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July 15, 2015
Life with Renault, as Imagined by Japanese Creators Living in Paris (1) | Renault
Renault｜ルノー
A Parisian Life with Renault, as Seen by Japanese Creators
Parisian Streets and Renaults: The Car Scene in Paris
Manabu Matsunaga, a photographer, and Maiko Matsunaga, an editor, both Japanese creators living in Paris. They share their thoughts on Renault, a brand they use both personally and professionally, and discuss how national character is reflected in how people interact with cars. Having experienced life in both Japan and France, what is their perspective on the ideal relationship between people and cars? In this first part, they explore the French esprit surrounding cars through two themes: "Can This Happen in Paris?" and "Parisian Insights."
Photographs by MATSUNAGA ManabuText by MATSUNAGA Maiko
How Parisians Drive and Park
"Paris and cars" – the first thing that comes to mind is that "French people are free-spirited." Or, to put it less kindly, selfish. This atmosphere permeates the city, yet traffic accidents aren't excessively high. This is because there are clear rules. Whether it's strictly "right-hand priority" or "pedestrian priority," adhering to these ensures the safety of Parisian drivers and their car handling. Beyond that, anything goes? Is this okay too? I was constantly surprised for the first few years after moving to Paris.
A common sight in Paris on weekends: a decorated car carrying a bride and groom from the city hall to the wedding venue.
A car that seems perfectly coordinated with the yellow of the postal box.
To mention a well-known example, street parking. Reverse parking, parallel parking – as long as it's within the marked space, anything goes!? With no guardrails, the sight of cars lined up bumper-to-bumper is, in a way, an art form of car life. But to park like this, you have no choice but to repeatedly nudge the cars in front and behind while maneuvering. Unthinkable in Japan. <Can This Happen in Paris? Part 1>
Stopping to chat with an acquaintance on the street is a common occurrence, even with cars. At first, I thought, "Are they asking for directions?" But then they'd chat for about a minute, exchange kisses as a greeting, and then finally drive off. <Can This Happen in Paris? Part 2>
The French value their possessions. Even vintage cars blend seamlessly into the cityscape.
A car parked in front of a café, with a baby napping in a child seat. The father and mother sit at a terrace table, sipping coffee while keeping an eye on the child. This is something we learned from the French, and all three of our children experienced napping alone in the car. <Parisian Insights Part 1>
Intersections without traffic lights are called "rond-points." They are designed with a central circle from which roads radiate outwards. Here, cars coming from the right have priority, and traffic flows by yielding to each other. Famous examples in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Bastille. If traffic lights were installed in these squares, imagine the amount of energy that would be consumed! Yes, I recently realized that these rond-points are actually energy-efficient. <Parisian Insights Part 2>
At rond-points, drivers yield and follow the rules.
Champagne and cars are indispensable at French weddings, especially in Paris. After completing the marriage vows and signing at the local ward office, couples make a grand entrance to the reception venue in cars decorated with ribbons and flowers. Car decoration supplies are so popular that they can be bought at regular supermarkets. <Parisian Insights Part 3>
Beyond the surprises and admiration, the relationship between people and cars in Paris is incredibly close. That's why cars play such a significant role in celebrating happiness, I thought.
松永学｜MATSUNAGA Manabu
Born in 1960. Inspired by his father, he began photography as a child. After working at the Japan Design Center, he moved to France. He is active in a wide range of fields, including travel reports and portraits of celebrities. Since December 2009, he has been publishing web photo collections themed around travel under the title "carnet de voyages." http://www.manabu-matsunaga.com
松永麻衣子｜MATSUNAGA Maiko
Born in 1965. She worked as a fashion editor for various magazines, starting with Popeye, then MC Sister, 2e, and La Vie de Quarante ans. She moved to France in 1996. She gave birth to three children over five years, starting in 2002, experiencing both first-time and later-life childbirth. She is the editor-in-chief of "chocolatmag," a web magazine for adults and children based in Paris. http://www.chocolatmag.com
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http://www.renault.jp/car_lineup/captur/cannes/index.html