CASIO TO RELEASE G-SHOCK MR-G FINISHED IN GASSAN TRADITION OF JAPANESE SWORDSMITHS

Limited Edition Model Evoking the Traditional Strength and Aesthetics of Japan

Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of a new addition to the MR-G Series, the flagship series of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The MRG-G2000GA takes its inspiration from the traditional Japanese sword — known for bringing together the timeless strength and aesthetic sensibilities of Japan. It is hand-finished by a master craftsman in the world-renowned Gassan tradition of Japanese swordsmiths. A limited edition of just 300 of these watches will be released worldwide.

The MRG-G2000GA is inspired by the strength and refinement of Japanese swords, which have much in common with the toughness and functional sophistication of the MR-G Series. The watch incorporates design elements inspired by Japanese swords — from the yasuri-me (rasp marks) on the nakago (tang) to the crystal formation of the hamon (temper line) and the kissaki (blade tip).

The watchband of the MRG-G2000GA takes its design cue from the tang of a Japanese sword, which is inside the hilt. In Japanese swords, rasp marks are applied to the tang to keep it from slipping out of the hilt. These rasp marks vary in pattern depending on the school of swordmaking or each swordsmith. The rasp marks are a critical element that is particular to the swordmaker. The centre band of the MRG-G2000GA is finished in a pattern modelled after the file mark pattern employed in the renowned Gassan tradition of swordsmiths. The pattern is applied by hand to each link by Sadanobu Gassan, who is in line to succeed the 800-year-old Gassan tradition. The second link in the band is also inscribed with the kanji character 鍛, from the saying tanto hitosuji (“a singular dedication to forging”) that is espoused by the Gassan tradition.

The finish of the MRG-G2000GA reflects a fine attention to the smallest details. The case is made from recrystallised titanium, the sparkling appearance of which evokes the crystal formation of the temper line on the blade of Japanese swords. An Arc Ion Plating (AIP®)^*1 treatment is then applied in the Koki-murasaki (deep purple) that is traditionally associated with nobility in Japan. The bezel is made from COBARIAN®^*2 and bevelled in a manner inspired by the blade tip of a Japanese sword.

The MRG-G2000GA features time adjustment using radio wave time-calibration signals, GPS satellite signals, and Bluetooth® to ensure accurate time reflecting time zone changes around the world and daylight savings time. The MRG-G2000GA brings together innovative technology with Japanese aesthetics.

SWORDSMITH SADANOBU GASSAN

Born in Nara Prefecture in 1979. Born into the famous Gassan family of swordsmiths, Sadanobu Gassan was exposed to the world of swordmaking from a young age. In 1998, he began training with his father, Sadatoshi Gassan. In 2006, he was recognized as a swordsmith by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs. Since that time, he has continued to challenge himself in new areas of craftsmanship that carry forth the traditions of the past, and has won numerous prizes and accolades in various competitions. As the sixth in the Gassan line from Osaka, he carries the burden of the next generation of Japanese swords. Sadanobu Gassan currently serves as a director for the All Japan Swordsmith Association.

*1 Arc Ion Plating, or AIP®, is a type of ion plating (IP) that uses high energy to vaporize coating materials, causing a hard film with high adhesive properties to form on the metal’s surface. AIP provides one of the hardest IP coatings. AIP is a registered trademark of Kobe Steel, Inc.

*2 COBARION® is two times harder than stainless steel and is said to rival platinum in shine. COBARION is a registered trademark of the Iwate Industry Promotion Center and is manufactured exclusively by Eiwa Co., Ltd.

			SPECIFICATIONS
Construction			Shock-resistant
Water Resistance			20 bar
Magnetic Resistance			ISO 764-compliant magnetic resistance
GPS Signal Frequency			1575.42 MHz
			77.5 kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60 kHz (MSF: UK); 60
Radio Frequency			kHz (WWVB: USA); 40 kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan)
			/ 60 kHz (JJY: Kyushu, Japan); 68.5 kHz (BPC:
			China)
			Time-calibration (auto, * manual); acquisition of
GPS Signal Reception			position information (manual)
			* GPS signals are received automatically when the watch recognises
			they are available in the area.
Radio Wave Reception			Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for
			use in China: up to five times a day)
Communication	Communication		Bluetooth® low energy
Specifications		Standard
		Signal Range	Up to 2m (may differ depending on surrounding