Masato Ibu is known for his role as a ghost story-telling priest in NHK's morning drama series "Bakeke." He is also set to appear in the drama special "Rosanjin no Kamado" in the spring of 2026, and continues to be active at the age of 76. His deep voice and unique acting style have been consistent ever since his days as a voice actor, voicing President Desler. We took a look at the watch Ibu wears in his private life.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 21, 2025]
Following "Bakeke," he appeared in "Rosanjin's Kitchen." A seasoned actor who is currently active
Masato Ibu, beloved for his excellent supporting roles, appears in the currently airing NHK morning drama "Bakeke" as a head priest who tells ghost stories. The story is based on the life of Lafcadio Hearn (also known as Yakumo Koizumi) and his wife Setsu, and is set in Matsue, Shimane during the Meiji era. The story depicts the emotional bond between Toki, the daughter of a fallen samurai who loves ghost stories, and Heaven, an English teacher from a foreign country, and their journey as a married couple.
Ibu plays the head priest of Daiouji Temple, an important character who recounts the temple's ghost story, "The Woman Who Buys Starch Candy," to Toki and Heaven. When he was introduced on the show's official Instagram, followers left enthusiastic comments such as, "We're really looking forward to this!" and "It's exciting to think of him telling the ghost story with that charming low voice." The actual head priest of Daiouji Temple was also impressed by Ibu's convincing performance, repeatedly saying, "That's great," after seeing his performance on set.
Furthermore, he is set to appear in the special drama "Rosanjin's Kitchen," scheduled to air on NHK BS Premium 4K in the spring of 2026. This work depicts the unknown side of Kitaoji Rosanjin, an artist who saw Japanese cuisine as a source of beauty, and he will star alongside talented actors such as Tatsuya Fuji, Kotone Furukawa, and Akira Emoto. At 76 years old, Ibu continues to exude a lustrous, patina of silver.
An acting career that began as a voice actor. Emperor Desler and Snakeman Show
Masato Ibu's greatest charm is undoubtedly his unique voice. His deep, resonant voice has a mysterious power that draws people in. His voice first became known nationwide when he voiced Commander Desler of the Garmillan Empire in the TV anime "Space Battleship Yamato," which aired from 1974 to 1975.
At the time, anime villains typically featured high-pitched voices, like mad scientists laughing "hee hee hee..." But Ibu decided to go the opposite way. By using a low, murmuring voice, Emperor Desler captured the hearts of viewers as a unique and fascinating villain, cold-hearted yet gentlemanly, with a hidden rudeness hidden within his polite speech.
After his hit role as Emperor Desler, Ibu went on to dub numerous foreign films and appear on radio. One of his most popular shows was the radio program "Snakeman Show." The comedy duo he formed with Katsuya Kobayashi and Moichi Kuwahara gained a reputation among listeners and within the broadcasting industry for their extreme content, which was on the borderline of taboo at the time. The program later became a nationwide network, and even had a skit recorded by YMO, spreading Ibu's popularity into the music industry.
However, at the time, the appeal of one's voice was often recognized before one's acting ability, so for Ibu, voice acting was merely a way to make money. He had a strong desire to become an actor, and after making his film debut in "Weekend Shuffle" in 1982, he appeared in numerous dramas and films. However, even after his main focus shifted to acting, he continued to play the role of Desler in the "Space Battleship Yamato" series, as this is where he began his career.
Enjoying fishing and gourmet food!? A fulfilling private life as seen on Instagram
In his private life, Ibu enjoys spontaneous travel, listening to records, and drinking. His latest hobby is fishing. On July 2, 2023, he posted on his Instagram a photo of himself enjoying a dinner by the sea on Iriomote Island. He went on a night cruise, went out to sea to fish, watched the sunset, and enjoyed time with a close friend who cooked the fish he caught.
His posts of his annual visit to Iriomote Island to enjoy fishing give a glimpse of the quality of his time. Ibu's relaxed expression has a harmonious atmosphere that is different from his appearances in movies and dramas. Looking at his Instagram posts of his time in India and Bali, it is clear that he is enjoying a fulfilling life.
The IWC Big Pilot's Watch shines on the left wrist.
In this private shot, Ibu was wearing an IWC Big Pilot's Watch. The black dial stands out against the impressive 46.2mm case.
The movement used is the IWC-manufactured Cal. 52110 (the current model has been updated to its successor). It is a tough model boasting a power reserve of approximately 168 hours. Located at 3 o'clock is a 7-day power reserve indicator, which, despite being a large-diameter model, does not give the impression of being sluggish.
Automatic movement (Cal. 52111). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 168 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 46.2mm, thickness 15.6mm). Water resistant to 6 bar. Price: 1,061,500 yen (tax included).
The large onion-shaped crown, which can be easily operated even while wearing gloves, and the highly visible indices make this watch highly practical, and it evokes the direct lineage of the aviation chronometers that IWC supplied to the German Navy from the 1930s onwards. It is a watch that is suitable for both hobbies such as fishing and work-related photography.
Masato Ibu is known not only for his charming low voice, but also for his powerful acting skills. We can't wait to see what role he will play in "Rosanjin's Kitchen" in 2026. Ibu has expanded his field of activity from voice acting to acting, and we look forward to seeing his further success as he carves out a unique new territory.
