Satoshi Hiraga’s services to watchmaking are once more recognized by the Japanese government.

Seiko Watch Corporation is proud and delighted to announce that watchmaker Satoshi Hiraga has been awarded this year’s Medal with Yellow Ribbon, an honor given by the Japanese government to individuals who became public role models, through, as the citation explains, “their diligence and perseverance”. 

Satoshi Hiraga began his career at Seiko Instruments Inc. more than 30 years ago. In the early 1990’s, he spent six years accumulating skills and experience in mechanical watchmaking before, in 1998, joining the Grand Seiko team which was to produce the now celebrated 9S series calibers. In 2015, he was awarded the title of “Contemporary Master Craftsman” by the Japanese government. In recent times, Hiraga has also been deeply involved in the development of new calibers, including the new 9SA5. In addition, Hiraga has been responsible for the training of the next generation of the company’s watchmakers and has demonstrated the assembly of Grand Seiko mechanical movements at many events both in Japan and elsewhere.