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The Second Collaboration Model with Tamio Okuda, the New Brand Ambassador for Casio's 'OCEANUS,' Has Been Unveiled!
Fusing advanced technology with a sporty design, Casio's analog radio-controlled solar watch, 'Oceanus,' is a force to be reckoned with. And did you know that artist Tamio Okuda, appointed as its brand ambassador in September, shares a surprisingly close bond with Casio?
In fact, he's a long-time fan, even wearing one in his personal life. Back in 2014, for his 20th solo anniversary, he even created a collaboration model with 'Oceanus.' Now, the highly anticipated second collaboration model with Tamio Okuda is finally here. We sat down with Tamio Okuda himself and Ryo Kogure from Casio Computer Co., Ltd., who spearheaded this project, to get the inside scoop on their vision and the behind-the-scenes story.
A Reunion 10 Years in the Making: Tamio Okuda x Oceanus
They first teamed up in 2014 for his 20th solo anniversary, and this year, they've reunited. So, what first sparked the connection between artist Tamio Okuda and Casio's 'Oceanus,' kicking off this long-standing relationship?'I was already using a 'G-Shock,' and someone from Casio mentioned, 'Hey, we have this too,' which was my first introduction. 'G-Shock' is digital, but I was definitely curious about analog watches as well. (Tamio Okuda)'
For a little background on the 'Oceanus' brand, its name is derived from the Greek god of the sea, Oceanus, and it debuted in 2004 as the world's first full-metal, radio-controlled, solar-powered chronograph watch.
We asked Kogure how this second collaboration came about and what its key features are. Here's what he had to say.
'With major milestones like Okuda's 30th solo anniversary and his 60th birthday, or *kanreki*, and our 'Oceanus' brand celebrating its 20th anniversary last year, we felt it was the perfect time for a new initiative, which led to this collaboration. The key theme is definitely the *kanreki*.'
'The color associated with *kanreki* is red, so our biggest challenge was figuring out how to elegantly incorporate it into the design. Okuda also requested a color scheme suitable for everyday wear, which is why we chose the 'OCW-S7000' as the base model. (Ryo Kogure)'
'To be honest, I rarely use the chronograph function, but I just think having the subdials looks cooler than a simple three-hand design. Now that I'm 60, I can barely see the subdials or the text anyway (laughs). (Tamio Okuda)'
Packed with Playful Details Befitting a Collaboration
While the *kanreki* is the overarching concept, when we asked about specific design points, here's what the two had to say.'While *kanreki* means red, I'm the only one turning 60. That doesn't really matter to the person who will be wearing this watch, so for the most prominent subdial, I asked for a gradient that transitions from orange—a color I love—to red. Another highlight is the red '60' at the 12 o'clock position on the bezel. (Tamio Okuda)'
'Just as Okuda mentioned, the most distinctive feature is the red '60' on the tachymeter. Personally, what I really love is that we replaced 'TACHYMETER' with 'OKUDA TAMIO.' Our design department really outdid themselves. (Ryo Kogure)'
This model further incorporates red on the second hand and subdial hands, creating a design worthy of a 60th birthday celebration. To enhance its special feel, Okuda's iconic 'OT' mark appears in three places: the dial, the crown, and the buckle. The case back is finished with a special engraving to commemorate his 60th birthday, truly making this a celebratory model.
Okuda is also a big fan of a new feature not found in the previous collaboration model: the ability to flexibly adjust the strap by half-link increments.
“I'm the type of person who wears a watch all the time, so the tightness of the strap can be a bother. But this one can be adjusted freely without any tools, so it’s awesome that I can switch between wanting a looser fit to relax and a snugger fit when I need it.” (Tamio Okuda)
Becoming the Ambassador for "Oceanus"
Thanks to the successful collaborations, Tamio Okuda was appointed as an ambassador for "Oceanus" in September. He is slated to appear in upcoming promotional videos, key visuals, and more. What was the thinking behind this selection? We asked Kogure, who made the appointment, for his perspective.
“The main reason we made the offer was that he has long been a devoted user of Casio products, including G-SHOCK. We felt it would be a shame to stop at just the collaborations and thought that if he became our ambassador, we could do all sorts of interesting things together, which is why we reached out.
We want to enhance our experiential marketing, conveying a sense of elegance that resonates with people in their 60s and sharing that message in Okuda's own words.” (Satoru Kogure)
“The people who are probably best suited to be ambassadors are really active types. For example, since it's ‘Oceanus,’ maybe someone who dives in the ocean. I sometimes think I might be better suited to be on the sidelines, just watching (laughs). But I’m just kidding. Now that I've been appointed ambassador, I want to do my part to share all the great things about ‘Oceanus.’” (Tamio Okuda)
His appointment as an ambassador signals a long-term relationship between the two, and the conversation naturally turned to a potential future collaboration.
“The first one was for my 20th solo anniversary, and this second one marks my 30th. If we do another, it’ll be for my 40th anniversary, but I’ll be 70 by then! (laughs). I'm not usually a fan of gold, but it might be interesting to make one out of real gold.” (Tamio Okuda)
Always brimming with ideas, Tamio Okuda’s appointment as ambassador is sure to strengthen the close partnership between him and the brand. We look forward to the new appeal and information about "Oceanus" that he will share in the future.
PROFILE
Tamio Okuda
Born on May 12, 1965, in Higashi-ku, Hiroshima City. In 1987, he debuted with the rock band "UNICORN," releasing numerous hits like "大迷惑," "働く男," and "すばらしい日々." He began his solo career in earnest in 1994, with representative songs including "愛のために," "イージュー★ライダー," and "さすらい." Alongside his solo work, he has produced for "PUFFY" and collaborated with various musicians, including as part of the unit "井上陽水奥田民生." In 2025, he also formed the special unit "Ooochie Koochie" with fellow Hiroshima native and same-aged musician Koji Kikkawa, and is currently on a nationwide tour with 9 performances in 7 cities. Next year, in 2026, he will hold the "MTRYツアー2026“春 Ooh La La”" (MTRY Tour 2026 “Haru Ooh La La”), a 17-stop nationwide tour with the band "MTR&Y."
PROFILE
Satoru Kigure
Watch Promotion Office, Promotion Department, Domestic Sales Division, Sales Headquarters
Oversees the high-end lines for OCEANUS and G-SHOCK.
Photo by Akinori Kawanishi
Text by Yasuyuki Ushijima
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