From the Witty Banter of Ryu Murakami and Ryuichi Sakamoto

Mid-March, with a lingering chill in the air, I headed to a hotel in Odaiba, Tokyo. The venue was a large banquet hall, the kind typically used for weddings. A large screen and a raised platform dominated the front, while the 150 LEAF owners were seated at round tables. Food was laid out on long tables along both sides. The setup suggested a casual meeting over lunch, yet I sensed a subtle tension in the air among the LEAF owners.

Just after 11 AM, author Ryu Murakami, musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Nissan executive Hideo Watanabe took the stage for a talk session. The moderator was announcer Etsuko Komiya.

Murakami, who has consistently brought fresh perspectives to the literary world with his e-book publishing company "G2010," and Sakamoto, who has been actively involved in various ecological initiatives such as "more trees." Both figures, though from different fields of literature and music, commanded attention for their shared commitment to innovation.

The two were first asked about the driving experience. Sakamoto described it as "something in a different category from a car, like ice skating." Murakami added, "Yeah, for me it felt like gliding, like the wind, like windsurfing." Sakamoto complimented him, "Well said, as expected of a writer." Murakami playfully responded, "Mr. Watanabe, you can use that as a slogan." This unpretentious exchange helped to ease the somewhat formal atmosphere of the room.

Sakamoto spoke about the environmental situation in New York. "Yellow cabs are apparently transitioning to hybrids or EVs within the next few years. There are also plans for tidal power generation on the Hudson and East Rivers. New York is transforming into an eco-town." He suggested that the LEAF might be the perfect car for such a city.

The 30-minute talk session, which touched upon topics ranging from energy issues and smart grids to current politics and the declining interest in cars among young people, concluded swiftly. Murakami's final words, "If politics falters, the private sector must step up. Let's keep moving forward," were particularly impactful and earned a resounding applause from the audience.

Enjoying the Inconvenience

After the first talk session concluded, the atmosphere shifted to conversation and dining, with a relaxed mood filling the room. Notably, the attendees weren't just from the Tokyo metropolitan area; some had traveled from Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka, driving their LEAFs to the meeting. This indicated that many of the owners were well-versed in the unique driving methods of the LEAF, familiar with charging locations, and had developed their own strategies.—The second talk session offered glimpses into the personalities of these dedicated owners.

Etsuko Komiya again served as the moderator for the second session. Kazuyo Katsuma, the ambassador, joined two Nissan LEAF developers on stage. The discussion proceeded based on a pre-event survey of owners, covering aspects they appreciated and points of concern.

The "appreciated aspects" varied widely, including quietness, a newfound emphasis on safe driving, and environmental consciousness. However, the primary "point of concern" for most respondents was the limited driving range. Katsuma pressed the developers on issues such as the development of charging infrastructure and driving techniques.

The conclusion was that further evolution in all aspects is necessary to make EV ownership more comfortable and effortless. Yet, the current LEAF, despite its "slight inconveniences," seemed to be genuinely enjoyed by its owners. I overheard comments like, "I drove here after charging 10 times," and "I'm going on a long drive after this meeting." It felt as though owners viewed the LEAF as a cherished companion, albeit one that requires a bit of care.

The meeting concluded with a grand commemorative photo session of 150 LEAFs and 150 owners in an outdoor space near the hotel. The rain that had fallen in the morning had stopped, and everyone posed for the camera with bright smiles. The LEAF owners came from diverse residential areas and age groups, but they shared a common respect for new technology and a willingness to embrace minor inconveniences. This mindset was palpable among the LEAF owners, reflecting a mature and sophisticated outlook.

Nissan LEAF the new owner’s meeting 2012
Date: Sunday, March 18
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:45 PM
Venue: Hotel Grand Pacific LE DAIBA, Odaiba J Special Venue
Attendees: Ryuichi Sakamoto (Musician), Ryu Murakami (Author), Kazuyo Katsuma (Economist), Etsuko Komiya (Announcer), 150 LEAF Owner Couples