, so thank you for your continued support.
As for recent updates, we have released the NXT® lens in Flash Copper (Standard) as a new product.
For now, we've only released lenses for the Juliet, but we'll be releasing lenses for other frames soon.
I've been using these lenses exclusively lately, and they're quite easy on the eyes.
Since the NXT lens provides a clear field of vision, it's only natural, but with a copper base lens, it brightens things up considerably.
With a light transmission rate of 22%, it's not too dark and helps reduce glare to a comfortable level.
It works perfectly indoors or in shaded areas.
When engaging in sports, if the lenses are too dark, it can be difficult to see the ball or the surroundings, which can reduce perceptual ability. So, I think this level of light transmission is just right.
Since it has a silver mirror, there's not much transparency, either.
Personally, I quite like the slightly reddish-brown tint of the base lens shining through. 
I'll write about this later, but the Slate Iridium on the Ichiro Juliet has a similar 23% light transmission rate, which provides just the right amount of brightness reduction on sunny days. The Flash Copper has almost the same light transmission rate.
Slate Iridium is the lens that Ichiro Suzuki favored. With a gray base, it offers a natural field of view. On the other hand, the Flash Copper lens enhances the contrast of the scenery, providing a sharp view.
Whether you prefer a natural look or enhanced contrast is a matter of personal preference.
So, as mentioned in the previous article (though it's been quite a while since the last one, 
)
Today, I'd like to write about the Ichiro Juliet!!
It seems like it might get long again, but I'd appreciate it if you could stick with me until the end 😅
There's a page summarizing the Ichiro Juliet on the website. Please consider reading it as a "review" after finishing this article.
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Well, let's get started.
The content I'm about to write is based on the official information released by OAKLEY JAPAN, and it serves as a summary article about Ichiro Juliet. Additionally, there will be some speculative parts based on the context of the time, so please read with that understanding.
Generally, what's referred to as the "Ichiro Juliet" is officially known as the "Ichiro Signature Model." These models feature Ichiro's signature on the lenses and were sold in boxes specifically designated for signature models. They also come with a special serial number unique to signature models.
For example, the Ichiro Juliet 3rd Edition, Polished/Emerald Slate.
The box features exclusive images of Ichiro on the top.
There's an engraving on the lens: ICHIRO 51.
However, Ichiro himself wore regular models for a considerable period during his play. (I will explain in detail later.)
So,
"Every Juliet = Ichiro model"
Some people might perceive it this way, which is not entirely incorrect.
However, strictly speaking, what is generally referred to as "Ichiro Juliet" is the "Signature Model" introduced below.
So, before digging further into the details, it might be easier to understand if I first list out all the models available.
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Juliet Ichiro Signature Model
1st to 5th Editions
- 1st Edition: Polished with Blue Iridium - 2001
- 2nd Edition: Polished with Slate Iridium - 2003
- (2.5th Edition: Carbon with OO Blue Iridium) - 2004
- 3rd Edition: Polished with Emerald Slate - 2004
- 4th Edition: X-Metal with Slate Iridium - 2006
- 5th Edition: Polished Carbon with Slate Iridium - 2008
Officially, there are up to the 5th Edition, totaling 5 different types.
"Huh? 2.5th Edition... What's that?"
I'll explain this later.
The sales period was from 2001 to 2008 (approximately 8 years). By the way, Oakley released the Juliet model in 1999. The X-Metal series (a total of 8 types) was available from 1997 to 2012 (about 15 years). Ichiro Suzuki started to shine in the Major Leagues around 2001. Reading along this timeline might make it easier to understand.
How old were you all back then? I was in my late 20s.
Now, please take a look at the images.
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1st Edition
Polished Blue Iridium, 2001
Ichiro Suzuki joined the MLB's Seattle Mariners in November 2000, and the Juliet was released in 1999.
The ROMEO was released in 1997, followed by the MARS in 1998, and it was around this time that the X-Metal series started gaining popularity.
That Tom Cruise movie, "Mission: Impossible 2," featuring the ROMEO, was released in the same year (2000).
This is the first Ichiro signature model.
At the time of his transfer, Ichiro was already a player with considerable achievements in Japan, but his challenge in the Major Leagues was an unknown.
