Since its founding in 2015, Master 8 Japan has inspired countless guitarists across Japan — and its picks are now used by players all over the world.
Yet few truly know the inspiring story behind the brand itself. How did it begin? And who are the players best suited for its uniquely crafted picks?
Master 8 Japan blends craftsmanship, innovation, and material science to redefine what a guitar pick can achieve.
Key Points
- Master 8 Japan is a Japanese guitar pick brand launched in 2015 by Ikeda Industrial (IKEDA PICKS), founded in 1967 in Gifu.
- Master 8 Japan develops proprietary materials like INFINIX and INFINIX-U for durability, grip, and tonal clarity.
- Master 8 Japan represents over 50 years of Japanese manufacturing expertise applied to the smallest instrument — the guitar pick.
1. What is Master 8 Japan?
Master 8 Japan was established in 2015 as the factory brand of Ikeda Industrial Co., Ltd. (IKEDA PICKS) — Japan’s only dedicated guitar pick manufacturer, founded in 1967 in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture.
The company’s origin is as unusual as it is inspiring. Founder Masao Ikeda was originally a hana-shokunin (artificial flower craftsman). Because the flowers he made used cellulose, a material similar to that used in early guitar picks, and because the petal shapes resembled picks themselves, Ikeda decided to apply his skills to a new field — guitar pick production. This origin lives on in the brand’s emblem: a flower-shaped logo inspired by that very story.
From the 1970s onward, Ikeda Industrial began OEM production for numerous major guitar brands, becoming a trusted pick manufacturer both domestically and abroad.
In 2015, after decades of OEM experience, the team launched their first in-house brand — Master 8 Japan — to freely pursue new materials, ideas, and approaches to sound design.
The name “Master 8” reflects both craftsmanship and symbolism:
- MASTER represents decades of expertise and mastery in pick craftsmanship.
- 8 symbolizes musical octaves, oxygen (element number 8, essential to life), good fortune in Japanese culture, and the “Hachi” from Gujo-Hachiman, where the company is based.
Every stage of production — from material development to molding, printing, and finishing — is handled entirely in-house at their factory in Gifu.
2. Key Features of Master 8 Japan Picks
Original Material: INFINIX
Master 8 Japan’s signature innovation is INFINIX, a proprietary next-generation material offering:
- Exceptional flexibility and shape memory
- Superior wear resistance
- A natural grip and response that feels like it “clings” to the strings
- Reduced pick noise, allowing cleaner, more articulate tones
INFINIX feels close to tortoise shell (Bekko) — providing both comfort and precision. Even during long sessions, the pick maintains its edge and tonal consistency.
(Note: Minor burrs or surface marks sometimes seen on INFINIX picks are intentional — part of the finishing process to preserve their edge characteristics and tonal response. These are not defects.)
Advanced Material: INFINIX-U
INFINIX-U blends the INFINIX base with the classic material ULTEM, combining:
- INFINIX’s smooth, flexible feel
- ULTEM’s high rigidity and fast attack
After extensive testing in professional environments, the team achieved the perfect balance between the two materials — creating a pick that expands tonal expression and playability while maintaining durability and response.
Collaboration Model: INFINIX-U ACOUSTIC BLEND (Produced by K.Yairi)
Released in the summer of 2025, this special pick was co-developed with the renowned acoustic guitar maker K.Yairi, also based in Gifu Prefecture. Using a custom INFINIX-U blend ratio, it delivers warmth similar to celluloid while retaining modern durability and clarity.
Rather than producing a bright or flashy tone, this pick is designed to complement the acoustic guitar’s natural resonance — faithfully translating the player’s nuances. It performs beautifully across steel and nylon strings, in both strumming and fingerpicking styles.
3. Recommended For
- Players who want to control fine tonal nuances through pick dynamics
- Players seeking durability for long performances
- Players who enjoy tonal variation by switching picks
- Those who value Made in Japan quality and precision
4. Conclusion
Master 8 Japan represents more than just a pick brand — it is the culmination of over 50 years of Japanese manufacturing excellence.
By treating the guitar pick as “the smallest and simplest instrument,” the company continues to push the boundaries of tone and playability.Through their unique materials INFINIX and INFINIX-U, Master 8 Japan delivers exceptional durability, tactile feel, and tonal clarity — a true expression of Japanese precision, passion, and sound design that continues to be enjoyed by players in Japan and around the world.
What is Master 8 Japan?
Master 8 Japan is a Japanese guitar pick brand launched in 2015 as the factory brand of Ikeda Industrial Co., Ltd. (IKEDA PICKS), Japan’s only dedicated guitar pick manufacturer.
Where is Master 8 Japan made?
Master 8 Japan picks are produced entirely in-house at Ikeda Industrial’s factory in Gujo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
What is INFINIX material?
INFINIX is Master 8 Japan’s proprietary material known for flexibility, shape memory, wear resistance, reduced pick noise, and a natural grip that feels close to tortoise shell.
What is INFINIX-U?
INFINIX-U is an advanced blend combining INFINIX and ULTEM, balancing smooth flexibility with high rigidity and fast attack.
What does the name “Master 8” mean?
“Master” represents decades of craftsmanship, while “8” symbolizes musical octaves, oxygen (element number 8), good fortune in Japanese culture, and Gujo-Hachiman, where the company is based.
Is Master 8 Japan involved in OEM production?
Yes. Ikeda Industrial has produced guitar picks for numerous major brands since the 1970s before launching Master 8 Japan as its own in-house brand in 2015.
