Kazuya Kamenashi, a former member of the popular group KAT-TUN, has caused a sensation by announcing his marriage to Minami Tanaka and the news that they are expecting a child. Fans have been showering the veteran, who boasts 28 years in show business, with warm congratulations. In a recent YouTube video showcasing his office, he was seen wearing a Rolex Daytona. This article explores the current life and career of Kazuya Kamenashi, who is enjoying a fulfilling time as an actor, artist, and loving father, and delves into the allure of his favorite watch.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by: Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 26, 2026]
A celebratory mood surrounds the marriage announcement, and she is entering a fulfilling period with a solo tour and a new film.
In June 2026, Kazuya Kamenashi announced his marriage to Minami Tanaka and the arrival of their first child. The public was surprised by his marriage to Tanaka, who is a beauty guru and enjoys strong support from women, but the couple was surrounded by a celebratory mood. Many warm messages of congratulations and wishes for happiness poured in from fans who had supported him for many years, and it was striking to see fans wishing for the peaceful happiness of Kamenashi, who has built a career of 28 years in the entertainment industry. Of course, it is also true that there were fans who could not hide their shock, but even that speaks to the fact that his popularity as an idol has not waned even more than a year after the group disbanded.
Currently, Kamenashi is in the midst of a solo tour that began in Osaka in July and will visit seven cities across Japan until September. This tour likely includes Kamenashi's own desire to meet his long-time fans in person and announce his marriage. Fans who attended the opening night show are still excited, even several days later, suggesting they shared a happy time together. His first solo album, "WAVE," was released on July 8th, and it seems his activities as an artist will become even more energetic than before.
As an actor, he continues to take on challenging roles in suspense and mystery works, including the drama "Shotai," while also being cast in the lead role of the special historical drama "Zenigata Heiji," which premiered on BS8K in March and will be broadcast on NHK General on August 21st (Friday) at 10 PM. He brilliantly portrays the "Heiji of the Reiwa era," who possesses extraordinary deductive reasoning and physical abilities, opening up new horizons as an actor.
It has been announced that he will play Kazuya Hyodo, the second-generation head of the Teiai Group and Kaiji's arch-nemesis, in the new "Kaiji" movie, the fourth installment in the series, which will be released nationwide on January 29, 2027. Fans are excited about his cool appearance in "Kaiji: Life Revenge Game," and comments such as "Judging from the pictures, he looks similar, or rather, he's a spitting image," "The moment I saw the casting, I knew it was a good fit," and "The gorgeous look suits him perfectly" have been made.
Debuting in "3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi-sensei," and running alongside KAT-TUN for 28 years.
His acting debut dates back to 1999 in the TV drama "3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi Sensei, 5th Series." In 2001, he expanded his activities as a founding member of the idol group "KAT-TUN," and in 2005, he formed the temporary unit "Shuji to Akira" with Tomohisa Yamashita, with whom he co-starred in the drama "Nobuta wo Produce." Their song "Seishun Amigo" became a million-seller, selling over 160 million copies, showcasing his singing ability and star power to the world.
On March 22, 2006, KAT-TUN made their major debut with the simultaneous release of three works: the single "Real Face," the album "Best of KAT-TUN," and the DVD "Real Face Film," achieving the remarkable feat of topping all three Oricon charts. In 2009, they achieved the record-breaking feat of performing at the Tokyo Dome for eight consecutive days, establishing themselves as the central figure of the group and building an era. Furthermore, they have appeared in a series of popular works such as "Gokusen THE MOVIE" and "Kami no Shizuku," enhancing their presence as actors.
Beyond his acting career, he also demonstrates a stable and reliable presence as a sports program MC and sports caster, skills honed over many years. His frequent appearances on baseball programs are particularly due to his experience joining a local youth baseball team in first grade and participating in the World Softball Championship in sixth grade, and the trust he has built on that knowledge. Even now as an adult, he continues to donate baseballs to youth baseball teams in his hometown of Edogawa Ward every year, hoping that a professional baseball player will emerge from there.
He was spotted in a YouTube video showcasing his office, sporting a gleaming Rolex Daytona on his wrist.
The Daytona is arguably the most iconic chronograph from Rolex. While Rolex had produced several chronograph models before its creation in 1963, none of them achieved significant success.
The name "Daytona" originates from the car race held in Daytona Beach, Florida, since 1902. Initially, the course combined the beach and coastal roads, but in 1959 it was paved with asphalt and renamed "Daytona International Speedway." In 1962, Rolex became the official timekeeper for this race.
Although the "Cosmograph Daytona" had not yet been released at the time, Rolex named its chronograph watch "Daytona" the following year, in 1963, demonstrating its connection to the prestigious car race.
Incidentally, the car that Kazuya Kamenashi has featured on his YouTube channel is the Mercedes-Benz SL350 Night Edition, a luxury open-top car. Kamenashi is a huge car enthusiast, having purchased this limited edition car in his early twenties and driving it for over 15 years. It is a one-of-a-kind limited edition car with a special matte black finish, and he revealed in a past video that he won it in a lottery. Given that Kamenashi has cherished one sports car for many years, it makes sense that he chose and wears a Rolex Daytona, which has its roots in car racing.
Automatic winding (Cal. 4131). 47 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 100m.
In the past, I used to love the Audemars Piguet "Royal Oak Offshore Diver".
His preference for substantial watches is evident in his other favorite timepieces as well; in the past, he has been seen wearing a gold-cased Audemars Piguet "Royal Oak Offshore Diver." This watch combines the robustness of a diver's watch with the elegance of a pink gold case and titanium bezel. It's a fashionable choice of watch, befitting Kamenashi, who is involved in manufacturing with his own unique aesthetic sense, running a fashion brand and developing original jewelry.
Automatic winding. (Cal. 3120). 40 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.6mm). Water resistant to 300 meters. Reference product.
Kazuya Kamenashi has a strong sense of individuality when it comes to his belongings. Now that he has gotten married and welcomed a new family member, there will be much interest in how his aesthetic sense will change.
As one of the most prominent celebrity couples of the Reiwa era, public attention will undoubtedly continue to be focused on the Kamenashi-Tanaka couple. Minami Tanaka, who is active as a beauty guru, and Kazuya Kamenashi, who has reached the peak of his career as an actor and artist, have both achieved success in their respective fields. The new family they are building together will surely serve as a "happy example" for many people. With a solo tour, a new movie, and the arrival of a new family member, Kazuya Kamenashi will be busier than ever, and it is certain that a watch marking each milestone will continue to accompany him on his wrist.
