Who is Tetsuya Iwaki?

Toshifumi Watanabe(Watanabe): Could you please introduce yourself first?

Tetsuya Iwaki(Iwaki): I am Mr. Shigematsu's subordinate (laughs).Mr. Shigematsu(laughs).

(Mr. Shigematsu is Osamu Shigematsu, Chairman of the Board of United Arrows. Mr. Shigematsu was involved in the launch of Beams and served as its first store manager.)



So, I left Beams and founded UA (United Arrows). At first, we didn't sell anything. We were in the red for about five years, and I thought we would go out of business.—At UA, I did everything: buying, development, production, and various coordination tasks related to administration and urban development. I am now an advisor to UA.

WatanabeWhen did you start owning cars?

IwakiI've always had cars since around the time I graduated from university, though sometimes they were company cars. Cars were also necessary for my work, and as an import shop, cars played a role in conveying status and making presentations. Driving a car like this, wearing clothes like these...—...they create a lifestyle that inspires aspiration.

WatanabeWhat kind of cars have you owned, for example?

IwakiWhen the Volvo 240 Wagon became popular, I had one of those, for example... Once I had more financial freedom, I bought a G-Wagen (Mercedes-BenzG-Class). Around the time I got that, I think many people were thinking along similar lines. It was also an era when evolution without change was considered good, even in fashion. Including my own G-Wagen, there were once three black G-Wagens lined up in front of the UA Harajuku store. Because it became so trendy, I eventually sold mine.—Masafumi SuzukiWhile consulting with him, asking, 'What should I buy?',PorscheI also bought a 911 Carrera 4S. An early model of the 997 generation. Choosing the options was difficult; I'm not good at that sort of thing. The 911 was a great car, but if I had to say, it was a bit tiresome to drive when I was tired, and I preferred right-hand drive over the left-hand drive. Now I drive a C-Class wagon. I've always owned wagons.C-Classwagon. I've always owned wagons.

Facing the Ferraris

IwakiSo, this one (the FF) is great! Can the rear seats be folded down?

WatanabeYes, they can.

IwakiAnd it looks cool.Ferrariused to have dedicated Schedoni luggage, didn't they?

WatanabeIs there a particular reason for your preference for wagons?

IwakiPerhaps it's my frugal nature (laughs). Sedans just don't work for me. The ability to carry people or luggage in a pinch... although in reality, there are no such emergencies, the capacity to do so is essential. The 458 has its trunk in the front.

WatanabeThat's because the engine is in the rear. It might fit two carry-on bags? The FF's engine is in the front. It's a V12. It features an innovative all-wheel-drive system.





IwakiThis engine is incredible! As an object.

WatanabeThe fact that Ferrari still equips its cars with such visually striking engines is part of its appeal.

IwakiDownsizing is a trend these days, but is Ferrari considering downsizing its engines?

WatanabeWith F1 engines getting smaller, it's a possibility for the future.

Inner Muscles

WatanabeThis is your first time driving aFerrari, isn't it? How was it?

IwakiI felt a bit intimidated by the presence of a Ferrari, and due to preconceived notions, I thought it would be difficult to drive. So, it was surprising that even though it was a short drive, it was actually easy to handle. I wonder why? It felt light.

WatanabeThe 458, in particular, is genuinely light. Also, the steering setup, the excellent visibility, and the concentration of heavy components in the center of the car might be contributing factors.

IwakiBoth were good, the 458 and the FF. Seeing and driving them made me think about inner muscles. I'm currently doing 'core training.' It's not about strengthening the outer muscles, but the inner ones. I'm working on adjusting my inner muscles. Instead of large movements to build a muscular physique, it involves small movements, like adjusting the small muscles in my back. This gradually transforms my body, which had become stiff from sitting all the time, into something more supple. I wonder if Ferrari's design philosophy is similar? That's what I thought.





WatanabeAccording to experts, the design of the 458, in particular, is shaped by aerodynamics. The openings next to the headlights and the vents in the fenders are designed to release engine heat, creating a chimney effect. At speeds around 200 km/h, the front wings also move flexibly to increase downforce.

IwakiPerhaps that's why I thought of inner muscles – the way the design hints at its function...

WatanabeIn the past, 'physically realized' designs were obvious, with prominent spoilers and large wings, giving a muscular impression. Today, 'physically realized' design seems to be more about this.

IwakiIt's sensual, isn't it? Not in a vulgar way, but sensual. It makes you feel that the inner reasons are giving birth to the outer design. It feels good!

Choosing a Ferrari

WatanabeBy the way, if you were to actually own and use aFerrari, did you have any images of what color you'd choose or how you'd use it?

IwakiRegarding color, the red of this FF was nice. What other colors are available?

WatanabeFerrari offers about four shades of standard red alone. And perhaps two shades of yellow? They probably have almost any color you can think of. However, if I were to own a Ferrari, I'd want a color like a light champagne gold, called 'Grigio Ingrid.' Grigio means gray in Italian, and Ingrid refers to the actress Ingrid Bergman. 'Grigio Ingrid' is the color that director Roberto Rossellini had painted on a Ferrari he gifted to Ingrid Bergman.

IwakiThat sounds cool, but I'm not Ingrid Bergman (laughs). If I were to drive it myself, I might choose a flashy color, or a subdued one. But I'd prefer a color that others don't have. Not outlandish, but slightly different. Considering the Japanese landscape as a backdrop, navy blue seems like it would pair well.

WatanabeFerrari does have navy blue. It's beautiful. But I always associated navy blue cars with a British feel. It's also not a very common color.

IwakiI see. If a navy blue Ferrari is rare, it might be even more appealing. Although I've never chosen a bright red for myself before, I think it would be fine for a Ferrari. Choosing colors is most enjoyable when looking through the catalog.





WatanabeNowadays, on their website, there's a car configurator where you can customize the car on screen. That's the most fun part. Speaking of which, Mr. Iwaki, do you place importance on color when buying a car? Or do you choose it to match your attire or lifestyle?

IwakiReflecting on my past experiences, yes, that's true. That's why if the imported car I wanted wasn't available in the desired color, I would wait until that color arrived.

Projected Self

WatanabeHow do you interact with cars now?

IwakiI use them for everything. For trips, for shopping. Although I often drive alone now, I also drive to relieve stress. Driving is enjoyable. I love cars. I think there's something cathartic about the vibrations and the act of driving. That's why I think both of these cars are excellent. If I had to choose, I prefer the FF. I like wagons, and it's easy to get in and out of. Those aspects are important to me if it were my own car.

WatanabeIndeed. You're probably not looking to 'battle' with a Ferrari anymore. While the 458 might seem more like a 'combat' Ferrari, perhaps the FF, for those who don't desire that kind of car, offers a sense of余裕 (yoyu -余裕) and presence.