What Surprised Me as a Car Enthusiast in Japan

Summary

In this video, the host shares his exhilarating experience driving a Honda S660 in Tokyo, Japan, during the cherry blossom season in April 2024. He discusses the initial challenges of driving on the left side and his fascination with Japanese cars and culture since his middle school days. The host highlights the meticulous maintenance of cars, the authenticity in Japanese culture, and the exceptional food quality. He also talks about his visit to the Japanese Grand Prix, his stay at luxurious hotels, and his plans to return to Japan, emphasizing the country's unique charm and his deepening appreciation for it.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The host is in Tokyo, Japan, driving a Honda S660 and enjoying the challenge of driving on the opposite side of the road.
• 🌸 It's cherry blossom season in Japan, and the host has a special watch from Grand Seiko to commemorate the occasion.
• 🏎️ The host has been a car enthusiast since middle school, influenced by Japanese car culture and the anime Initial D.
• 🌐 The host's first visit to Japan was in 2024, after previously canceling a trip in early 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
• 🏙️ Japan is described as an amazing place for car enthusiasts, with a rich car culture and well-maintained vehicles.
• 🍣 The food quality in Japan is praised as being very high, with even casual meals being impressive.
• 🏨 The host stayed at luxurious hotels, such as Park Hyatt, and enjoyed the unique Japanese spa experience.
• 🛍️ The host appreciates the attention to detail and consideration for others in Japanese culture, which extends to public behavior and customer service.
• 🏎️ The host attended the Japanese Grand Prix and enjoyed the food and fan enthusiasm, contrasting it with their previous experience at the British Grand Prix.
• 🚗 The host is considering purchasing a Honda S2000, impressed by the driving experience of the S660 and Japanese cars in general.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the narrator's experience and impressions of Japan, particularly focusing on car culture, the cherry blossom season, and the general appreciation for Japanese culture, food, and attention to detail.

Why did the narrator decide to visit Japan in 2024?

The narrator decided to visit Japan in 2024 because they had always wanted to go since middle school, and by 2024, they were in a comfortable financial position to travel there, having started their own business.

What is the significance of the Honda S660 in the script?

The Honda S660 is significant in the script because it represents the narrator's experience of driving a Japanese car in Japan, which is a part of their passion for cars and car culture.

Why did the narrator choose to wear a Grand Seiko SBGA443 watch during the trip?

The narrator chose to wear a Grand Seiko SBGA443 watch to commemorate and celebrate the cherry blossom season in Japan, marking their first trip to the country.

What is the narrator's opinion on the driving experience in Japan?

The narrator finds the driving experience in Japan fun and challenging, especially at first, but notes that it becomes less exciting once they get used to it.

What is the cultural aspect that the narrator admires about Japan?

The narrator admires the intentionality, attention to detail, and consideration in Japanese culture, as well as the politeness and respect for others that is common among Japanese people.

Why did the narrator decide to stay at high-end hotels during their trip?

The narrator decided to stay at high-end hotels like Park Hyatt in Tokyo and Kyoto because it was a bucket list item for them and they wanted to experience the luxury during their visit, especially during the cherry blossom season.

What is the narrator's view on Japanese food quality?

The narrator views Japanese food quality as being very high, even in non-fancy restaurants, and appreciates the regular food they tried during their visit.

What is the narrator's plan for future visits to Japan?

The narrator plans to return to Japan in six months for their birthday and is considering the possibility of getting an Airbnb in Kyoto to spend a couple of months there and rent it out the rest of the year.

What is the narrator's next car purchase after the trip?

The narrator is excited about getting a Honda S2000 later in the year, which they mention as a car they are enthusiastic about after driving the S660 in Japan.

What is the narrator's perspective on the Japanese car scene?

The narrator is enthusiastic about the Japanese car scene, appreciating the variety of cars, from classic JDM models to modern sports cars, and the meticulous maintenance and care taken by car owners.