RALLY NIPPON's First Foray into Shikoku

Touring world heritage sites and various cultural treasures by classic car. This is the essence of "RALLY NIPPON," an adult holiday journey.

In 2015, the event reached its seventh iteration, having visited numerous locations. It began with a start in Tokyo and a finish in Kyoto, but the previous year, the rally ventured as far as Taiwan. Last year, it started in Kyushu for the first time, touring Dazaifu, Itsukushima Shrine, Izumo Taisha, and Himeji Castle before concluding in Kyoto.



This year, the rally began in Kyoto, a familiar starting point for RALLY NIPPON. From there, the route traced a counter-clockwise path around Shikoku before returning to Kyoto. This marked the event's first visit to Shikoku.

For RALLY NIPPON 2015, motor journalist Tatsuya Kuijima and fashion director Tomoki Sukema joined the event. Kuijima, a seasoned participant, drove his beloved Triumph Spitfire.

Sukema, while passionate about cars, was new to classic cars and this type of event. The two, active in their respective fields, paired up as driver and co-driver for the four-day journey.

What kind of journey did RALLY NIPPON 2015 turn out to be for them? They shared their reflections over drinks at "THE AQUARIUM," the third-floor lounge of Dunhill's Ginza flagship store...

Page02.A Car Journey Through Shikoku, Embracing Japan's Scenery and Hospitality

A Car Journey Through Shikoku, Embracing Japan's Scenery and Hospitality

KuijimaHow did you find it, looking back?

SukemaMy back started hurting about 100km into the first day, but I thought, 'I can't tell Mr. Kuijima this!' (laughs). More than that, I worried if I could even last the whole four days.

KuijimaI felt the same way at the beginning. It's a common experience for everyone (laughs).

SukemaNot being used to a classic car, combined with the tension of navigation, made me acutely aware of the challenge. The first day alone covered 380km.

KuijimaThe first day is the longest in terms of route distance. That's a challenging distance even for a modern car, isn't it?

SukemaThe Spitfire's top speed is just over 100 km/h, even when floored. And since it's open-top, the wind, noise, and vibrations create an intense sensation of speed.




KuijimaIt runs beautifully at speeds below 80 km/h, though (laughs).

SukemaEverything was a first for me, and I instinctively felt, 'This is going to be tough.'

KuijimaStill, given your profession, you've had opportunities to interact with classic cars, so I wasn't too worried.

SukemaOh no. Seeing them is one thing; participating is entirely different. During the timed sections, I saw the seriousness of the other entrants up close and was amazed by their precision.

KuijimaEveryone is serious, calculating down to the hundredth of a second.

SukemaIt certainly put me in a more focused mindset (laughs).

Page03.Why Do Classic Cars Complement Japan's Historic Shrines and Temples?

Why Do Classic Cars Complement Japan's Historic Shrines and Temples?

RALLY NIPPON 2015 spanned four days. The rally started at Toji Temple in Kyoto and aimed for Imabari Castle in Ehime Prefecture for the finish. The first day featured the longest stage distance of the event, demanding a tough rally. While the driving distances shortened from the second day onwards, each stage still covered over 300km. There was also a timed competition known as "sen-tomi" (line stepping), where adhering to a specified time over a set distance significantly influenced the rally's outcome.

KuijimaSpeaking of which, at the start of the first day, all the classic cars line up in front of Toji Temple (Kyoto). On the second day, it's Imabari Castle. While we don't see such scenes often, I find it curious how these classic cars, born in foreign lands, look so fitting against Japan's historic shrines and temples. Why do you think that is?

SukemaIndeed, that scene was spectacular. Visually, it's very striking. Perhaps it's because they are handmade? A fusion of craftsmanship, perhaps.

KuijimaI see.

SukemaAlso, looking at the cars ahead from the passenger seat, whether it was the rural roads or the townscapes of castle towns, I felt that classic cars really suit these settings.

KuijimaI feel the same. Scenes like driving through the narrow streets and past the eaves of houses in Narai-juku, which we visited in the 2010 event, blend surprisingly well. They naturally melt into the landscape.





SukemaWe drove all around Shikoku this time, and it was full of rediscoveries. The scenery viewed through the car windows was beautiful. The hospitality of the local volunteers also doubled the emotional impact.

KuijimaI'm glad you felt that way.

SukemaHonestly, the first two days were tough, but from the third day, I started to feel more at ease.

KuijimaI could sense that ease. You even made a few mistakes with the route book, didn't you? (laughs).

SukemaHahaha. I apologize. I shouldn't have underestimated it.

KuijimaI've made those kinds of mistakes myself before (laughs).

• Dunhill Motorities Meets RALLY NIPPON: Special Conversation Part 2