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September 21, 2022
Kabuki actor Shido Nakamura on the allure of the BMW i7, a luxury sedan creating a new era｜BMW
Presented by BMWBMW i7 xDrive60
Kabuki Actor Shido Nakamura on Creating a New Era with the BMW i7
Kabuki actor Shido Nakamura, a leading figure of his generation, inherits classical Kabuki as the second-generation heir of the prestigious Yorozuya troupe. Simultaneously, he is challenging himself to create a new form of Kabuki through "Super Kabuki," which utilizes cutting-edge digital technology. Upon experiencing the "i7," BMW's new fully electric vehicle (BEV) in the new 7 Series lineup, Nakamura felt a resonance between the new model and his own endeavors.
Text by SATO Takeshi | Photographs by MAEDA Akira | Styling by KAWAI Kohta | Hair & Make up by masato at B.I.G.S.(marr) | Edit by YAMAGUCHI Koichi
Pursuing New Forms While Respecting History
Kabuki actor Shido Nakamura showed a look of slight surprise upon encountering the new BMW 7 Series. This is because the new model, the seventh generation of the 7 Series since its debut 45 years ago, has significantly changed its appearance from its predecessor.
"I can feel BMW's serious commitment," Nakamura said as he approached the fully electric BMW i7 xDrive60. He nodded, examining its details.
"At first, I was taken aback, but upon closer inspection, I understood. This is because BMW's traditional motifs are scattered throughout, starting with the imposing kidney grille, which is larger than before. For example, these four headlights, with their futuristic image, are a modern interpretation of the classic four-round headlights, reminiscent of the 'Maruni' era."
The light units are designed in two sections, upper and lower. The sharp, upper LED units offer a modern interpretation of the traditional four-round headlights, while the lower units house the adaptive LED low and high beam headlights.
To elaborate, Nakamura's reference to "Maruni" is a nickname for the iconic BMW 2002, popular in the 1960s and 70s. The new design, made possible by LEDs, and the layout evoking a sense of historical depth are masterfully integrated.
Nakamura then gazed intently at the exterior, offering this impression:
"As an EV, they could have pursued a more futuristic design like other manufacturers, but I can sense their commitment to an elegant, sedan-like form. Perhaps they've entrusted the futuristic design direction to the electric SUV, the 'iX,' and focused on the traditional beauty of a sedan as BMW's flagship."
The elongated and elegant side view, befitting BMW's flagship sedan, is another charm of the new 7 Series.
The previous 7 Series was available in two body types: long and short wheelbase. The new 7 Series, however, is exclusively long wheelbase. This is not only to enhance rear-seat comfort but, as Nakamura suggests, to achieve a balanced and elegant sedan styling. One could say they pursued the golden ratio of sedans.
A subtle detail, the slightly thicker bonnet is also a characteristic of the new 7 Series, lending it a substantial presence. Nakamura summarized the exterior design with these words:
The enlarged traditional kidney grille and the bonnet's thickness create a sense of gravitas.
"For the past seven years, I've been working on Super Kabuki with the virtual singer Hatsune Miku. When adopting new things, one feels the weight and depth of tradition. The more you pursue innovation, the more you feel the tradition built by those who came before. The exterior design of the 7 Series also pursues new forms while being grounded in history. I imagine they might be thinking along similar lines to me."