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Okamura · Office Chairs

Okamura Contessa II

Design by Italdesign · Okamura

Executive offices wanting a high-back chair with 4D arm and headrest options.

¥243,650 – ¥377,410

≈ $1,530 – $2,380

  • Up to 300 lb
  • 10 / 5 / 2-year warranty
Check price at Okamura

Summary

Well built with fingertip controls; the forward-tilting seat edge divides users.

Best for

  • People who like adjusting from the armrests without reaching under the seat.
  • Taller sitters; several users report a good fit.

Think twice if

  • You like to sink back and relax; some users feel held forward.
  • You want a lumbar pad that locks firmly; some say it slips.
  • Price matters; most users call it very expensive.

The trade-off

Premium build and controls, but the seat edge feels tense to some users.

Value check

Sold mainly through Okamura's Japan store; the price shown is converted from yen.

Price
¥243,650 – ¥377,410
Load capacity
300 lb
Warranty
10 / 5 / 2 years

What Okamura highlights

  • Double frame

    A curved aluminum frame carries the body and a flexible plastic frame fits the shoulders and lower back. Okamura says this supports you robustly.

  • Fingertip adjustments

    The most used controls sit in levers at the ends of the armrests. Okamura says this gives fingertip control.

  • Ankle-tilt reclining

    The seat shifts back with the backrest as you recline. Okamura says this keeps a natural posture and avoids pressure on the thighs.

  • Nishijin mesh

    The mesh weaves a strong thread with a more flexible one. Okamura says it is taut yet delicate and soft to the touch.

  • Multiple-density cushion

    The cushion version has three softness zones: soft front, molding center, firmer back. Okamura says this keeps you comfortable over long periods.

As described by Okamura on its official pages; not a Chairpedia assessment.

What users say

Most-mentioned topics

  1. 1. Adjustability10 mentions · 50% positive
  2. 2. Comfort8 mentions · 88% positive
  3. 3. Breathability8 mentions · 50% positive
  4. 4. Seat8 mentions · 75% positive
  5. 5. Size and fit8 mentions · 63% positive
  6. 6. Price and value8 mentions · 38% positive
  7. 7. Back support7 mentions · 71% positive

What users repeat

  • Users often praise the build and the controls at the arm ends.
  • Users often disagree about the forward-tilting seat edge.
  • Users often say testing it in a showroom helped them decide.

Pros

  • Comfortable for long sitting · 7 liked
  • Forward seat edge works well for some · 6 liked
  • Gentle, steady back support · 5 liked
  • Armrest-mounted controls · 5 liked

Cons

  • Very high price · 5 raised
  • Wish for more tilt options · 5 raised
  • Mesh feels rough on bare skin · 4 raised
  • Fit varies by body size · 3 raised
More details →

Who it suits, who it doesn't

  • Suits Taller users for extended work: One owner over six feet tall reports zero back fatigue during long sessions, even with prior back pain history; another tall user found good fit after showroom testing.
  • Less suited to Users wanting to recline or sink into the seat: One owner who used two chairs for six months felt constantly held forward by the seat design, unable to relax, and switched to another brand.
  • Less suited to Heavier users relying on tilt tension: One heavier owner reports the tilt tension mechanism wore out or proved insufficient, allowing unwanted rocking.

Where users disagree

  • Seat comfort and posture

    One side: Some owners report zero fatigue and excellent support during long work sessions, with no thigh pressure or numbness.

    Other side: Others feel the forward-tilting seat prevents relaxation and creates constant muscle tension, making extended sitting uncomfortable.

  • Mesh quality

    One side: Most accept the mesh as breathable and suitable for long hours without mentioning texture issues.

    Other side: A few find the mesh rough on bare skin and note it causes pilling on clothing.

Users who switched

  • From Okamura Contessa II → To Herman Miller Aeron: Owner used two Contessa chairs for six months but found the forward-tilting seat forced uncomfortable posture; switched after also trying another brand. Comparison
  • To Steelcase Gesture: Owner found the Contessa comfortable during testing but moved on due to high price and difficulty locating a local reseller. Comparison
  • From multiple chairs tested → To Okamura Contessa II: Owner with disc problems narrowed choices to Contessa and another brand after testing many options, ultimately choosing Contessa for design and seating comfort.

