FEATURE| Hama Okamoto (OKAMOTO'S), KANDYTOWN and G-SHOCK #STYLE_OF_G-SHOCK
Hama Okamoto (OKAMOTO'S), KANDYTOWN and G-SHOCK
#STYLE_OF_G-SHOCK
CASIO's G-SHOCK will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year. While maintaining its base of toughness and functionality, Casio has created and accumulated a variety of designs over its long history. This is why G-SHOCK watches are still a part of many people's lives even today, as tastes and preferences diverge and people's behavior and lifestyles become more segmented. Hama Okamoto (OKAMOTO'S), KANDYTOWN, models, athletes, and people in the fashion industry have all worn G-SHOCK watches and talked about the appeal of this watch that matches all kinds of situations. This is the first of three installments in Huinamu, featuring Hama Okamoto and KANDYTOWN. A long interview is released, covering everything from their views on fashion to their recent musical activities!
Hama Okamoto (OKAMOTO'S) INSTAGRAM :. @hama_okamoto A musician, he plays bass in the four-piece rock band "OKAMOTO'S." His outstanding skills have earned him a reputation for supporting a variety of musicians regardless of their age. He has been recognized for his outstanding skills, and also supports various musicians regardless of age. Although his behavior is calm, his passion for music and his sincere attitude toward the scene can be felt from his words.
."G-SHOCK" is a completed product.
DW-5600LCU-1JF ￥13,000+TAX
Do you remember the first time you put on a "G-SHOCK"?
captured stonesI think it was when I was in junior high school. My parents gave it to me as a gift. It was the same model as the one I wear now, with a black and red dial.
."What kind of image do you have of the "G-SHOCK" brand?
captured stonesThey are universal, aren't they? I have the impression that there is a basic model, and that it has been cherished for a long time, with minor changes being made repeatedly. I think they are able to do this because each individual model is complete. I am unconditionally attracted to such products.
Jacket ¥33,000 〈FREEMANS SPORTING CLUB〉 (FREEMANS SPORTING CLUB - TOKYO 03-6805-0490), shirt ¥8,800 〈TWO PALMS×URBAN RESEARCH〉 ( T-shirt ¥16,000, pants ¥32,000, both ( Bureau Ueyama 03-6451-0705), others: personal effects of stylist. All prices exclude tax.
The same thing can be said about bass instruments from the standpoint of "finished products.
captured stonesYes, it is. In fact, the general electric bass and guitar design was invented by Fender. It has remained unchanged for more than 50 years and is still loved by many people. Of course, they have taken on various challenges in their long history, but the basic style has never faded away and has become universal. I think this is the link with G-SHOCK products.
Are there any functions that you are looking for in a watch product?
captured stonesTo be honest, it would be nice to know the time. I try not to check the time on my phone. I try not to check the time on my phone, because I tend to keep touching it. I try to check the time on my wristwatch as much as possible. We have a "G-Shock" and a silly toy-like watch. It has a motif of Mao Zedong, and when you wind the mainspring, it waves its hands (laughs).
Such a unique choice of watches is somewhat characteristic of Hama-san.
captured stonesI don't want to wear something that makes me feel uncomfortable. This is true for myself as well as for the people who look at me. In the end, I have to create my own image for myself, so recently I have been taking that into consideration when selecting my products.
There used to be a time when I didn't say anything about the outfits that were prepared for me, but recently I try to communicate with them as I choose my outfits. As for G-Shock, I like this simple model, and I wear it all the time because I think it is my own style.
I see.
captured stonesI don't know what it is, but "G-Shock" fits my height. When I was in high school, there was a guy who wore a really stylish watch, and it made him look really tall. But I don't think wearing a "G-SHOCK" watch would give off that kind of mood. It gives the impression of being down-to-earth. I think G-SHOCK is a brand that anyone can wear, regardless of age.
He said he could be his life-size self.
captured stonesThat's right. I don't think anyone has a negative image of "G-SHOCK" no matter who wears it. In fact, adults who choose to wear G-SHOCK have a kind of austere and cool impression of it.
