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FEATURES
March 9, 2022
The Fiat 500: An Italian Icon Chosen by Trailblazing Creators – Yuko Okazaki | FIAT
Presented by FIATStyle Influenced by Issey Miyake
Upon arriving at "UNDER THE PALMO HAYAMA," the meeting with the staff began. Although initially offered the chance to hold a solo exhibition, she decided that collaborating with various types of artists in this spacious venue would lead to a more fulfilling outcome.
Meeting with Erika Sugita, the manager of the cafe, in the gallery space on the second floor of UNDER THE PALMO HAYAMA.
The group exhibition in April will feature four artists: Okazaki, a jewelry artist, an artist who arranges plants like succulents, and an illustrator. Leaflets and key visuals are currently in production, and Okazaki is also accelerating her creative pace for April. For instance, Okazaki's pottery will be exhibited and sold as a set with succulents, promising an interesting group exhibition.
After the meeting, they headed back to the studio. She seemed to have grown accustomed to driving the Fiat 500, operating the steering wheel with a smile, saying, "Driving along the coast makes me feel like I've stepped into the world of 'Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro.'"
"When I first saw it, I thought its pop design and colors would suit younger people. But after actually getting in, I started to think it would be wonderful to see someone in their 50s or 60s step out of this car."
When asked where she would go if she were to take this car, she immediately replied, "The sea!"
"I had taken a break from it due to pregnancy and childbirth, but I've gotten back into surfing after 10 years and try to go in the ocean once a week since last year. I keep my board at Kugenuma Beach, so I can go there even in this car. While driving long distances on the highway is nice, using the Fiat 500 for everyday tasks, from surfing to shopping and picking up my child, seems like it would make every day more enjoyable."
Okazaki's works are also the type of pottery that enriches daily life through daily use.
"It's more that I make things I like and want to use myself, rather than intending them for daily use. They end up being easy to use in everyday life, rather than creating a sense of tension. Perhaps my work became this way due to the influence of seeing Issey Miyake's work up close. ISSEY MIYAKE's clothing also features excellent designs that can be worn daily, enriching the wearer's life."
Bringing richness to everyday life with items used daily—this stance towards her work seems to resonate with the Fiat 500, which adds color and richness to daily life. It felt understandable why Okazaki liked the Fiat 500.
FIAT 500 1.2 CULT
- Overall length x width x height | 3570 x 1625 x 1515 mm
- Wheelbase | 2300 mm
- Vehicle weight | 990 kg
- Engine | 1,240cc inline-4 cylinder
- Max. output | 69 ps / 5,500 rpm
- Max. torque | 102 Nm / 3,000 rpm
- Transmission | 5-speed sequential with AT mode
- Drivetrain | FF
- Front suspension | MacPherson strut (with stabilizer)
- Rear suspension | Torsion beam (with stabilizer)
- Front brakes | Disc
- Rear brakes | Drum
- Price | From ¥2,210,000 (From ¥2,360,000 after April 2022)
- *The body color shown (Sicily Orange) incurs an additional option fee of ¥55,000.
YUKO OKAZAKI
Born in Tokyo in 1976. After graduating from junior college, she joined ISSEY MIYAKE INC. in 1997, where she was involved in public relations. Three years later, she quit and studied under ceramic artist Eiichi Morita in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. After four and a half years of training, she became an independent ceramic artist in 2007. Affiliated with Tomio Koyama Gallery.
Born in Tokyo in 1976. After graduating from junior college, she joined ISSEY MIYAKE INC. in 1997, where she was involved in public relations. Three years later, she quit and studied under ceramic artist Eiichi Morita in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture. After four and a half years of training, she became an independent ceramic artist in 2007. Affiliated with Tomio Koyama Gallery.
Inquiries
CIAO FIAT
Tel. 0120-404-053
http://www.fiat-auto.co.jp
A group exhibition featuring Yuko Okazaki will be held from April 15th to April 24th. Please contact the details below for more information.
Inquiries
UNDER THE PALMO HAYAMA
340 Horinouchi, Hayama, Miura District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Tel. 0468-747-429
https://underthepalmo.jp/