As part of G-Shock’s 35th-anniversary celebrations, G-shock have collaborated with artist and former pro-skateboarder Toshikazu Nozaka to create a collection of limited edition timepieces in homage to The Seven Lucky Gods who are worshipped as part of a Japanese belief system derived from a blending of indigenous and Buddhist beliefs.
Toshikazu Nozaka at the launch of his new G-Shock from The Seven Lucky Gods collection
The artwork on the packaging incorporates the Japanese characters that spell out the words Shichi-fuku-jin kodakara asobi. The kodakara asobi part of this message is a subject taken up by various artists in the world of ukiyo-e and color woodblock prints dating from the latter years of the Edo period.
Based on his admiration and respect for the pioneers that have come before him, and as an artist of the present time, Nozaka has created art incorporating both the Seven Lucky Gods and seven aspects of today’s culture: skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX biking, breakdancing, freestyle football, and DJing. His methods draw from the tradition of kodara asobi that has been passed down from his predecessors, and he has created a work of art for the modern era and made it a part of G-SHOCK.
About the Artist
Toshikazu Nozaka is from Tokyo. He has been devoted to building plastic models and art objects, painting, and skateboarding from a young age, and was a professional skateboarder in his teens and 20s. He is currently engaged in activities both in Japan and in other countries as an artist and skateboarder. His works are featured in both solo and group exhibitions annually, and he provides artwork for use in a variety of fields. Within the foundation of his works are respect and admiration for Japanese painters who were active from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji period, and his daily goal of pondering what can be created in the modern era from these influences.toshikazu-nozaka.com
About Seven Lucky Gods
The Seven Lucky Gods are worshipped as part of a Japanese belief system derived from a blending of indigenous and Buddhist beliefs, and refers to the seven gods Ebisu, Hotei, Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Daikokuten, Jur?jin, and Fukurokuju. The gods originate from various backgrounds, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and the Shinto faith, and if one pays homage to the Seven Lucky Gods, one is protected from the seven misfortunes and will receive the seven blessings of happiness, as described in the Humane King Sutra. Belief in the Seven Lucky Gods dates from the end of Japan’s Muromachi period, was widespread among the people of the Edo period, and has continued into the present day. https://world.g-shock.com/asia-mea/en/products/slg/concept/
