Ken Matsudaira, who performed the Matsuken Samba at the Osaka Expo, loved Grand Seiko watches.

Matsudaira Ken gave a spectacular performance of "Matsuken Samba II" at an event held at the currently ongoing "EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo." With his catchy rhythm, he enlivened the outdoor special stage at the Expo, which was gathering people from all over the world, and people of all ages and genders were enthralled by the cool older man that Matsudaira Ken, now 71 years old, is. Matsudaira Ken, also known as "Your Majesty," is an undeniable superstar who has been at the forefront of the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. This time, we will focus on the watch that Your Majesty wears on his YouTube channel.

"Matsuken Samba" was a big hit at the Expo. Over 6000 people chanted "Viva! Samba!"

　"Matsuken Samba @ EXPO2025" was held on July 25th as the opening event for the Osaka-Kansai Expo's "Osaka Week - Summer." The event began with "All About Matsus - The Secret Story of the Birth of Matsuken Samba" by Kawachiya Kikusuimaru, a comedian affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo and the heir and leader of the traditional Kawachi Ondo dance. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura and Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama appeared in yukata robes. Then, Matsudaira Ken, dressed in a white outfit, appeared on stage to the tune of "Abarenbo Shogun," eliciting thunderous cheers from the audience.

　First, they performed "Matsuken Samba II Bon Odori," a Bon Odori version of "Matsuken Samba II," and after a cross-talk with the governor and others, they changed into shining golden costumes and finally performed "Matsuken Samba II." The official mascot Myaku Myaku also appeared and a video of him dancing along was posted via the official Expo SNS, sharing the excitement of the venue with the world.

　Matsuken Samba remains popular even outside of the Expo. On July 30, 2025, a press conference for "Matsuken Samba's Happy Spot the Difference 2: Showa Time Slip Edition" (published by Gentosha) will be held at Tokyo Baycourt Club. This book, in which you find the differences in photographs that closely follow the unknown world of Matsuken Samba, is a practical book that can be enjoyed alone or with family and friends. The more you solve the puzzles, the more energetic and sharp your brain will become.

Matsuken Samba: From its birth to its big break

　Many people have heard of "Matsuken Samba II," released in 2004, but since it's called "II," there must have been a "I." The story of how Matsuken Samba was born cannot be told without mentioning Matsudaira Ken's entertainment spirit.

　Matsudaira Ken's one-man show consists of a play in the first part and a song and dance show in the second part. Initially, he performed tap dancing and piano playing in Western clothing, but gradually changed into a kimono-clad revue show, and evolved into a structure that ended with a spectacular song. From there, new songs were born one after another, such as "Matsuken Ondo," "Matsuken Kouta," and "Matsuken Mambo," and the tempo of the songs gradually became faster. So, he decided to try a Latin song, and around 1992 he created "Matsuken Samba I." This was well received among fans, and so Matsuken Samba II was born.

　The sight of Matsudaira Ken singing and dancing in a flashy sequined kimono accompanied by a group of ladies-in-waiting dancers must have been quite a shock to those who knew him as a period drama star. The idea of ​​the innovative sequined kimono was apparently suggested by Matsudaira Ken himself. Even now, more than 20 years after the initial boom, Matsudaira himself is pleased that the number of fans who watch "Abarenbo Shogun" and attend its performances has increased as a result of "Matsuken Samba II."

　Matsudaira Ken always remembers to see things from the perspective of the audience and the fans. This attitude is clearly evident in the videos on his YouTube channel, "MatsukenTube."

Matsudaira Ken shows his sincere attitude in "serious supervision" of the collaboration cafe

　MatsukenTube, which has over 21 subscribers, has a video that compiles a menu tasting session for Matsuken Cafe, which opened for a limited time in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka in 2023. As the title suggests, Matsudaira Ken's gaze is pure earnest as he gives precise advice, even while sometimes expressing disapproval of the finished product.

　It is said that usually, the person himself is not very involved in these projects, but that is not the case with Matsudaira Ken. He even paid attention to the color of the dishes, and his desire to entertain and satisfy his fans is evident. Fans have also commented, "The visuals just keep getting better with His Majesty's input... he really is a serious supervisor!", "I felt that the menu was completed after Ken gave many more opinions than I expected. Congratulations on the sold-out cafe!", and "His Majesty, it's amazing how seriously you take things, your comments are spot on and your taste is fantastic."

Is the model His Majesty is wearing the Grand Seiko "SBGC244"?

　The watch Ken Matsudaira is wearing in the video is believed to be the Grand Seiko "SBGC244," or the "SBGC242" with its different materials and colors. Grand Seiko, a leading Japanese luxury watch brand, was born in 1960. Its history overlaps with the life of Ken Matsudaira, who was born in 1953.

　The SBGC244 is a model with a sophisticated and elegant look, combining stainless steel with 18K pink gold and ceramic. The distinctive polygonal pink gold bezel is a dodecagon with 12 vertices aligned with the indexes, making the time easy to read from any angle and allowing you to enjoy a variety of different light effects. The bezel is made of highly scratch-resistant ceramic, ensuring the watch's original aesthetic will be preserved for years to come. The push buttons also retain the same pleasant click feeling as the previous models, but have been downsized for improved comfort.

　The watch is powered by the automatic Spring Drive Cal. 9R86 movement, which has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. It operates with a high degree of precision, with an average monthly deviation of ±15 seconds, and the second hand has a smooth sweeping motion, creating a sporty yet elegant atmosphere. It's no surprise that Ken Matsudaira, who remains active and elegant even as he ages, chose this watch.

　Unlike the humorous expressions he displays in Matsuken Samba, Matsudaira Ken is usually a gentlemanly and elegant man. This can be seen in the video above. His manner of speaking is calm and composed, a true star demeanor. Matsudaira Ken seems to evoke the high elegance of Grand Seiko. A lord who continues to be loved throughout the ages, and a masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of Japanese watchmaking technology. The meeting of these two people may have been inevitable.