Casio has unveiled its latest G-Shock series, the Red Lantern collection, drawing inspiration from iconic Japanese culture. After rumors surfaced earlier this year, the brand has now opened pre-orders in Japan, with the watches set to launch in April 2026.
The series includes two models: the DW-5600AKA-4 and the DW-6900AKA-4, each priced at 22,000 yen (about $139). Both feature bold red resin cases and straps that echo traditional Japanese red paper lanterns-known as akachōchin-commonly seen outside bars across Japan.
Black accents on the buttons, strap connectors, and Japanese lettering add striking contrast. The inscriptions translate to ”shock resistant,” highlighting the watches’ durability. Even the display backlighting carries a red hue, enhancing the lantern motif.
The DW-5600AKA-4 sports the classic rectangular case, while the DW-6900AKA-4 features a round face with three circular indicators above its main display, sticking to G-Shock’s familiar design language.
Functionally, both models pack standard G-Shock reliability:
- Stopwatch accurate to 1/100th of a second
- Countdown timer
- Alarm
- Water resistance rated to 200 meters
So far, Casio hasn’t announced plans for a global release, though the company has a history of launching Japan-themed editions internationally in Europe, the UK, and the US. Given the brand’s strong following worldwide, these Red Lantern watches could easily light up markets beyond Japan.
Casio’s nod to Japanese tradition with the Red Lantern series adds a fresh cultural twist to its legendary G-Shock lineup. With pre-orders already live domestically, the watch community will be watching if and when these fiery designs cross oceans-and how they’ll stack up against Apple, Samsung, and other smartwatch competitors in an increasingly design-conscious market.