Kazushige Nagashima's fascinating watch history. Is this baseball thoroughbred an extraordinary watch lover?

Nagashima Kazushige continues to appear on a wide range of television programs, from news and information to variety shows. Although he is a former professional baseball player, he has gained sympathy for his honest comments without boasting about his thoroughbred lineage. But did you know that he also has a sophisticated taste in watches? Photos posted on the official Instagram account of "Kazushige x Kamaitachi Genba" reveal his magnificent watch collection, which includes prestigious brands such as Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Franck Muller.

The charm of Kazushige Nagashima shown through a variety of programs

　When you think of Nagashima Kazushige, you probably think of his work on variety shows, but his range of appearances is actually quite diverse. His regular appearances on shows like "Kazushige x Kamaitachi Genba," a report variety show where he shares his opinions frankly with the comedy duo "Kamaitachi" in an "Interesting Genba," and "Degawa Kazushige Horan ☆ Fushigi no Kai," where he enjoys the world's strangest stories with Degawa Tetsuro and Horan Chiaki, are too numerous to mention.

　He also demonstrates his versatility by appearing as a voice actor in films and anime. In the Ghibli film "Ponyo on the Cliff," he played the role of Sosuke's father, Koichi, but as it was his first time as a voice actor, Kazushige struggled to match the voice with the visuals. However, director Hayao Miyazaki said, "We'll change the visuals, because it would take away Kazushige's individuality," and in turn adjusted the visuals. Nagashima Kazushige is a man whose individuality is recognized by the world-renowned masters of animation, Japan.

The free-spirited members of "Zawatsuku! Friday" talk freely, so much so that the MC, Savannah Takahashi Shigeo, sometimes sympathizes with them. However, the reason the show has been able to stand and become so popular is probably due to the unique charm of the somewhat lovable Kazushige Nagashima.

A thoroughbred yet laid back character

　Born into a distinguished family with former professional baseball player and manager Shigeo Nagashima and former businesswoman Akiko Nagashima as parents, he is able to express his honest opinions without showing off, which is what resonates with so many people. Occasionally he makes naive remarks that surprise those around him, but what is striking is that viewers warmly watch over him and see his charm as a charm.

　Influenced by his father, known as "Mr. Professional Baseball," Kazushige began playing baseball in elementary school. By the time he reached the upper grades, he attracted attention from those around him, with many saying, "The son of Shigeo Nagashima has joined the team," and television cameras would sometimes come to his Little League to cover the game. Although he joined the track and field club in junior high, he wanted to play baseball at Rikkyo High School, just like his father, so he went on to Rikkyo High School (now Rikkyo Niiza High School). Overcoming the difficulties of a break from baseball, he excelled as the cleanup hitter in the fall of his second year, and made it to the semifinals of the summer Koshien qualifiers.

　As captain of Rikkyo University, he recorded a batting average of .340 and was selected as one of the Best Nine players. In the 1987 draft, he was selected first by the Yakult Swallows and the Yokohama Taiyo Whales, with Yakult winning the negotiation rights after a lottery.

　However, after turning pro, he struggled to adapt to the ID baseball advocated by manager Katsuya Nomura, and would sometimes draw manga in his notebook during meetings. Despite receiving a three-hour lecture from the manager, he recalls that he felt no anger or resentment. He later calmly analyzed this in an interview, saying, "The problem was with me, because I had stopped listening to guidance and advice." While with Yakult, he suffered from gout, and commented, "It was because I was eating too much." His willingness to honestly admit his own mistakes may be a factor in his current popularity.

Discovered on Instagram! The presence of a luxury watch shining on his left arm

　We were able to spot a scene of Nagashima Kazushige wearing a luxury watch on Instagram.

Audemars Piguet "Royal Oak Chronograph"

　On July 6, 2025, the official Instagram account for "Kazushige x Kamaitachi Genba" posted a photo of their visit to Sendagaya. While enjoying sweets, Nagashima Kazushige appears to be holding an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Ref. 26240ST.OO.1320ST.01.

　This model, with its navy blue dial and "Grande Tapisserie" dial, measures 41mm in diameter and is a striking piece that suits Kazushige's tall, muscular arms. This model was originally released as a Royal Oak 50th Anniversary model, but has now been added to the collection as a standard model.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea

　Judging from the larger case size than other models, it is likely a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea. It is a genuine diver's watch that meets the strict standards of professional divers in terms of pressure resistance, precision, and reliability. Its imposing presence further enhances Kazushige's masculine appearance.

Franck Muller "Vanguard™ Yachting"

　The duo Kamaitachi wore Franck Muller Vanguard Yachting watches for a project in which they accompanied Kazushige Nagashima, who has lived in Hawaii for 55 years, on a private tour. The watches feature a luxurious style that stands out in a beach resort, evoking the elegant and extraordinary space of a mega yacht with a sophisticated space reminiscent of a luxury hotel. The design, which is based on a boat motif, was a perfect match for the setting of Hawaii.

"Kazushige x Kamaitachi Genba" shows his true face and the charm of watches

　The three Instagram photos above were all posted on the official account of "Kazushige x Kamaitachi Genba." Each episode of this show features a variety of exciting events, such as harvesting watermelons in the fields and comparing the taste of rooibos tea at a specialty shop.

　One of the hidden highlights of the show is not only the exquisite balance of the conversation between the three, but also Nagashima Kazushige's luxurious watch collection. His sense of choosing a watch to suit the occasion, and his sophisticated style of wearing a luxury watch naturally even in everyday life. Nagashima Kazushige's individuality, which combines his father's star quality with his own unique aesthetic sense, is evident even in his watches.

　What kind of masterpiece will adorn his left arm in the upcoming episode? We'll be keeping an eye on the show's plans as well.