Naoto Takenaka, a graduate of art school, aged 69, chose a watch made by a genius watchmaker.

Naoto Takenaka is active in a wide range of fields, from television, movies, and stage plays, playing a wide range of roles from comedy to serious roles. The 69-year-old actor, who is still active in various fields, has appeared in the film "Ultraman Ark THE MOVIE" released in February this year and the stage play "Microbus and Stability" currently being performed nationwide, and on his radio show he wore a Franck Muller "Long Island." Takenaka, who majored in graphic design, chose the Byzantine numeral index, and we take a closer look at its appeal.

This year, he has been starring in a string of popular films, and at 69 years old, he is a talented actor whose popularity is only increasing.

　In February 2025, the theatrical version of the special effects drama "Ultraman Arc," "Ultraman Arc THE MOVIE: Hyperdimensional Decisive Battle! Ark of Light and Darkness," was released. Naoto Takenaka plays the role of "Space Sage Saskull of Alien Diggle," who subjects the protagonist, Tobise Yuuma, to an ultimate test beyond his imagination. As the mysterious alien, he exudes a unique presence and adds depth to the work.

　Currently, Takeuchi and Namase Katsuhisa are touring the play "Microbus and Stability" nationwide with their theatrical unit "Takeuchi Planning" (finishing performance in Nagaoka on December 27th). The play is set approximately three years after it was announced that the world would be destroyed by an asteroid impact, and depicts a human drama that unfolds in a single house. Popular playwright Kuramochi Yutaka is in charge of writing and direction, and Takeuchi and Namase are joined by actors who Takeuchi hoped to "co-star on stage with." The exquisite dialogue exchanges between these highly individualistic actors never fail to captivate the audience.

　Naoto Takenaka's appeal as an actor lies in his ability to perfectly blend serious acting with a comedic personality. In the 1992 film "Shiko Funjatta," he played the role of a professor who gets caught up in the university's sumo club, delivering a comical yet humane performance that left a strong impression on audiences. His charm is also on full display in the 1996 film "Shall We Dance?"

　Also in 1996, Naoto Takenaka's acting career took off when he played Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the NHK historical drama "Hideyoshi." The drama was a huge hit, recording an average audience rating of 30.5% and a peak of 37.4%, and Takenaka's name became known nationwide. He has since played Hideyoshi six more times, including "Gunshi Kanbei" (2014) and "If Tokugawa Ieyasu Were Prime Minister" (2024).

From a shy boy, he became fascinated with film and studied graphic design at an art college.

　As a child, Takenaka was an introverted person who preferred to play alone, but he became fascinated with the world of film while attending movie theaters with his parents. When he entered junior high school, he tried to overcome his shyness by learning to do impersonations, which attracted the attention of his classmates, and when he was in high school, he began making his own films.

　He entered Tama Art University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Design, majoring in Graphic Design. He joined the Film Directing Study Group and devoted himself to the production of 8mm films. He experienced everything from directing to acting, and every day he experienced the ins and outs of filmmaking. The visual sense and aesthetic sensibility he developed during this time would be put to good use in his later work as an actor and film director.

　When he first entered the entertainment industry, he aspired to be an actor, but he realized that he couldn't make a living as an actor alone, so he joined the production company Jinrikisha and appeared in comedy sketch shows. As an actor, he mostly played eccentric supporting roles, but gradually expanded his roles to include serious roles, petty characters, and villains. He then landed the lead role in the aforementioned "Hideyoshi," and became a top actor in both name and reality.

Discovered on a radio show's social media: Franck Muller, chosen for its unique aesthetic sense

　Naoto Takenaka's watch style was revealed in a social media photo from his radio show. Pictured alongside him is the master of modern art, Tadanori Yokoo. The photo was taken in October 2025 when Tadanori Yokoo appeared as a guest on "Naoto Takenaka: Moonlit Crab," currently airing on TBS Radio. To Takenaka, who majored in graphic design at Tama Art University, Yokoo is like a god to him. At the special interview, the watch shining brightly on Takenaka's wrist was a Franck Muller Long Island.

Published in Nikkei Business on March 19, 2021Past InterviewsTakenaka has an interesting story to share about this watch. As a graphic design major, he was drawn to the beauty of the Byzantine numerals even before he bought it, and thought, "I want to have those letters on my wrist." He decided to buy it when he turned 60, and has been wearing it ever since.

"For me, a watch is like a suit of armor, or a talisman. It's something that supports me when I'm weak and always gives me energy. I also think it's very romantic how the second hand quietly moves to tell the time." (From the same interview)

　These words convey Takenaka's deep feelings for watches. Many fans must have sympathized with the fact that he sees watches as more than just accessories; they are important possessions.

Artistry on the wrist: The choice of an artist drawn to Byzantine numerals

　The Long Island Chronograph Ref. 1200CCAT features eye-catching, distinctive indices and a salmon pink dial with a guilloched white gold case. Despite its impressive size of 45mm x 32.50mm, it maintains a refined appearance.

　The original strap that appears to have come with the watch was a dark brown alligator strap, but Takenaka changed it to a bright yellow strap. As an extremely unique actor and an artist with a unique and definite aesthetic sense, this vibrant color coordination is a choice that is very much in keeping with Naoto Takenaka's style.

　Now at the age of 69, the renowned actor Naoto Takenaka is showing off his refined charm. His unique presence and aesthetic sense, which allows him to effortlessly wear a luxury watch, are the result of his experience studying graphic design and his many years as an artist. Attracted by the unique indices of the Frank Muller Long Island watch, Takenaka says, "I want to have those letters on my wrist," and it is this sensitivity that makes him unique.

　Naoto Takenaka calls watches his "lucky charms" and finds romance in them. The beauty of Byzantine numerals, which he has discerned with the aesthetic sense he developed at art school, goes beyond simple empathy for design; it seems to symbolize his very way of life as an artist. On stage, in films, and in the future, Naoto Takenaka will continue to make a powerful impact on us, along with the Franck Muller that continues to tick away on his wrist.

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