Meanwhile, from Oakley's perspective, they had the X-Metal series, which was becoming famous with Michael Jordan, and they aimed to further appeal to it, having a marketing strategy of wanting to increase recognition in the sports sunglasses industry.
And in 1999, they released the third installment of the X-Metal series, the Juliet. It's certain that they wanted to appeal more to the world.
Moreover, there was a strategy to have [athletes who could use it during play, such as "golf" or "baseball," and to have them featured more in the media].
As a presence that proved to be "eyewear that protects eyes in any situation," Ichiro became a fitting figure for the times.
(Even while in Japan, he used models like Romeo, so I think Ichiro personally liked the X-Metal series.)
And even after transferring to the Mariners, Ichiro's use of Juliet during games, practice, and media interviews would be seen by people all over the world.
And in 2001, Ichiro became the first Asian player to win the MVP and Rookie of the Year titles.
I believe Oakley decided to release Ichiro's signature model as a tribute to his achievements (speculation).
And finally, the curtain rises on the series called Ichiro Juliet.
Lens engraving (Ichiro 51)
In this flow, the first edition of Ichiro Juliet was released.
The lenses featured the usual combo found in Polished Juliet: Polished + Blue Iridium + Black Rubber Parts. There wasn't any particularly special lens, but there was an engraving of "ICHIRO 51" on the lens, and the model featured Ichiro's signature and image on the box.
The serial number is IS#####.
The box comes with a special box as a signature model.
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Second Edition
Polished Slate Iridium, 2003
The lenses come with Slate Iridium, and the rubber parts are in blue.
For the first time in this model, Slate Iridium is included. From this point on, all Ichiro Juliet models will come with lenses based on Slate.
As mentioned earlier, Slate Iridium lenses have a 23% light transmission rate, providing moderate brightness while reducing glare. With a gray base lens, they offer a natural vision.
Serial number is I 51 #######
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Third Edition: Polished Emerald Slate, 2004
Matching the lens color, bright green rubber parts are attached.
The lenses are Emerald Slate.
"Emerald Slate" consists of a base lens in Slate (a gray lens with a light transmission rate of 23%)
Plus
Emerald Iridium (a mirror coating in emerald).
Therefore, the Emerald Slate differs from the typical Emerald Iridium found on models like the Juliet Plasma in terms of base lens light transmission.
While Emerald has a light transmission rate of 13%, Emerald Slate has a rate of 23%, resulting in a slightly more translucent lens.
The serial number is IS 51 ####.
And there are some models of this model without a serial number.
There's a discussion that official domestic products have serial numbers, while US sales products (parallel imports) don't have serial numbers, but it's not certain.
※ Around 2004, most Oakley models didn't have serial numbers, so I think similarly, there were frames of this model without serial numbers.
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4th edition X-Metal Slate Iridium 2006
Limited to 1000 units.
The fourth edition released in 2006, the first Ichiro Juliet with an X-Metal frame featuring Slate Iridium lenses and black rubber parts. It was released as a commemorative model for winning the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
(The WBC was first held in 2006, and Japan was the first champion.)
On the left stem, there is an engraving that reads "WORLD CHAMP 06."
On the right stem, there is "ICHIRO 06 ####" engraved.
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5th edition
Polished Carbon Slate Iridium, 2008
This model, which became the last Ichiro Juliet, was released in 2008.
Limited to 1,200 pieces in Japan.
New color, Polished Carbon with Slate Iridium,
and the rubber parts come in white.
※ The glossy black color called Polished Carbon was sold as a regular color from the following year (2009) with the release of X-SQUARED.
The Polished Carbon (glossy black) model in the Juliet series was only released in these 1200 units.
Therefore, it becomes an extremely rare and special model.
There are engravings on the lenses.
This is more of a personal story from LINEGEAR (myself), but it seems that this model gathered quite a bit of interest from overseas customers. Before its release, I remember receiving many emails from overseas customers asking, "Daisuke, could you get this Juliet for me?" In the end, only a few people were able to get their hands on it and send it out. However, I recall that the Ichiro Juliet was extremely popular around this time, and it was almost sold out shortly after its release.
This Juliet became the final model of the Ichiro Juliet series.
It was released in 2008.
Following this, the X-SQUARED was released in 2009, marking the final model of the X-Metal series.
