Hakata Daikichi is a comedian who is an avowed to be a tokusatsu fan and wears tokusatsu merchandise 365 days a year. His favorite watch is a tokusatsu character watch, which is different from the typical luxury watch. We take a closer look at the world of his collection, which is filled with his unique aesthetic and deep love for tokusatsu.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 23, 2025]
He left the luxury watch boom for comedians and chose the path of special effects watches.
Hakata Daikichi, who is the straight man of the comedy duo "Hakata Hanamaru & Daikichi," started his entertainment career in the university Rakugo study group. He has won the IPPON Grand Prix and THE MANZAI, and is currently active in a wide range of genres, not only as a manzai performer but also as a presenter and TV personality.
One of Hakata Daikichi's hobbies is special effects movies, such as the "Ultraman" and "Kamen Rider" series. His love for special effects is so great that he wears some kind of special effects merchandise almost 365 days a year.
Clock Rock-Paper-Scissors: A never-ending series of walkovers
Hakata Daikichi owns over 200 special effects T-shirts alone, but it seems that it was watches that originally got him started collecting. There was a luxury watch boom among his fellow comedians, and he started collecting special effects goods after purchasing a "40th Anniversary Germanium Watch" commemorating the 40th anniversary of the original Ultraman. "With this watch, I won't get caught up in the 'watch rock-paper-scissors' game of competing over brand and grade; it's a walkover win (laughs)," he says. Indeed, the term "watch rock-paper-scissors" is quite apt.
This model was released in 2006 in a limited edition of 4000 pieces, and has been traded on second-hand websites for premium prices exceeding its original selling price. Because it is a watch made for a niche audience of special effects fans, it is not in the same league as a luxury watch. However, its beautiful design, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, is sure to attract the interest of watch enthusiasts.
"Kamen Rider" watches, including OOO and Fourze, are packed with love for the series
Hakata Daikichi's special effects watch collection also includes a variety of other special effects works, such as the "Kamen Rider OOO Watch," "Space Sheriff Gavan Watch," and "Kamen Rider Fourze Watch." His Instagram is flooded with comments from fans who have watched each of the works.
Quartz movement (MIYOTA Cal. 2039). Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 11mm), water resistant to 3 ATM (water resistant for everyday use). Originally released for 13,200 yen (tax included).
Kamen Rider OOO is a special effects TV drama produced by Toei that aired for about a year from September 2010. This is the 12th work in the Heisei Kamen Rider series, and is characterized by the ability to transform into various Kamen Riders using three medals attached to the belt. The dial, which is based on the motif of the three medals, has an instantly recognizable design.
This work, released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Kamen Rider OOO, features an Ankh (a character that appears in the work) as its hour hand. The worldview of the work is fully expressed in the finished product, which is sure to excite fans.
Quartz (Cal. TMI VD53). Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm x thickness 9mm), water resistant to 10 bar. Original price: 25,300 yen (tax included).
Kamen Rider Fourze is a special effects TV drama produced by Toei that aired for about a year from September 2011, and was produced to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Kamen Rider. The watch shown above was released by Premium Bandai to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Kamen Rider Fourze.
This model is the "Horoscopes" version of the three models released at the same time, and features a classic dial design inspired by the Horoscopes of the Zodiarts executives. The indexes feature the marks of each of the 12 zodiac signs, which are likened to the apostles of the zodiac. Other details include the Zodiarts switch for the Horoscopes and the design of the Sagittarius Zodiarts mantle, which are also irresistible details for fans.
From gathering information to hosting events. A hobby opens up a new stage
These character watches are sold through different channels than regular watches. Without diligent daily gathering of information from news sites, official fan sites, and so on, it would be impossible to get your hands on one. Fans search not only through mass retailers, toy manufacturers, and online retailers like Amazon, but also overseas sites and flea markets. I have experience in a different field, and I know firsthand what it's like to be an enthusiast or collector.
Daikichi Hakata's hobby has developed into his own work, such as hosting special effects events. His unconventional attitude is refreshing and likable to watch. Even in the suits he wears on stage and on TV, he seems to incorporate his favorite special effects items in the form of watches and ties.
From now on, if you see Hakata Daikichi, be sure to pay attention to his fashion.
