Kato Cha, a veteran comedian who is also known as a watch collector, seems to be changing his watch preferences. In the past, he collected coveted items such as Roger Dubuis watches and Rolex sports models, but recently he has been focusing on Japanese-made watches. What Japanese-made watches does this die-hard watch enthusiast, who has also appeared in interview columns in watch magazines, choose?
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 16, 2025]
Kato Cha had a collection of many enviable items
Kato Cha is a watch collector who has owned rare models such as Rolex sports models and Roger Dubuis watches, and has even appeared in interview pages in watch magazines. His latest favorite seems to be the Seiko Astron.
The same year this image was posted, the couple appeared on "Tetsuko's Room" and said, "Just recently, my doctor told me, 'You'll need to start dialysis.'" Afterwards, Kato Ayana researched delicious low-salt meals and came up with creative ways to make them at home, which ultimately led to them no longer needing dialysis. They also mentioned that when they first got married, they were criticized for the age difference.
Despite the rumors, the two share an unshakable bond, and in 2025 they will celebrate their 14th year of marriage. It is believed that Kato Cha's taste in watches has changed since he got married. It is interesting to note that he has shifted from a preference for flashy models when he was single to one that prioritizes practicality and functionality.
He met Ayana Kato when she was a university student and Cha Kato visited a sushi restaurant in Tokyo where she was working part-time. The two began seeing each other more frequently and after dating for three years, they got married. Two years after their marriage, he developed Parkinson's syndrome, which caused movement disorders, but with Ayana Kato's devoted support, they are still together today.
Seiko "Astron": Japan's pride, combining functional beauty and practicality
The GPS solar function of the Seiko Astron refers to two functions: automatic time correction via satellite communication and power generation using sunlight or other light. This is an excellent model that continues to keep accurate time for any location in the world without the need for battery changes.
GPS solar (Cal. 8X82). Approximately 2 years of operation on a full charge (power save mode). Stainless steel case (diameter 44.6mm, thickness 13.3mm). 10 bar water resistance. Discontinued.
The layout of the dial is designed in an extraordinary way to prevent it from appearing cluttered, which may also be one of the reasons why it captured the heart of Kato Cha, who has owned many luxury watches.
The Seiko Astron, a favorite among die-hard watch enthusiasts, is the world's first GPS solar watch, released in 2012. Perhaps it's especially beloved because it coincides with a memorable time for Kato Cha and Kato Ayana, the year after their wedding in 2011.
Kato Cha, the most multi-talented person in the entertainment industry
Although Kato Cha is known as a comedian, he originally aspired to be a trombone player. When he realized that trombones were expensive and difficult to obtain, he switched to drumming. He later became a member of Crazy West as a drummer, and his meeting with Nakamoto Koji (Nakamoto Koji) was the first step towards joining the Drifters.
His stage name "Kato Cha" was given to him by Hana Hajime, who thought that if he was going to make a living in the performing arts, a name related to water would be better, and since he was called "Kato-chan," he decided to use the name Kato Cha.
Kato Cha has mastered the trombone and drums one after another, but he also has another special talent: clay pigeon shooting. His skill in this is such that some say he could have competed in the Olympics if he had put his mind to it. The Drifters were at their busiest at the time, so their agency didn't give them the OK, but if they had competed, they might have achieved brilliant results.
Do Kato Cha and Kato Ayana, a married couple, wear the same brands?
Looking at Kato Ayana's official Instagram, it seems that recently the couple has been wearing the same brand of watch. One post that clearly shows this is the one she posted when she passed the Level 1 Nursing Care Worker Examination. In it, she posted a photo of the Seiko Lukia watch, which Kato Cha gave her as a gift, and the Seiko Astron Ref. SBXC039.
There are also posts of Kato Cha wearing a Rolex Daytona. In response, Kato Ayana also appears to be wearing some kind of Rolex, although the model name cannot be identified.
Both husband and wife wear watches from the same brand. What a loving relationship they have! We look forward to seeing more watch stories from the couple.
