In May 1996, Mori Katsuyuki left the popular idol group SMAP to become an auto racing driver. Even though his field of activity has changed, he continues to give his all, and there are surely many fans who have continued to support him since his SMAP days. This time, we take a look at the watches that Mori Katsuyuki wore in the documentary film that follows him.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 27, 2025]
Mori Katsuyuki lives his life in auto racing, which is often referred to as a running martial art.
Have you seen the documentary film "Auto Racer Mori Katsuyuki: The Promised Oval (Theatrical Version)" that was released last year?
Mori Katsuyuki, then 22 years old, was a highly popular member of SMAP, but decided to leave the group to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming an auto racer. 24 years have passed since he promised the remaining five members to "become the best in Japan." In 2020, Mori Katsuyuki finally won his first Japan Championship.
"Auto Racer Mori Katsuyuki: The Promised Oval Theatrical Version" is a new work based on the content screened at the Documentary Film Festival 2023, with a long interview with Mori himself re-edited and reborn as a new work. The filming period is said to have taken three years.
Recovering from a horrific accident: Katsuyuki Mori's determination to never give up on his dream
However, a sudden and serious accident struck Mori Katsuyuki. Just 82 days after his first victory at the 2020 Japan Championships, he collided with a rider ahead of him who lost his balance, throwing him all the way to the fence on the outside of the course, where he crashed and fell.
At the hospital where he was taken, he was diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. He might be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and it was thought that he would never be able to return to racing. However, after two years of rehabilitation, Mori Katsuyuki finally returned to the front lines.
An episode that highlights Mori Katsuyuki's humanity
Here, I would like to introduce two anecdotes that give us a glimpse into Mori Katsuyuki's character. Even after he left SMAP, he received offers to collaborate with the other members on a project, but he denied it, saying, "I promised to become number one in Japan (in auto racing), so I'm not thinking about it until I do." He insisted on "reuniting" after he had fulfilled his own goal and his promise to the other members.
Keisho Arai, a racer involved in the accident, spoke about his feelings towards Katsuyuki Mori in a TV interview, confessing, "I had taken away the reason for my fans' lives because of me, so I felt a heavy heart of remorse and regret."
Mori told Arai Keisho, who also suffered from slander, "There's nothing to worry about (the accident) at all, so just stay positive and do your best." He also invited him to dinner, saying, "Do you have a free day around August? Can we eat eel?" Due to the COVID-8 pandemic, the dinner party couldn't be realized, but Mori's kindness and consideration were palpable and heartwarming.
The Rolex Daytona worn by Mori Katsuyuki in the film's interview scene
The watch he wears in the film is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona (hereafter referred to as "Daytona").
The name "Daytona" comes from the speedway built in Daytona Beach, Florida, where the first land speed record was set in the United States. With a maximum banking angle of 31 degrees and almost full throttle on every turn, it is known as a courageous track, with top speeds sometimes exceeding 220 mph (354 km/h).
Now a world-famous speedway, Daytona served as a major inspiration for the chronograph that bears this name.
Daytona: A motorsports symbol that resonates with the soul of racers
The tachymeter, capable of measuring speeds up to 400 km/h (or miles), has been a hallmark of the Daytona since its predecessor was created in 1963. While this model has become one of the watches of choice for motorsport enthusiasts, many people also wear it in their daily lives away from the race track.
Although there is a difference between four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles, it makes sense that Mori Katsuyuki, who has a deep love for motorsports, chose the Daytona.
It has been more than six months since the film was released, and it appears that screenings at cinemas in Japan have ceased for the time being. However, the film's official website remains. If you are interested in Mori Katsuyuki's life, be sure to keep up with the next developments announced on the website.
Current model. This is not necessarily the model owned by Katsuyuki Mori. Automatic (Cal. 4131). 47 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 11.90mm). Water resistant to 100m. 2,349,600 yen (tax included).
