SENDAI--Firefighters from two quake-devastated areas collaborated in releasing a wristwatch that symbolizes the strong nationwide bonds formed among rescue workers during times of disaster.
With cooperation from the fire departments of Sendai and Kobe, Casio Computer Co. will start selling the watch under its G-Shock brand in June.
Measuring 55.2 millimeters by 53.5 mm, the GW-9400NFST model has a body of black, the color of the fire-proof gear worn by the Sendai fire department. Some of the watch’s parts are colored firetruck red.
The button ring features yellow color in the image of the reflective material used in firefighters' clothing. The logos of both fire departments appear on the case back.
The watch will be marketed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Emergency Fire Response Teams system, which is based on lessons learned from the Great Hanshin Earthquake that struck the Kobe area in 1995.
Under the system, prefectures form emergency response teams for dispatches to disaster-hit areas, enabling firefighters across the country to cooperate in emergencies beyond their jurisdictions.
The deployment of many workers from different fire departments to Sendai and other areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami greatly contributed to the rescue activities.
“I can never forget how secure I felt when officers came from across the nation in the Great East Japan Earthquake,” said Megumu Sato, a senior administrative official at the Sendai fire department. “The emergency firefighting unit embodies the strong bond of firefighters throughout the country, and I want many people to know about it.”
The special watch will carry a price tag of 55,000 yen ($499), including tax, and will be available across Japan.