A special feature showcasing a day spent with the latest Cadillac by noteworthy car-loving creators. This time, bonfire master Masaya Ino and fashion planner Kota Tanaka drive the compact SUV "XT4" to "Bonfire Village <Ino>," an outdoor space run by Ino. The drive is featured.

It's December, and the autumn leaves on the roadside trees are dazzling. Today is a clear, cloudless day perfect for a drive. The meeting place is "SATURDAYS NEW YORK CITY," a New York-based boutique and cafe along Kyu-Yamate Dori in Daikanyama, Tokyo. Two men, wearing relaxed-fit military coats, step out of a Cadillac XT4. Parked in front of the store is a black Cadillac—not a large, imposing upper saloon typical of American cars. The XT4, a compact SUV in a light metallic black exterior, possesses a subtlety that doesn't clash with the sporty casual style of the two men, fitting perfectly into the Daikanyama cityscape.

"The front face is smart, yet retains the brand's character. I like that it has a different image from previous Cadillacs," says Ino.

"I like the relaxed yet not sloppy atmosphere. The dynamism unique to a compact SUV and the tradition of Cadillac as a luxury car are immediately apparent upon getting in," says Tanaka.

Both Ino and Tanaka comment on the exterior's impression concisely, mirroring their casual fashion style. Their words feel genuine.

Viewed from the side, the car they arrived in has a sharp design with a raked rear window, yet it boasts a luggage capacity of 637 liters even with five occupants, expandable to 1385 liters by folding the rear seats. Peeking inside, bonfire equipment is already piled in.

Today, bonfire master Masaya Ino proposed to his longtime friend, fashion planner Kota Tanaka, that they go to "Bonfire Village <Ino>," an outdoor space he manages, for a bonfire in the XT4. Before departing, they met at Tanaka's favorite cafe for coffee, marking the start of their day.

Ino, active as a bonfire master on TV and in magazines, is a former fashion model and has also worked as a writer for fashion and outdoor magazines since his early twenties.

"I had no interest in the outdoors until my twenties, but I became completely hooked after being invited to climb mountains. It turned into a career, and I shifted from the fashion industry to the outdoor industry. In particular, by doing more bonfires than most people, I rode the camping boom and was able to make a living solely from bonfires," says Ino.

Then, around the time he turned forty, he created a relaxing bonfire space on his grandfather's land. Although not open to the public, it is used as a location for magazine and TV shoots. His work in producing shoots and events centered around bonfires began after appearing on television, leading to his current activities.

"My work and what I do haven't changed much, but the scope has widened. Life is full of possibilities. Just as Cadillac evolves its appearance with the times, I am also updating myself. However, I always strive to never compromise on quality or core values," says Ino.

Tanaka entered the fashion industry as a shop staff member in his twenties. Ino had also worked at that same shop just before Tanaka joined. Later, he co-founded a fashion brand with friends and worked in the men's fashion world as a PR and sales representative before going independent. After curating and buying for select shops, he moved into planning roles, including magazine coordination and product promotion. Consequently, he often encounters acquaintances at SATURDAYS NEW YORK CITY.

"A coffee break is a moment of relaxation. But if I run into an old acquaintance, we end up talking for a long time, and I guess I just enjoy communication," says Tanaka.

While enjoying coffee at the counter, Tanaka introduced Ino to the familiar store manager, Yamada, who then explained the concept of SATURDAYS NEW YORK CITY. The brand, inspired by the surf culture of its founding members, originated in New York as a surf & garment shop and cafe in the city, not on the beach. Their minimalist and traditional style, based on craftsmanship, gained popularity, leading to an opening in Japan in 2012. Like the New York flagship, the attached cafe serves excellent coffee, and the terrace seating in the back is often full of customers. Tanaka, whose office is nearby, visits the cafe almost daily with his colleagues.

"Not only the clothes but also the coffee is delicious. At the Daikanyama store, barista champion Ishitani sometimes makes the coffee, and if I happen to find him there, it's an even greater joy than usual. Oh, Manager Yamada, I'm just kidding (laughs)," says Tanaka.

Ino and Tanaka are planning bonfire goods for the spring, and their discussion seems to have reached a natural conclusion. Placing their takeaway coffees in the cup holders, they immediately set off for their destination in Chiba.