On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the second "YOKOHAMA CAR SESSION ~Youth Car Lifestyles~" will be held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. As the event name suggests, the stars of the show are young people and cars. Amidst a declining interest in cars, this event offers a glimpse into why young people are choosing a lifestyle that includes owning a beloved car.

The phrase "youth disinterest in cars" has been a common topic in the media and public discourse for quite some time. The reasons are varied. One is the diversification of hobbies, and another is the rise of online experiences through the spread of games and the internet.

The first "YOKOHAMA CAR SESSION ~Youth Car Lifestyles~," held in March 2024, brought together young people from all over the country who enjoy car life with their beloved vehicles at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. The makes and model years were diverse. As it was the first event, participants were gathered through word-of-mouth invitations from the organizers. The only entry requirement was being 35 years old or younger, making it extremely accessible.

Ultimately, about 100 domestic and imported cars, ranging from the 1960s to the 2000s, including neo-classic vehicles from the 1980s and 1990s, were lined up. Looking at the vehicles, it was clear that each was cherished and maintained with great care. Beyond the choice of model, many featured unique twists in their trim levels, colors, or customizations.

At events like these, cars that have just been washed are displayed, hoods are opened to show off engines, and discussions revolve around tuning details, favorite parts, and memories associated with the car. In essence, it's about sharing "emotions" in a real-world setting, mediated by the "individual" that is the car.

This phenomenon raises the question: why are real-world gatherings necessary in an era dominated by social media?

The generation that gathered here is known as digital natives. They are adept at using social media platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, and TikTok, and regularly engage in information sharing and mutual appreciation online. Yet, their participation in real-world events and the exhibition of their own cars suggests an element of "experience" and "sharing of ideas and memories" that cannot be obtained through social media.

While social media is convenient, it often becomes a space for anonymity and curated self-expression. It can be difficult to fully convey genuine "passion" or "dedication" through edited photos and fragmented comments alone. In contrast, at real-world events, the "tangible passion" conveyed through the texture of the paint, the sound of the exhaust, the feel of the interior, and other sensory experiences is direct. Conversations around the cars present naturally lead to exchanges like, "Your car is so cool," or "Where did you get this part?" which significantly deepen interpersonal relationships.

Furthermore, such events often foster serendipitous encounters and unexpected exchanges of knowledge. Connections are made not through follower counts or likes, but through genuine words and expressions. Young people are using real-world interactions to verify, rebuild, and strengthen the relationships they've formed online, cultivating more robust communities.

In urban areas, transportation networks are well-developed, and options beyond ownership, such as car-sharing and subscriptions, are increasing. Coupled with rising maintenance costs, parking fees, and environmental awareness, choosing not to own a car is increasingly seen as a rational decision. However, precisely because of this, the choice to "deliberately own" a car carries a stronger intention and a clearer reason.

In defiance of the prevailing trend of declining car ownership, these young people are not merely driven by nostalgia; they are actively discovering new meanings for themselves.

Real-world events are more than just a place to display cars. They are like lighthouses in the digital sea, spaces where individual passion and connections with others intersect. Precisely because they have social media as a backdrop, real encounters become precious, and the weight of "ownership" gains value.

What is shared through cars is not just performance or specifications. It carries a quiet message about "what I value" and "how I want to live." These young people are not simply lining up their beloved cars; they are clearly communicating their own stories, entrusting them to the sound of the engine and the sheen of the body.

"YOKOHAMA CAR SESSION" allowed young people to recognize the appeal of stories that begin with objects, and above all, the precious act of human connection. Through the spread of social media and the pandemic, young people have rediscovered the enjoyment of "real" experiences. The event functions as a cultural device for disseminating youth car culture itself.