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July 15, 2015
Life with Renault, as Imagined by Japanese Creators Living in Paris (2) | Renault
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Renault
A Japanese Creator in Paris Reflects on Life with Renault
How to Enjoy a French "Petit Vacances"
Manabu Matsunaga, a photographer, and Maiko Matsunaga, an editor, both Japanese creators living in Paris. The couple, who use Renaults both personally and professionally, say that national character is reflected in how people interact with their cars. What is the ideal relationship between people and cars, as seen by these two who know both Japan and France? In the latter half, they discuss the French philosophy of happiness through three keywords that color the daily lives of Parisians: cafes, vacations, and cars.
Photographs by MATSUNAGA ManabuText by MATSUNAGA Maiko
My Time, My Car
It's often said that the French are geniuses at enjoying life, and it's true.
Looking around me, I rarely see unhappy faces. Yet, like us, everyone has their worries, complains about work, and faces conflicts.
So why do they seem so happy? They all share a remarkable ability to refresh their daily moods. I think this is why they are called geniuses at enjoying life.
After a seaside stroll, our usual routine in Le Crotoy is to head to a seafood restaurant to satisfy our hunger.
For example, an espresso at a favorite cafe before heading to work in the morning. Or a quick coffee during a short break between appointments. This is how the French use cafes to center themselves. If you know how a single Parisian uses them throughout the day, the sheer number of cafes in Paris makes sense.
If we have a little more time, we go for a long weekend drive. Drive for just a few dozen minutes, and you're in the countryside. This location advantage isn't unique to Paris; most cities probably have it. They don't plan ahead; they just head out spontaneously and freely.
We pack plenty of essentials for the countryside, like rain boots and clogs.
For the past decade or so, whenever we have a little free time, we head to Le Crotoy in the Picardy region, a seaside town surrounded by wetlands, bringing our rain boots and clogs (wooden sandals).
It's a small town gaining popularity among fans of the wild and survival. It's known for its dramatic tides, and I love walking for hours on the sandy shore, wearing my rain boots, where the seabed was just moments before.
It's just that, but I always feel different afterward than before I left. It's the satisfaction of having spent 'time that cannot be replaced by anything.'
I think that when we decide, 'It's sunny today, let's go to the sea!', our car is always there to support such whims. We use the metro and buses within Paris, but having our car for our personal time is also very Parisian.
We're not French, and there's no point in just imitating them, but I feel we've recently learned some of their 'tricks for enjoying life.'
The church decorations, unique to the region, bear the imprint of history.
Horseback tours through the miles of wetlands are also quite appealing.
We end our petit vacances by enjoying a sunset, coincidentally the same color as the car's orange.
Now, the 'summer vacation' that they cherish most is about to begin. Everyday worries will vanish, and they will dedicate themselves entirely to 'enjoyment.'
And, of course, the car will be by their side.
Manabu MATSUNAGA
Born in 1960. Began photography as a child, influenced by his father. After working at Nippon Design Center, he moved to France. Active in a wide range of fields, including travel reports and portraits of celebrities. Since December 2009, he has been publishing web photo essays on the theme of travel under the title 'carnet de voyages.' http://www.manabu-matsunaga.com
Maiko MATSUNAGA
Born in 1965. Worked as a fashion editor for various magazines, starting with Popeye, then MC Sister, 25ans, La Vie de Quatre Saisons, and others. Moved to France in 1996. Gave birth to three children over five years starting in 2002, with her first birth being a late-term pregnancy. Editor-in-chief of the Paris-based web magazine for adults and children, 'chocolatmag.' http://www.chocolatmag.com
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