Interview

I first encountered jazz when I was in the second grade. My uncle invited me to see an amateur big band performance, and I was deeply moved. I remember thinking, “I want to do this.” Soon after, I joined the Sapporo Junior Jazz School, where I played until my third year of junior high. Later, I received an Encouragement Award at a workshop called Hokkaido Groove Camp, which led to an invitation to attend the Berklee 5 weeks Program by Berklee College of Music. There, young players from all over the world gathered, and through countless sessions, I realized, “I need to take this seriously.” It was a truly eye-opening experience.

After enrolling at Berklee College of Music, I began to think deeply – not just about refining my technique, but about what I truly wanted to express through music. My experiences overseas were especially transformative. For instance, when I performed in the United States, even without sharing a common language, I felt an undeniable connection with the audience. That sense of “dialogue through sound” remains at the core of my approach.

Music isn’t complete with sound alone – it’s conveyed through the entire experience: the venue, the lighting, the attire. That’s why I consider not only how I present myself as a performer, but also how to shape the atmosphere as a whole. For me, that was the starting point of defining my own style.

A unique sense of style
and its connection to timepieces

When it comes to fashion, I’ve always been drawn to pieces with character – things that stand out and feel instinctively right to me. What matters most is that the creator’s hand is visible, that there’s a story behind the design. I’m fascinated by items that carry traces of craftsmanship or reflect the maker’s intent.

Clothing and accessories crafted by designers and artisans hold an invisible energy, a kind of passion you can feel. The same goes for watches. I prefer pieces that leave room for interpretation rather than those that feel completely finished – items that blend naturally into everyday life and evolve beautifully over time. When something carries that sense of “growing with you,” it becomes all the more special.

I always keep balance in mind, especially when it comes to TPO. Since I often perform on stage, I think carefully about whether what I wear complements my performance attire: Does it fit the setting? Is it understated yet still true to who I am? That mindset guides the choices I make.

This approach to choosing things resonates with the philosophy of jazz – the music I’ve devoted myself to. Jazz is celebrated for its freedom, yet every great jazz musician carries a deep respect for its history and traditions. That respect forms our common language and the core of who we are.

My interest in watches began when I inherited pieces from my grandfather and father. Objects that endure across generations hold a special significance. Of course, you can check the time on a phone, but there’s something undeniably elegant about the gesture of glancing at a wristwatch.

When I tried on various King Seiko models for this feature, the one that truly captivated me was the VANAC. The way light dances across its multifaceted case, the distinctly 1970s-inspired design, and the perfect balance between its classical form and the bold personality of its colorful dial – it all feels exceptional. This is a watch that pairs beautifully with my stage attire.

The mirror-polished case is particularly striking – the way it catches and reflects light is unique, and under stage lights, it looks absolutely stunning. This watch doesn’t present itself as a flat surface; it feels sculptural, almost three-dimensional, which I find fascinating. It carries a sense of playfulness yet remains undeniably refined.

Wearing it, I was surprised by how natural it felt against my skin – there was a sensation almost like music, as if it “resonated” with me. Its presence as a timepiece, combined with the philosophy behind its design, is what truly captivated me.

At its core, jazz is music in constant transformation – absorbing influences from classical, rock, hip-hop, and reshaping itself with every era. Yet it never loses its roots. The axis of history forged by legends keeps jazz authentic, no matter how far it evolves.

Its timeless appeal lies in this duality: the freedom to change and the constancy of its core. I strive for the same balance – adapting my methods to the times while never losing sight of who I want to reach and what I want to express.

This philosophy resonates deeply with King Seiko’s concept of “The Newest Classic.” Honoring the past while updating it in a way that feels authentic – that attitude is what allows something to be loved across generations.

Tomoaki Baba’s pride
in resonating with King Seiko

As I perform more frequently around the world, I feel an even stronger desire to wear something that represents the best of Japan. To me, a wristwatch is an item that allows you to communicate – even with someone who doesn’t share your language. In that sense, it’s very much like my music.
A few years ago, I also performed at a live event for the Seiko Summer Jazz Camp, which was specially sponsored by Seiko. Experiences like that leave a lasting impression on me. Moving forward, I believe value will come not only from the objects themselves, but from the experiences – who you connect with, where, and how. That sense of shared moments will matter more than ever.

I believe King Seiko has a quiet strength – a way of speaking without words. It’s never flashy, yet its presence is undeniable. That’s why it will continue to be loved for generations to come.
Holding on to your own philosophy while constantly evolving – that’s what creates something that resonates across time. Just as King Seiko embodies this idea with its concept of “The Newest Classic,” I hope my music, too, will carry that spirit forward and be passed on to the next generation.