The Fiat 500 is not merely a means of transport; it's a car that appeals to one's sensibilities. So, how does this car resonate with the hearts of sensitive creators? We visited the studio of Yuko Okazaki, a ceramic artist, in a Fiat 500.

Upon meeting the Fiat 500, ceramic artist Yuko Okazaki remarked, "I often see them around here, so I was curious about what kind of car it was." As she spoke, she gazed with interest at the Sicily Orange body. "Around here" refers to Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, where Okazaki's studio is located. Indeed, she had spotted Fiat 500s at traffic lights on her way to the studio.

"I also passed a car with a scorpion emblem. Oh, so that's an Abarth," she said.

As soon as Okazaki got into the Fiat 500, her first comment was, "It looks like a jukebox from an American movie."

"The interior uses colors that match the body, which makes it feel like a jukebox. Also, the font for the speedometer numbers and the off-white steering wheel, the whole design is unified with a slightly retro feel, which lifts my spirits. I spend a lot of time driving every day, so I like cars that can boost my mood just by being in them."

Okazaki reportedly makes the roughly one-hour drive from her home in Yokohama to her studio in Yokosuka about four times a week.

"But I don't just not mind driving; I actually enjoy it. When I was a student, I used to take my friends on trips in my family's car. And when I was training in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, I bought a used car for 150,000 yen and commuted to my mentor's workshop."

Okazaki's path to becoming a ceramic artist was not a straight one. After graduating from university, she worked in public relations for the apparel brand Issey Miyake for three years before quitting to study under ceramic artist Eiichi Morita in Kasama City.

Starting the Fiat 500's engine, they headed for "UNDER THE PALMO HAYAMA," a cafe space facing the sea in Hayama. The purpose was to have a meeting for a group exhibition scheduled there in April.

As if accustomed to driving it daily, Okazaki demonstrated nimble handling on the winding coastal road.

"Now I understand why there are so many Fiat 500s in this area. You see, many places have narrow roads where you have to be careful when passing other cars. This car, with its tight turning radius, is just the right size for the Miura Peninsula."

Okazaki, who commutes between Yokohama and Yokosuka, said, "The time I spend in the car is very important."

"When I'm driving from home to the studio, I'm thinking about my work schedule and timeline. I want to start working the moment I arrive at the studio. When I drive back home from the studio, I'm either feeling energized or tired, so ideally, I'd like to stop by a cafe and relax. But with my current schedule, I can't find the time, so I cool down by listening to my favorite music."

It seems that for Okazaki, the time spent in the car plays a crucial role in switching between her mindset as an artist and as a private individual.

Okazaki was full of admiration for the Fiat 500, saying, "It's so cute, has such vibrant colors, and is fun to drive, so it really lifts my spirits." If Okazaki were to start driving this car, the transition between her creative work and daily life might become even more vibrant.