Yutaka Matsushige loves size 6 (Otsuka Low-Tech)? Is he actually a secret watch lover?

"The Solitary Gourmet" has evolved from a TV drama into a film that is currently in theaters and has become a hit, grossing over 10 billion yen. Meanwhile, a social media post was discovered in which Yutaka Matsushige, the star of the film, who plays Goro Inogashira, was wearing an Otsuka Low-Tech watch.

Yutaka Matsushige is a fan of Otsuka Low-Tech!?

　On Matsushige Yutaka's official Twitter account, there was a photo of him wearing what appears to be an Otsuka Low-Tech watch, size 6. Matsushige Yutaka, who has a reputation for his fashion sense and has served as a model for Yohji Yamamoto's collection, seems to be a secret watch lover.

　In another video posted on Instagram, Matsushige can be seen eating pudding while wearing a size 7.5 watch, which suggests that he may be addicted to Otsuka Low-tec watches.

Is Yutaka Matsushige hooked?! What is Otsuka Lowtech?

　Otsuka Low-Tech was founded in 2012 by Jiro Katayama, a self-taught watchmaker who utilized his experience working as a car and product designer. His sources of inspiration are the forms, details, and textures of various objects. By touching, looking, and interacting with these objects, he gains design hints that are then transformed into shapes. Katayama says he designs watches that he himself would want, and his work has captured the hearts of many enthusiasts.

　Sales will be conducted through the official e-commerce website. To purchase it at the regular price, one must win a lottery, making it extremely difficult to obtain. The No. 6, which won the Grand Prix in the Challenge category of the 2024 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix, was sold for approximately 391 million yen at the Bonhams Hong Kong watch auction.

　Otsuka Lowtec watches, an independent brand that has already attracted attention overseas, are imbued with the fine tradition of Japanese manufacturing, featuring a simple and sturdy design reminiscent of the meters and nameplates on industrial machinery.

　The No. 6, which displays the hour and minute hands with a retrograde mechanism, has an analog feel, but also exudes the reliability of industrial machinery. The Japanese inscriptions "Made by Otsuka Low-Tech" and "Waterproof for everyday use" are sure to add an interesting design element to overseas collectors.

　The No. 7.5 is also housed at the National Museum of Nature and Science as a historical document of science and technology. This is proof that its unique appearance and technical value have been recognized. This model is also housed at the International Watch Museum in Switzerland. The No. 7.5 is a 2023 update of the jumping hour model released in 2020.

The feature film "Solitary Gourmet" was a huge hit

In "Solitary Gourmet," the main character, who is almost entirely a one-man show, is played by Yutaka Matsushige. He has been active as a stage actor and is known for his attractive acting skills as a great supporting actor.

　"Solitary Gourmet" is Matsushige's first starring role in a TV drama. In an interview, the original author, Hisami, stated that "the manga and the drama are two different things," and that he wanted to choose someone who was not similar to the manga version of Goro Inogashira. He also said that he recommended Yutaka Matsushige because he ate the on-location bento with exceptional gusto.

　The feature film "Solitary Gourmet," which has been in theaters since January 2025, has been highly praised since its release, with box office revenue exceeding 1 billion yen. Other highly talked-about films were released in the New Year of 2025, but when I went to the cinema shortly after its release, the theater was almost full. Since the film is also popular in Taiwan and South Korea, I'm looking forward to a sequel.

In the latest version, Goro Inogashira's favorite watch is the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph

　In the film, Goro Inogashira, played by Yutaka Matsushige, wears a TAG Heuer watch. Given that he runs an import goods business, his choice of watch is also quite individual. This elegant yet durable model looks perfectly suited to Goro Inogashira's wrist.

　To ensure readability from all angles, the dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating and beveled edges, while the 42mm stainless steel case features a polished and satin finish, creating a beautiful contrast when light reflects off it.

In his private life, he also wears a Rolex Submariner Date.

　Furthermore, Yutaka Matsushige is believed to have a personal favorite: the Rolex Submariner Date. This watch, which is part of the Submariner lineage and features a date display that makes it easy to use in everyday life, is highly practical and has a refined design.

　Matsushige Yutaka once aspired to be a film director and prefers film cameras. Indeed, Otsuka Low-tec watches have a retro feel reminiscent of film cameras. Now that he has built a career as a popular actor, he has the luxury of enjoying mechanical things, and perhaps that is why he is now obsessed with mechanical watches.