Abe Sadao is currently enjoying a breakthrough with "Uncle Yam." Speaking of the watch he wore in "Futehodo"...

Abe Sadao's role as Uncle Yam in the NHK morning drama series "Anpan" has been the talk of the town. With his shaggy hair and his work as a baker, his striking looks make him instantly recognizable as "that character!" and he has a huge impact. So, in this article, we'll take a closer look at the background of his unique acting skills, which led to his song "Futehodo" winning the Buzzword of the Year Award last year, and the true identity of the surprising watch he wears in the drama.

Abe Sadao, immersed in the role of Uncle Yam, shows his hidden efforts

Based on the original creator of "Anpanman," Takashi Yanase, and his wife, Nobu, the NHK morning drama series "Anpan" depicts the daily life of a couple who overcame the turbulent post-war period, and tells the story of how Takashi Yanase arrived at the "unreversible justice" that is embodied in "Anpanman."

The drama features a succession of people who are said to be the inspiration for the Anpanman characters, allowing viewers to enjoy the show while guessing who is who. Abe Sadao plays Yamura Kusakichi, also known as "Uncle Yam," who is said to be the inspiration for Uncle Jam. At one point, internet users were excited when he was portrayed as a baker with shaggy hair, saying, "That's definitely Uncle Jam!"

Not only does he have a distinctive appearance, but there is an anecdote that shows his dedication to becoming fully immersed in his role, even through his mannerisms. In order to practice putting bean paste into bread, Abe Sadao brought bread dough home and practiced using golf balls as bean paste. While this task may seem simple to pull off, it is not. Abe Sadao apparently visited the bakery of Takeya Mitsuji, the baker who supervised his bread-making techniques, in between filming.

A golden pairing with Kudokan and a brilliant acting career

　Abe Sadao has played a wide variety of popular roles up until now. Most recently, he starred in the commercial TV drama "Inappropriately Too Much!", which was selected as the 2024 Buzzword of the Year Award. As he is a fellow member of the same theater company, "Otona Keikaku," Abe has been a regular cast member in Kudokan's works since "Ikebukuro West Gate Park."

　In 2007, he made his film debut in "Maiko Haaaan!!!", and in 2010, he starred in his first TV drama, "Divorce Cohabitation" on NHK. The following year, in 2011, he starred in "Marumo no Okite". He has won multiple awards, including the Japan Academy Award for Best Actor and the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actor. Abe Sadao is undoubtedly one of Japan's top actors.

　By the way, "Anpan" also stars Kawai Yumi, who played Abe Sadao's daughter in "Inappropriately Too Much!". The fact that the two are already working together again at a time when the reaction to the drama is still strong is another factor that has captured the hearts of fans.

From a shy boy to a popular actor: Abe Sadao's surprising transformation story

　Abe Sadao, who can handle a wide range of acting roles, from comical to serious, was originally an introverted child who would cry if the teacher called on him in class. However, after he started playing baseball, inspired by Yomiuri Giants player Hara Tatsunori, he joined the baseball club in elementary, middle, and high school. He transformed into an attention-seeking boy, earning the nickname "Kakkoman" (Cool Man) from his friends. The emotional range he experienced as a child may be what contributes to his current ability to play a wide range of roles.

　After graduating from high school, he thought about getting a job at a local pachinko parlor, but his homeroom teacher discouraged him, so he worked in the fax machine section of Laox, an electronics store in Akihabara, Tokyo. However, he quit after about a year and a half, and after that he moved from one job to another, including as a truck driver.

　In the midst of all this, he remembered the words that his friends and the mothers of his classmates had told him in the past: "You'll become a great actor when you're 30," so he auditioned for Otona Keikaku, a theater company run by Suzuki Matsuo, and began his career in acting.

The appeal of "Cheap Casio" that highlights the individuality of the character

　On February 19, 2024, an image was posted of Sadao Abe in between filming for "This is too inappropriate!". On his left arm, you can see a so-called "cheap Casio."

　The above photo was posted to the drama's official Instagram during the filming of "Inappropriately Too Much!". The model worn is likely either a Casio Ref. A158WA-1JH or Ref. A164WA-1QJH.

　Both are LCD models with metal bands released in July 2021. They feature a range of functions, including a stopwatch, alarm, time signal, LED backlight, and auto-calendar, and are highly practical and feature a simple style.

　The case size of the Ref. A158WA-1JH is 36.8mm x 33.2mm. It's also modestly 8.2mm thick. While there's a growing generation that finds the nostalgic design refreshing, its affordable price of 3300 yen makes it a great, casual gift for today's modern audience.

　Abe Sadao's acting style is to completely immerse himself in the role. In that sense, the uninspired features of this watch may have accentuated the unique qualities of the ever-changing actor Abe Sadao. The retro design certainly suits Abe Sadao's character in "Futehodo." But more than that, there's an impression that this "standard look" is a good fit for the actor himself.

　They may seem mundane, but they are actually very interesting. There is a sense of madness that can exist anywhere in everyday life in both of them, which makes them very endearing.

　It has been decided that a sequel to "Inappropriately Too Much!" will be broadcast in 2026. What will the story be like next time? We are curious to know how it all turns out, but we also want to make sure to check whether Sadao Abe will be wearing the same watch on his left arm in the sequel.

Until then, let's continue to enjoy Abe Sadao's passionate performance in "Anpan."