The Collaboration Returns! The Secret Behind the Birth of the 5th Collaboration of "G-SHOCK" × Tamio Okuda Celebrating His 30th Anniversary of Solo Debut & Turning 60

Celebrating his 30th anniversary as a solo artist, Tamio Okuda has energetically published lifestyle books and engaged in commemorative live activities. This time, to mark both his 30th anniversary and his 60th birthday, the collaboration has resumed. The 5th edition of "Tamio Okuda×G-SHOCK" is based on which model and what kind of design has been incorporated? This time, we interviewed Tamio Okuda himself about the development secrets.

The Base Color Was Actually Supposed to Be Red!?

Having reached his 30th anniversary of solo activities, Tamio Okuda turns 60 today, on May 12. The collaboration model with "G-SHOCK" being released in commemoration is this one. Although Tamio has collaborated with "G-SHOCK" at various milestones in the past, he shared how this collaboration began.

"I don’t really remember what sparked it (laughs). I’ve always liked ‘G-SHOCK’ and actually used it, so perhaps I chose it without thinking. The first one was based on the DW-6600, then the next was the DW002-1, and from there, the GW-5600 became the base, while this commemorative model is made based on the GW-M5610 (wave solar base)."
 

Having collaborated many times with "CASIO," what kind of discussions lead to the production of a collaboration model? Tamio continues by explaining.
 
"First, we decide on the base model, then we select colors and finalize the details... that's how it goes. Old models had backlights with characters, but it was unfortunate that those disappeared.
 

"At first, I thought red would be good for the base color since it's for the 60th, but then I thought, I'm already an old man, so it might as well not be flashy. So I kept it simple. There isn’t anything particularly reminiscent of 60, but the can and box containing the main unit are red."
 
Indeed, while red may symbolize the 60th, it allegedly felt a bit too challenging, which is why a calm gray was chosen as the base color.

A Groundbreaking Design Filled with Playfulness

The base color is a chic gray, but there are many other details reflecting Tamio's dedication in this collaboration. When asked about the particular design features, Tamio responded.
 
"Previous models used orange or purple as accent colors, but this time I chose a green line around the dial. Green is my favorite color, and I wanted to create something unique this time.

"Honestly, once you reach this many collaborations, it becomes 'Oh, we’ve done that~ and this too~,' so there is a big part of finding what hasn’t been done yet! (laughs). However, the green line matches well with the gray and turned out nicely."
 
Not only in terms of base and line color choices, but this collaboration model has many more unique features. Tamio further continues.
 
"We did this last time too, but changing the part normally reading 'CASIO' on the dial to 'TAMIO' is a key point. Also, changing 'SHOCK RESIST' to 'GEKITOTSU RESIST' is fantastic. I wonder if CASIO would allow such playfulness? But the functional meaning remains accurate, so this is acceptable (laughs)."

When I asked Tamio about why he collaborates with "G-SHOCK," he answered like this:
 
"'G-SHOCK' has been something I've continued to use since I was young, not because of its price but for its practicality. It’s not about the joy of wearing something expensive; it’s something I genuinely desire. Its functionality is outstanding, and since it’s something I always have on hand, nothing else can replace it. The result this time is a perfect score of 100 points!"

At 60 Years with the 30th Anniversary of His Solo Career, He's the Busiest He's Ever Been!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Tamio's solo career, and he also celebrated his 60th birthday. Has turning 60 brought about any changes in his perspective towards work?
 
"So far, my work style hasn’t changed, so if it’s going to change, it might be in the future. I might say, 'I can’t do this anymore, let me rest' (laughs). You realize that human beings don’t become useless just because they turn 60. In the past, turning 60 might have meant being an old man, but that’s not the case anymore.

"To be honest, I might not get in trouble for choosing my work from now on. Especially since there's nothing I feel I've left undone, I think it would be fine if things ended like this. Rather, I’m the busiest right now, though I kind of knew that by looking around (laughs)."
 
Speaking of Tamio, he published his first lifestyle book, "59-60." He continued reflecting on this.
 
"Fortunately, I've heard that some people say, 'I bought it.' It seems that Hamachan (Takashi Hamazaki from FLYING KIDS) also bought it. After this, I think people who work with me feel they should buy this book, but that’s not true (laughs)."

In this lifestyle book "59-60," the authentic Tamio shares his thoughts about his lifestyle. His way of expressing "This is how I do it" is not pushy and captures the hearts of readers.
 
Additionally, as part of the 30th anniversary solo and 60th birthday project, he has started a unit called 'Ooochie Koochie,' in collaboration with his fellow local singer, Koji Kikkawa. Tamio continues on this topic.

"Regarding this unit, it's somewhat of a commemoration. It's part of creating memories. I don’t normally have many interactions with Kikkawa, but since we're both from Hiroshi and he's also turning 60 this year, it felt right to collaborate with him. The way he approaches work is different and refreshing, providing various inspirations."
 
Since last year, Tamio has been actively continuing with live tours and the publication of his lifestyle book, and he was asked about his upcoming activities, to which he replied:
 
"The 30th anniversary of my solo career isn't a significant milestone for me. Turning 60 might be a milestone, but I don’t think of it that way. However, I can’t deny that such milestones motivate me. Rest assured that even without anniversaries, I’m still doing solid work (laughs)!"