ZenStyle x OnishiShotaro

INTERVIEW

Shotaro Onishi

To celebrate the launch of the Zen-Style website, we had the honor of conducting a special interview with the legendary Shotaro Onishi, who has been a fan of the Italian watch brand Ritmo Latino MILANO for some time. We would like to explore what Onishi thinks about the appeal of Ritmo Latino, as well as his thoughts on "style" and "time." But first, we would like to ask him about the Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Japan this year.

Q: Since the 2015 World Cup, rugby, which was not well known in Japan, has started to attract attention. What kind of tournament do you think this year's World Cup will be?

Onishi: The Rugby World Cup is one of the world's three major sporting events and attracts attention from all over the world. It will be the first time that the tournament will be held in Asia, and will have many firsts. Many people will be coming to Japan from many countries. The World Cup is not just about deciding the outcome of the sport, but also an opportunity for people around the world to fall in love with Japan. I hope that people from all over the world will return home with fond memories of their time in Japan.

Q: Winning and raising awareness in the country are important, but I also want the host country to be able to provide a wonderful experience. You used the word "time" very well (laughs). So, to get straight to the point, you are currently using the Ritmo Latino Quattro Auto, right?

Onishi: I really like it. It goes especially well with suits, and people around me always ask me what the brand is. I always answer, "Ritmo Latino" (laughs)!!

Q: Thank you for the promotion (laughs). We often receive inquiries from users who have seen you wearing it on social media. Other models we have are the Viaggio from the Automa Collection and the square-shaped MOSAICO.
What is the appeal of Ritmo Latino watches to you?

Onishi: Yes. I wear it all the time. As a commentator, I often wear suits, but it really adds a touch of elegance to even those formal looks. I also wear it when I'm wearing casual clothes, and I think the appeal of Ritmo Latino is that it can be paired with any style.

Q: Thank you. It's basically a casual fashion watch, but the brand has a mature feel to it. Could you tell us what you look for when choosing your clothes?

Onishi: I was a rugby player, so my first focus was on whether the size would fit (laughs).
Other than that, I often choose clothes in solid, simple colors.

Q: That's something that only rugby players can do. Because they have well-toned bodies, wearing basic items in just the right size is what looks the coolest for them. What do you think "your own style" is?

Onishi: I first encountered Ritmo Latino at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, which I played in. Daisuke Ohata, who fought alongside me there and worked hard with the goal of winning the World Cup, suffered a serious injury in a match before the tournament and was unable to play. On one such difficult night, Ohata handed me his watch and said,

"I can't go, but wear this watch and do your best at the World Cup for me!"

The watch I was wearing at that time was the Ritmo Latino. The Ritmo was with me through those difficult times as well as the dreamlike times at the World Cup. I will continue to treasure the watch that Mr. Ohata entrusted to me.

Q: It was a painful experience, but I really liked this episode and asked the question anyway, sorry (laughs). And this led to the dramatic equalizing goal in the match against Canada. What does a "watch," or rather "time," mean to you, Mr. Onishi?

Mr. Onishi: "Wealth is given equally to everyone." How we use that wealth is up to us.

Q: How do you spend your time? Who do you share that time with? But from the very beginning, everyone is given the treasure called "time." Finally, please give a message to the viewers and fans.

Onishi: Thank you for your continued support. I'm Masataro Onishi, a former member of the Japanese national rugby team. The Rugby World Cup is finally here. 2019 is the year of rugby. I hope as many people as possible can experience the wonderful tournament that I experienced. I believe that being able to interact with so many people from all over the world and uniting our people will be an indescribable and wonderful time. I hope you will continue to support rugby.

Thank you, Onishi-san, for the wonderful time.
Please help us liven up this year's Rugby World Cup, as well as the sports world and Japan as a whole! And we look forward to your continued support of Ritmo Latino!

PROFILE :

Shotaro Onishi

He experienced finishing as runner-up at Hanazono while at Keiko Gakuen High School.
He was selected for the Japanese high school national team and participated in a tour of Scotland.
At Doshisha University, he contributed to consecutive Kansai League victories and also performed well in the National University Championships.
After graduating, he joined World.
This marks the team's first year participating in the Top League.
In 2006, he moved to Yamaha Motor.
In 2007, he was selected for the Japanese national team for the World Cup, and in the match against Canada, he scored an equalizing conversion just before the end of the game, bringing the game to a draw and helping Japan to end its losing streak in the World Cup.
In 2009, he transferred to Kintetsu.
In 2013, he transferred to Toyota Industries Corporation.
In 2015, he was appointed as a player and assistant back coach.
In 2016, he retired from active play and became the backs coach at Doshisha University.