Ai Takahashi buys herself a Grand Seiko as a reward!　

As the first player born in the 21st century to represent Japan, Ai Takahashi overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to hone his skills in Italy's Serie A. After returning to Japan, he made waves by appearing in a commercial with Shingo Katori, and his popularity has expanded beyond the realm of athletes. His watch of choice as a "self-reward" is Grand Seiko. From limited edition models to classic sports collections, he consistently trusts the craftsmanship of Japanese artisans, despite the different mechanisms involved. His choices offer a glimpse into the tastes of a man competing on the world stage.

Ai Takahashi overcomes the COVID-19 pandemic to become a world-class athlete

　Ran Takahashi, blessed with a height of 188cm, is an elite athlete who was the first person born in the 21st century to be selected for the Japanese national volleyball team. He served as captain in his third year of high school, and when the team won the Spring High (All Japan High School Volleyball Championship), he was awarded the Most Valuable Player Award, achieving brilliant results by leading the team to victory.

　However, the year 2020, when Takahashi was selected for the Japanese national team, was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tokyo Olympics were postponed for a year, and other international competitions were postponed or canceled across the board, making it an extremely difficult time for athletes. It must have been difficult to maintain motivation, especially since a smooth and successful career awaited him.

　A turning point came for Takahashi after the 2021 All-Japan Intercollegiate Championships. Takahashi went on to Nippon Sport Science University and competed in the All-Japan Intercollegiate Championships (All-Japan Student Championships) with his older brother, Rui Takahashi, where they won second place. His performance was highly praised, leading to him signing with Italian Serie A club Pallavolo Padova on an initial one-year loan deal. His contract was renewed the following year. Italian volleyball is one of the world's top powerhouses, so he must have been deeply inspired. In June 2023, he signed a contract with Serie A club Vero Volley Monza.

　In January 2024, he injured his left ankle during a match and was forced to leave the lineup, but in response to the concerns of many fans, he wrote, "I will make a full recovery and come back stronger." After returning to Japan that same year, he announced that he had signed with Suntory Sunbirds Osaka, and is currently serving as a special supporter of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

The smile in front of the Ginza Clock Tower. The moment he got his new Grand Seiko.

　A photo of her in front of the clock tower in Ginza 4-chome was posted on Takahashi Ai's official account. A Grand Seiko can be seen on her left wrist. Her comment, "I treated myself lol," suggests that she had purchased a new watch at this time.

　The watch he purchased appears to be the Ref. SLGH027. It is a new model in the Evolution 9 Collection, limited to 1200 pieces worldwide (700 of which are in Japan), and features a dial depicting the majestic Mount Iwate.

The majesty of Mt. Iwate on your wrist. This limited edition model showcases the craftsmanship

　Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in Iwate Prefecture is responsible for assembling Grand Seiko mechanical movements. The landscape is dominated by the majestic Mount Iwate. Inspired by the eternal flow of time, the newly developed radial dial pattern represents the ridges of Mount Iwate seen from a bird's-eye view. The clear blue coloring also represents the pure air and beautiful waters that surround Mount Iwate.

　The case and bracelet are made of "Ever Brilliant Steel," a stainless steel with the world's highest level of corrosion resistance, and are finished with a design code based on the "Evolution 9 Style," which mainly features a hairline finish.

　The movement is the Cal. 9SA5, which has a high beat rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of approximately 80 hours when fully wound. The dual impulse escapement and twin barrels ensure high precision and long running time, while the unique horizontal gear train structure makes the case slim. This keeps the center of gravity low, making it comfortable to wear.

I've also chosen Grand Seiko in the past. The smooth second hand of the Spring Drive is impressive.

　We previously featured Ai Takahashi in this column about a year ago, when he was wearing the Grand Seiko SBGE201 9R Spring Drive, also from the Grand Seiko Sports Collection. This model utilizes the same mainspring as mechanical watches, but features a third mechanism called Spring Drive, which achieves the same level of precision as quartz, and is equipped with a GMT display.

　The highlight of this watch is the smooth movement of the second hand. It glides across the black dial, creating a special impression. The rotating bezel is also made of sapphire crystal, creating a sense of depth and transparency. The crown is located at the 4 o'clock position, embodying practicality and a comfortable fit that does not interfere with wrist movement.

　I think one of the reasons why famous athletes choose Grand Seiko is that they empathize with Grand Seiko's sincere approach to craftsmanship, but I also think they have a desire as Japanese to convey the excellence of one of Japan's leading luxury watch brands. Shohei Ohtani's role as an ambassador is well known not only among watch enthusiasts, but Takahashi Ai, who is popular and active internationally, has also likely attracted the attention of his teammates and friends in Italy.

　This time, Takahashi Ai has once again chosen a Grand Seiko as a reward to himself. Though they are from different collections and have different mechanisms, both are masterpieces that bring together the skills of Japanese artisans. Perhaps it is precisely because he has continued to compete on the world stage that he has the eye to discern true quality. Just like the brilliant play he displays on the volleyball court, he does not allow any compromise when it comes to his wristwatch - this could be said to be Takahashi Ai's aesthetic.