The X-Metal series was discontinued in 2012.
That concludes the series.
The first to fifth editions (5 types) were officially released as Ichiro signature models.
Afterward, the Ichiro signature model transitioned from Juliet.
The sixth edition, Radar/Slate Iridium, became the successor.
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Second and a Half Edition (Phantom Ichiro Model)
Carbon OO Blue Iridium
Now, let's talk about the previously mentioned, phantom Second and a Half Edition.
A model released in 2004. It features a carbon frame with OO Blue Iridium lenses and blue rubber parts.
It was discontinued almost immediately after its release, and only a very small number of these highly rare Ichiro signature models circulated in the market.
Since it is not counted as an Ichiro model in OAKLEY JAPAN's press releases, it is likely that there was no official domestic distribution through regular channels. The lenses are engraved with "Ichiro51," and the serial number is IS 51 #####.
The exact number of units released to the market and the reasons for its discontinuation are unknown.
As a phantom model, it seems to be traded at high prices among enthusiasts.
Blue Iridium (with engraving)
Serial number is IS 51 #####
For those who actually own this model, are they located in Japan?
However, it seems that it circulated quite a bit overseas.
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Above is the detailed information about the Ichiro Juliet.
As a summary, I would like to write down the key points:
- The Ichiro Juliet (signature model) was officially released in five editions.
- All signature models (Juliet) were released during Ichiro's tenure with the Seattle Mariners.
- The lenses are blue iridium only in the first model, with the rest being slate-based.
- All models feature the "ICHIRO 51" engraving on the lenses.
- Only the third edition may have some units without serial numbers.
- All models come in signature model-exclusive boxes.
I believe that covers the main points.
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Now, as additional information, I'd like to write a bit about the Oakley frames actually worn by Ichiro.
Although signature models have continued to be released, I will focus only on the X-Metal series worn during his time.
1998: Romeo (X-Metal/Black Iridium)
1999: Juliet (X-Metal/Black Iridium)
2000: Juliet (Plasma/Ice Iridium)
2001: Juliet (Polished/Blue Iridium) *First Signature Model
2002: Juliet (Polished/Slate Iridium)
2003: Juliet (Polished/Slate Iridium) *Second Signature Model
2004: Juliet (Polished/Emerald Slate) *Third Signature Model
2005: Romeo 2 (X-Metal/Slate Iridium)
2006: Juliet (X-Metal/Slate Iridium) *Fourth Signature Model
2007: Juliet (X-Metal TiO2/Slate Iridium)
Juliet (Polished 24K/Slate Iridium)
2008: Juliet (Polished Carbon/Slate Iridium) *Fifth Signature Model
Juliet (Carbon/Slate Iridium)
2009: Radar (Silver/Slate Iridium)
Some of you may have seen images of Ichiro wearing Romeo 1 or Romeo 2 frames.
As you can see from the list above, he wore Romeo 2 in 2005.
Custom Juliet with a combination of 24K and X-Metal.
Also, it seems that he wore normal TiO2 and 24K frames.
He didn't always wear signature models, but used various frames.
That's all for the Ichiro Juliet.
I've summarized quite a bit, so perhaps some of you reading might feel a sense of clarity and understanding.
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Finally, regarding the Juliet model,
Even though it has been discontinued for quite some time, there are still many Juliet fans around the world.
I believe the enduring popularity of the Juliet is closely related to Oakley's sunglasses history and Ichiro's prominent performances in the forefront.
The fact that Oakley's sports sunglasses have gained such recognition worldwide is also greatly attributed to athletes like Ichiro using them.
And I believe that Juliet will continue to endure alongside the achievements of these athletes in the future.
I hope that all of you will continue to use Juliet as your trusted companion, sharing your history together.
By delving deeper into these details, if it helps deepen your attachment to your Juliet, then writing this article has been worthwhile.
At LINEGEAR, we have all Juliet parts available as our own products, so we can handle almost all repairs, including consumables.
Please make use of LINEGEAR's parts and services for the Juliet repairs.
That's all for now.
Thank you very much for reading until the end.
REVIVE X-METAL!
#ジュリエット #juliet #オークリー #イチロー #oakley #ロメオ #romeo #イチローモデル #スレートイリジウム #イチロー選手