Introducing the stunning G-SHOCK inspired by the art of forging Japanese katana swords, from the flagship MR-G line of timepieces honoring artisanal craftwork.
Dedicated to traditional Japanese artisanal techniques handed down over centuries, this timepiece celebrates the traditions and aesthetics unique to Japanese swords with a design that incorporates the Juryoku-Maru: San, the katana commissioned by Casio for the MR-G line. The Japanese word for brilliant, the San in the sword’s name reflects the shine of the Japanese sword blade and its shell-studded scabbard.
The bezel, made of recrystallized hybrid titanium, evokes the distinctive edge pattern forged by master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira. The pattern is crafted with recrystallized layers of pure and Ti64 titanium that is cut, polished, and treated with a deep-layer hardening process to capture the pattern’s unique characteristics.
Subtle differences in materials and processing conditions, as well as the inscription of 燦, the Japanese character for San, hand-etched on the case back by the master himself, mean that each timepiece has its own utterly unique look, no two alike.
After recrystallization and deep-layer hardening processes, blue-grey AIP® is applied to the pure titanium center case to express the blue of the Juryoku-Maru: San sword.
The watch band features the aogai-nuri blue shell lacquer design by artist Nomura Mamoru, which adorns the Juryoku-Maru: San scabbard, achieved using a processing technology developed especially for this timepiece. Aogai-nuri refers to the mother-of-pearl inlay used so often in Japanese sword scabbards.
The titanium alloy DAT55G band is finished with a structural color technique that utilizes micro-level ultra-precision processing to create iridescent colors inspired by aogai-nuri blue shell lacquer. Three times harder than pure titanium, the DAT55G special alloy protects from scratches and wear, to keep the stunning mirror-finished surface and structural color flawless for years.
More than an homage to a beautiful tradition, this timepiece provides outstanding modern functionality, as well. Equipped with Bluetooth® for smartphone connectivity, the watch adjusts to radio-wave time signals for precision timekeeping and comes packed with handy functions powered by original Casio technology.
This very special MR-G celebrates both the traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies of Japan — all in a singular katana-inspired timepiece.
Kamiyama Teruhira
A young swordsmith of exceptional talent, Kamiyama leads the world of katana in modern Japan. Kamiyama’s pursuit of the strength and beauty of the Japanese sword mirrors the Casio vision for G-SHOCK, and it was for this reason that Casio commissioned the katana master craftsman to forge an original G-SHOCK sword, the Juryoku-Maru: San.
Nomura Mamoru
Third generation head of SAGARADEN NOMURA in Kyoto. Nomura entered the family business at the age of 20. Having studied urushi lacquer techniques, he performs every step of the process from painting to ornamentation (mother-of-pearl inlay and metallic powder maki-e) himself. In 2018, Nomura received the Japan Traditional Crafters Chairman’s Award for his lacquer natsume (matcha caddy).
*AIP® (arc ion plating) is a registered trademark of Kobe Steel, Ltd.
*DAT and DAT55G are registered trademarks of Daido Steel Co., Ltd.
