The Japanese national football team played a close match against powerhouse Netherlands, ending in a 2-2 draw. Shuto Machino, who was called up at the last minute to replace the injured Wataru Endo, carried his passport with him, clinging to even the slightest possibility of being selected. This will be Machino's second consecutive World Cup, but he didn't get a chance to play in the previous tournament in Qatar. All eyes will be on him and his every move in this tournament, and we took a closer look at the Rolex "Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona" that he loves to wear.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by: Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 21, 2026]
Machino Shuto's never-give-up attitude led to his additional call-up to the team.
Shuto Machino's name was not initially on the list of the Japanese national team members. The situation changed dramatically when Wataru Endo was forced to withdraw, and Machino was suddenly called up as his replacement.
Believing even the slightest possibility of being called, Machino kept his passport with him at all times. Just seven hours after receiving the call from the association, he boarded a flight to America. Along the way, he was hit by a series of flight cancellations, forcing him to endure a long journey. Yet, he insisted, "I'm not tired at all." Even in Chicago, where he was stranded, he continued to exercise in his hotel room to maintain his condition, and solidified his resolve to fight, carrying the hopes of the players who couldn't participate.
In fact, Machino reveals that immediately after learning he had been left out of the squad, he felt increasingly frustrated every time he came across information about the World Cup, and he went through a mentally difficult period. What supported him through it was the presence of his family and supportive friends. After he was called up as an additional player, he received a message directly from Wataru Endo, who was leaving the team. Encouraged by Endo's positive words, who was also his senior at Shonan Bellmare, Machino continued:
"There are a lot of responsibilities and burdens that weigh on me, but I want to make this a tournament where Kou-kun can watch me play and think, 'I'm glad I chose Machino.'"
After a close match against the Netherlands, Machino waited on the bench for his turn to play.
With such strong determination, Shuto Machino earned a place on the national team, and his second World Cup began with a match against the Netherlands. Their opponent was a formidable team ranked 8th in the FIFA rankings. Japan got off to a tough start, conceding the first goal, but they fought back tenaciously and ultimately managed to secure a 2-2 draw.
Although Machino made the squad, he didn't get a chance to play in this match. Nevertheless, the team's resilience shown in the first match and the result of one point will undoubtedly be very significant as they progress through the group stage. All eyes will be on how Machino, who made the national team selection at the last minute, will contribute to the team on this big stage. His every move will be watched closely, along with the outcome of the tournament.
Long throws are also one of Shuto Machino's major weapons.
Shuto Machino started playing soccer at the age of three, influenced by his older brother who had experience playing the sport. After playing for FC Avenida Sol in his hometown of Iga City, Mie Prefecture during his junior high school years, he was selected for the All-Japan High School Select team during his high school years. His performance caught the eye of Yokohama F. Marinos, leading to his signing with the club.
Although he didn't get any opportunities to play in official matches for Marinos, he steadily built up his record while on loan at J3 club Giravanz Kitakyushu (※J3 in 2019; promoted to J2 in 2020), and at the end of 2020, his permanent transfer to Shonan Bellmare was decided. In 2021 he only managed 4 goals for the year, but in 2022 he scored his first double-digit goals. He ultimately made a leap forward by scoring 13 goals for the year, placing him second in the J1 scoring rankings and the sole top scorer among Japanese players. And in 2023, he achieved the unprecedented feat of scoring 4 goals in the first half by himself.
When discussing Machino's playing style, one cannot overlook his league-class long throws. Throw-ins from deep in the opponent's territory are a powerful weapon that can immediately initiate set pieces that lead to goals. The distance he throws, which even surprises the opposing team's fans, is truly Machino's trademark. In addition to his high versatility, being able to score with both his dominant right foot and his left foot, his impressive 185cm physique is also a strength. Machino, who is sometimes called a "ninja" for his elusive movements, is expected to live up to that nickname on the pitch in this tournament.
Is Machino Shuto's favorite watch a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona?
Looking at the watch that Shuto Machino usually wears, we found a photo in his Instagram posts showing him wearing what appears to be a Rolex "Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona."
Incidentally, the first image in the same post shows "Machino Coffee Shop," a cafe run by his older brother, a former soccer player, in his hometown of Iga City, Mie Prefecture. For Shuto Machino, who says his hobby in Germany, where there are few forms of entertainment, is "cafe hopping," it seems to be a place where he can relax and unwind when he returns to Japan for a short visit.
While the exact model being worn cannot be determined from the image, it is almost certainly some model of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. The current model underwent a complete redesign in 2023, coinciding with its 60th anniversary. The Cerachrom bezel now features a border, the indices and sub-dials are thinner, and a crown mark has been added to the "SWISS MADE" inscription. These changes are also common to the Deepsea and Submariner models, and represent the latest specifications that underpin current Rolex watches.
The movement has also evolved from Cal.4130 to Cal.4131. Equipped with a Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorber, and with improved ball bearings, winding efficiency and durability have been significantly enhanced, and the rotor rotates more smoothly. Another key point is that the Daytona from 2023 onwards has a case thickness that is 0.5mm thinner than previous models. It maintains a smart impression despite being a chronograph, and is a watch that fits seamlessly into everyday wear.
Automatic winding (Cal. 4131). 47 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40 mm, thickness 11.9 mm). Water resistant to 100 m.
Meanwhile, Shuto Machino posts photos of himself enjoying fishing and shopping on Instagram in his private life, and in interviews he has also revealed that he went shuriken throwing with his wife. His active lifestyle and enjoyment of everyday life convey his energetic personality both on and off the pitch.
Incidentally, after their match against Tunisia in Group F, Japan will face Sweden on June 26th. With each match, the importance of the Moriyasu Japan team will increase as they strive to advance from the group stage. In the midst of all this, we will be watching with bated breath to see how Shuto Machino, who earned his place on the national team at the last minute, will make his presence felt like a ninja.