By the way, on what kind of day do you think of wearing "G-SHOCK"?
captured stonesHmmm...what kind of day is it? Now that I think about it, I feel like I'm basically always wearing it. I unconsciously pick up my G-Shock. It's so easy to blend in with everyday life, and it's something that is universal.
The band is in great shape right now.
What do you usually do on your days off?
captured stonesI think I stay at home most of the time. I am the type of person who does not actively go out even if I have time. I stay at home listening to music, playing bass guitar, and sometimes playing games.
What kind of music are you listening to these days?
captured stonesMaybe a song from my band (laughs). Maybe now is the time to look back on many things. I listen to old songs and think, "You're doing great! It is not that I am nostalgic.
How is the band doing now?
captured stonesI feel that everyone is becoming even more fond of music. The four of us used to face the same direction, but now we are talking about various things from different angles. Even during rehearsals, each of us has a different point of view, and I feel that this has a very positive effect on us. So I think the band is in good shape.
The individuality of the members has become more prominent.
captured stonesThat's right. We have always been a group of members with strong personalities, but we have become more powerful. The next time we release a new album, we may be able to show a more matured OKAMOTO'S.
Talking about yourself, did your experience of supporting and performing with other musicians have a big influence on your ability to talk about various things like that?
captured stonesThere is no doubt about that. When you are in the same band for a long time, it is natural to get used to it. It is comfortable, and it is easy to create a rhythm. However, when I jumped into a group of other musicians, I found that many of the things I took for granted did not work. I bring these experiences back to the band and share them with everyone.
By changing the environment, you were able to get a bird's eye view of your previous position.
captured stonesThat's right. However, while there are advantages to being outside, we also take pride in the fact that the songs we make with our band are the best. The members have been together since junior high school, so it is easy for us to share many things.
Recently, many bands of the same age as OKAMOTO'S have been attracting attention. What do you feel or think about the current music scene?
captured stonesIt is a great pleasure for me to be able to work with bands of the same age to build the current music scene. Recently, bands like Never Young Beach and Yogee New Waves, the members of which have been friends since they were teenagers, have also been playing in bands for a long time. There are many other bands of the same age, but I feel that what we are doing is finally in sync with the times.
I would like to make a "G-Shock" that resembles a Fender amp.
Hama-san, you are currently under contract with Fender. How did it feel to be approached by your favorite instrument maker?
captured stonesI was very happy. As I mentioned earlier, Fender instruments are very complete. At first, I was more interested in the bass as a product than in music, and that is how I got more and more into basses. In junior high school, I looked at illustrated books on basses, and all sorts of knowledge naturally entered my mind, and before I knew it, I had become a maniac (laughs). But I am truly honored that my enthusiasm has been recognized and that I was able to sign a contract like this.
While you were happy, did you feel any pressure?
captured stonesOf course I felt that. There are many great musicians in the world, but am I good enough? I honestly felt like, "There are so many great musicians in the world. I also felt that people who like musical instruments would think, "What the hell is this guy? I was also afraid that people who love musical instruments would think, "What the heck is this guy? But at the same time, I had a positive feeling that I would be able to play better and become a first-rate player.
Do you have any memorable episodes from your post-contract activities?
captured stonesI once had the opportunity to appear on a talk show at the Tokyo Guitar Show®. This is an event where people who love musical instruments gather from all over Japan, and many of the audience members are in their fifties or so, and they are all so-called "musical instrument enthusiasts.
It was right after we signed the contract, so I was extremely nervous, but I talked in detail about the sound and design of my ideal bass, and when I said, "This is the kind of bass I want to make," the audience liked it more than I had expected. That made me feel very relieved. As a result, that bass was released last year, and I was very happy that it was so well received.
By the way, how would you design a Hama Okamoto model G-Shock?
captured stonesI would like to use the same model as the one I am wearing now, but with all metal materials. A metal "G-SHOCK" (laughs).
Why metal?
captured stonesThere is a Fender amp that is called a "silver panel. The panel with the amp's knobs is made of a metallic material, and the name of the amp is written in blue letters. It would be interesting to make a "G-Shock" with a design like that silver panel. It would be very personal and I think it would become one of my favorite watches.
