Hotei’s Signature Guitar Pattern Takes Over This Square G-SHOCK

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Casio’s HOTEI 45th Anniversary G-SHOCK GUITARHYTHM Model (GM-5600HT26-1JR) brings Japanese guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei’s signature geometric pattern to the classic square G-SHOCK. Based on the metal-bezel GM-5600, it pairs gray graphics across the face and resin strap with a black ion-plated stainless steel bezel and a red LED backlight.

Price: ￥36,300 (About $229)
Where to Buy: Casio

It’s the fourth collaboration between Casio and Hotei, celebrating the guitarist’s 45-year music career. His GUITARHYTHM pattern covers the watch face and strap, while anniversary markings and special packaging complete the design. You get a recognizable G-SHOCK with a distinctive connection to one of Japan’s most influential rock guitarists.

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Hotei’s signature guitar pattern defines the design

Hotei’s geometric GUITARHYTHM pattern is the centerpiece of this collaboration. Gray graphics cover the black watch face and continue along the resin strap, creating a design inspired by the guitarist’s recognizable visual identity.

Casio uses a stainless steel bezel with black ion plating to frame the digital display. Its dark finish complements the gray graphics while preserving the familiar square shape of the 5600 series. You still get the traditional G-SHOCK appearance, but the patterned face and strap give this version a completely different character.

Smaller anniversary details appear throughout the watch. A GUITARHYTHM mark is engraved on the case back, while “45TH” is printed on the strap keeper. Black ion plating on the buckle keeps the metal hardware consistent with the bezel.

These details make the collaboration recognizable beyond its face design. If you follow Hotei’s music, the GUITARHYTHM graphics provide a direct connection to his career.

For Hotei fans, the signature artwork is the strongest reason to choose this version over a standard G-SHOCK.

A metal bezel with everyday G-SHOCK durability

Casio builds this model around the GM-5600, combining a resin case with a stainless steel bezel. Its shock-resistant construction protects the watch against impacts encountered during everyday activities, while the metal bezel gives the square case a more substantial appearance.

Case dimensions measure 49.6 × 43.2 × 12.9 mm. The 43.2 mm width gives you a broad square face, while the 12.9 mm thickness means the watch will sit noticeably above your wrist. At 80 grams, it also has more weight than a basic resin digital watch.

A resin strap accommodates wrist sizes from 145 to 215 mm, giving you a useful measurement to check before ordering. Mineral glass protects the digital display, and the black ion-plated bezel provides the dark finish that ties the case to the patterned strap.

Water resistance is rated at 20 bar, equivalent to a 200-meter water-resistance rating. Combined with the shock-resistant construction, this gives you a watch designed to handle regular exposure to water and everyday bumps.

You get the familiar durability of the G-SHOCK 5600 family with a metal-framed design that stands apart from the standard resin models. The construction makes it practical for regular wear, even if the anniversary graphics are what initially catch your attention.

Digital functions keep it useful every day

Beyond the anniversary design, Casio includes the digital functions expected from a G-SHOCK 5600. You get a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, calendar, and illuminated display, covering the basic tools most people use on a digital watch.

The stopwatch measures in 1/100-second increments during its first hour, then switches to one-second increments for longer sessions. It supports split-time recording and can measure up to 24 hours, giving you a straightforward way to track workouts, cooking times, or other timed activities.

A countdown timer can be set in one-second increments up to 24 hours. Automatic repeat restarts the countdown, making it useful when you need to time the same activity repeatedly.

Casio also includes one multifunction alarm and an hourly time signal. The full automatic calendar handles date tracking, while 12-hour and 24-hour display options let you choose your preferred time format.

The red LED backlight is one of the more distinctive functional details. Casio uses its Super Illuminator system with an afterglow feature, making the display easier to read in dark surroundings. A flash alert can also operate with the alarm, hourly signal, and countdown timer.

Timekeeping accuracy is rated at ±15 seconds per month, and Casio estimates approximately five years of battery life. That gives you conventional digital timekeeping with infrequent battery replacements.

These functions are familiar across the G-SHOCK lineup, but they keep the collaboration useful beyond its commemorative design. You’re getting a practical digital watch with the tools needed for everyday timekeeping.

Special packaging, price, and Japan availability

Casio extends the GUITARHYTHM pattern to a dedicated presentation package, covering the exterior with the same geometric artwork featured on the watch. The matching box gives the collaboration a coordinated appearance and adds to its appeal as a gift for a Hotei fan.

The packaging also reinforces the connection between the watch and the guitarist’s visual identity. Alongside the engraved case back and anniversary markings, it creates a complete commemorative design that extends beyond the wrist.

Casio plans to release the watch in Japan in December 2026 through its online store and select G-SHOCK stores. Hotei’s official store and the fan-club-only beat crazy store also offer advance reservations. The first preorder window has closed; the second is scheduled for November 25–30, subject to availability.

Purchases through Hotei’s stores include two exclusive HOTEI × G-SHOCK guitar picks. Preorders are limited to one watch per person.

The listed distribution is focused on Japan, so international buyers will need to check ordering options through the official retailers. For fans who collect Hotei merchandise, the dedicated packaging gives this model another reason to stand out.

Is the Hotei anniversary G-SHOCK worth buying?

At ¥36,300 including Japanese consumption tax, the Hotei collaboration is a purchase driven by its design and connection to the guitarist. You get a stainless steel bezel, shock-resistant construction, 20-bar water resistance, and the everyday digital functions of the GM-5600, along with anniversary artwork across the face, strap, and packaging.

Hotei fans have the clearest reason to buy it. The GUITARHYTHM pattern is central to the design, and the smaller commemorative details make this more distinctive than a standard color variation.

If you’re simply looking for an affordable digital watch, a regular G-SHOCK 5600 is the more practical choice. This collaboration’s appeal is its anniversary artwork and connection to Hotei’s music rather than a new timekeeping feature.

Price: ￥36,300 (About $229)
Where to Buy: Casio

For fans of Hotei and collectors of music-inspired watches, this is a distinctive anniversary model with the durability and functions of an everyday G-SHOCK. It’s a watch you can wear regularly while keeping the guitarist’s signature design on your wrist.

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