Detailed topics

  • Lumbar support slips downward and is hard to lock securely · mentioned in two discussions
    What users did: no fix reported
  • Back lock adjustment malfunctions or stops working · mentioned in one discussion
    What users did: no fix reported
  • Squeaking noise when rocking · mentioned in one discussion
    What users did: no fix reported
  • Armrest or control dial defect with sharp edge · mentioned in one discussion
    What users did: manufacturer replaced defective parts under warranty
  • Forward-tilting seat edge causes constant tension · mentioned in one discussion, with similar comments from others
    What users did: owner switched to a different chair brand

Topic notes

  • Adjustability: Owners appreciate the range of adjustments, especially the armrest-mounted controls that allow changes without standing up; a few note the improved button mechanism for armrest height is easier than older ratchet systems, though some wish for additional tilt options.
  • Comfort: Experiences vary widely; some describe the chair as exceptionally comfortable with zero fatigue during extended sitting, while others feel unable to relax or sink into the seat, leading to constant muscle tension.
  • Breathability: The mesh design is generally recognized for airflow, though a few owners mention the mesh feels rough on bare skin and can cause fabric pilling on clothing.
  • Seat: The forward-tilting front edge is divisive; supporters say it prevents thigh pressure and numbness, but critics report it creates discomfort and forces an unnatural seated position.
  • Size and fit: Several taller users report good fit, though one discussion suggests the chair may suit shorter individuals better; owners note testing in showrooms helped them confirm the right match.
  • Price and value: The price is frequently described as very high or prohibitive; one owner found extraordinary value at liquidation, but most wrestle with justifying the cost despite acknowledging premium materials and construction.
  • Back support: Lumbar support receives mixed feedback; many praise it as gentle yet effective for extended sitting, but a handful report the support slips downward during movement and proves difficult to lock firmly in place.

After long-term use

Not enough long-term user data yet.

Before you buy

Fit (official)

  • One size, high back; mesh or cushion seat.
  • Seat height 434–544 mm (17.1–21.4 in), global spec guide.
  • Rated to 300 lb (global, BIFMA X5.1 tested).

Sources: Okamura, Contessa II ↗ (checked Oct 10, 2026) · Okamura global spec guide ↗ (checked Oct 10, 2026)

Check price at Okamura

Versions and options

  • Headrest option
  • Lumbar option

Specs

Size and fit
Sizes
One size (high back): mesh or cushion seat, with 4D arm or fixed arm
Seat height
434–544 mm (17.1–21.4 in)
Seat depth
400–450 mm (15.7–17.7 in)
Seat width
530 mm (cushion seat); 520 mm (mesh seat) (20.9 in; 20.5 in)
Load capacity
300 lb (136 kg)
Adjustments
Recline
Ankle-tilt reclining; recline angle 26°
Arms
604–814 mm (23.8–32 in; 25.2–29.5 in)
Lumbar support
Optional lumbar support with 60 mm height adjustment (can be retrofitted) (2.4 in)
Headrest
Options: large fixed headrest or small adjustable headrest (up/down, front/back, swivel)
Build and warranty
Warranty
10 years: structural components, including mechanisms and adjustable arms; 5 years: casters, gas cylinder, adjustment levers; 2 years: coating finish, mesh and fabric, cushions, arm pads

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Questions

How much does the Okamura Contessa II cost?

It costs ¥243,650 – ¥377,410 including tax at the OKAMURA Lifestyle Store (Japan), about $1,530 – $2,380 at a fixed exchange rate (checked Oct 2026).

What is the Okamura Contessa II's weight capacity?

It is rated for 300 lb, according to Okamura's official specifications.

Does the Okamura Contessa II have a headrest?

Yes, as an option: large fixed headrest or small adjustable headrest (up/down, front/back, swivel). Okamura sells the Contessa II with or without one.

What do owners say about back pain with the Okamura Contessa II?

Back pain comes up in 5 owner review summaries. These are owners' own reports, not medical findings.

Where can I buy the Okamura Contessa II?

You can buy it from the OKAMURA Lifestyle Store (Japan). Check the configuration, price and return terms before ordering.

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Where to buy

Official store in Japan. Confirm shipping to your country, warranty and returns before ordering. Some links are affiliate links; Chairpedia may earn a commission at no extra cost to you (disclosure).

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Specs and prices come from the brand sources listed under Specs and next to the price; User Insights link to their originals. Confirm the exact configuration, seller and price before buying. Editorial policy

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