The Casio G-SHOCK series has long been a symbol of durability, precision, and innovation. Over the years, the brand has not only maintained its reputation for creating shock-resistance timepieces that’s been branded “so indestructible”, but has also pushed the boundaries of design and functionality. Its latest creation, the MRG-B2000JS, exemplifies this evolution that’s been heavily inspired by the traditional katana, featuring intricate textures that spotlights traditional Japanese metalworking techniques. 

Behind this creation involved Mr. Shinji Saito, General Manager and Chief Producer of Casio’s Product Planning Department, Timepiece Business Unit, alongside Mr. Kikuo Ibe, the Senior Fellow in the same department and revered as the “Godfather of G-SHOCK.” In our discussion, they reveal the inspiration behind these models, the complexities of manufacturing, and how the G-SHOCK lineup continues to adapt to modern demands while honoring its Japanese roots. 

There is a new attention on craftsmanship, especially evident in an example of the MRG-B2000JS that spotlights the katana. With G-SHOCK’s successful modern reputation, why is it still important to communicate the traditional Japanese identity? 

Kibuo Ibe (KI): We are always focused on what we can communicate and create — the beauty of Japan and her traditional craftsmanship. We would think about how we can create something different against the Swiss. Therefore establishing our identity as a watch with the addition of digital functions and technology makes us proud that the entirety is  made in Japan.

For the MRG-B2000JS, we did not want to merely replicate a katana but we were invested in learning about how it is made, in order for us to interpret that inspiration and design. We also paid attention to the scabbard to interpret it into something that people can wear i.e. on the bracelet. This manifestation is an avenue for people to discover that facet of Japanese culture through our watch. I believe we have definitely played a role in this education.

What is the significance of a katana “blade’s temper pattern”?

Shinji Saito (SS): The katana was created as a practical tool — to fight with, per se. However, it also had a sense of aesthetics; it was born of craftsmanship. And this has definitely translated into our watches. As Ibe-san mentioned, a G-SHOCK is about functionality, to create a watch that doesn’t break. Yet we also recognize the value of a good-looking watch. Therefore, the translation of creating a watch like the MRG-B2000JS and MRG-B2000SH was to highlight such an important cultural reference that is respected. The samurai armour and sword are venerated as beautiful art pieces or symbolisms of a deity for worship. These are what makes us uniquely Japanese.

Back in 2017, we asked master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira to make the Juryoku-Maru: San for us, i.e. the katana commissioned by Casio for the MR-G line. The idea for the watch was thus born then, however such collaborative works do take time to come to fruition, from concept up to completion. We are looking forward to more series with traditional craftsmen however we do see the challenges. There are two types of craftsmen: one, who protects their techniques and their ways of old, while the other has the willingness to merge tradition with evolution by taking their craft to create new things. The latter is who we would like to partner with. G-SHOCK is always forward-looking and we’d like to have someone who shares that same spirit.

The Aogai textured band has been heavily inspired by the scabbard design. What were the challenges in replicating this craft upon the difference in scale?

KI: We’ve examined the saya (traditional scabbard for the Japanese katana) to a great degree in order to better replicate it down to the scale of the bracelet — and it’s not something that can be done in one go. We also had to make sure of the “perfect” size so that it can really show off what we were trying to interpret. There was a lot of going back and forth — involving the craftsman to show us how it should be, amidst the barrage of extremely inquisitive designers. So many of us were involved in this; it’s constant trial and error. The blue shell lacquer design by artist Nomura Mamoru was achieved using a processing technology developed especially for this timepiece (comprising a patent-pending structural color technique.) 

The alloy for the bracelet, DAT55G changes its properties in the process. In other words, it’s easy to manipulate in the beginning because it’s softer. Thus it is easy to manipulate its shape, or create holes into that we’ve done for the bracelet so as to link them. However it is also extremely durable (the alloy composition is three times harder than pure titanium) and therefore it can maintain that really hard surface.

SS: Lest we forget, a sword case is not something people touch all the time, as opposed to a watch strap. So in creating this, we had to make sure it wore well in order to appreciate it.

Ibe-san, in our last conversation, you expressed ideas of new materials, such as sapphire crystal, or one that “changes between hot and cold depending on the temperature”. Taking from the examples in the MRG-B2000JS’ hybrid Ti bezel and the MRG-B5000B-1, which is made up of three different alloys, how are new materials being selected and tested?

KI: First and foremost, when evaluating materials of any kind, the top priority is ensuring they are safe and kind to human skin — meaning they have no negative impact or cause any issues. This is always the primary consideration when adopting new materials. If it passes these safety tests, we consider moving forward. If it doesn’t, we simply don’t proceed.

We have a team of specialists under the Product Development team that are split to focus on different areas that are responsible for market research and to find out what’s possible: new materials, functional testing, and the style aspect. They bring all their findings to the table and we collectively decide the theme of the new product. 

Speaking of sapphire crystal however … it’s a project that’s been seven years in the making, but I’m excited to share that it’ll be in a new product revealed in the Spring of 2025.