An Extremely Stylist's Car Life — Kenji Sakurai, Stylist's Top 5 Picks
A Stylist's Essential Car Life
Tokyo Motor Show: 5 Picks from a Stylist
For stylists who constantly crisscross Tokyo for shoots, meetings, and clothing deliveries, a car is an absolute necessity.
It's not just a car for getting around, nor is it merely a stylish vehicle.
Stylist Masayuki Sakurai, who drives every day, selected these five cars at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Text by Masayuki Sakurai
Supercar Boom Reignited!?
Wow, I haven't been in ages. The last time I went to the motor show was when it was held in Harumi, and my father took me. That must have been about 25 years ago? It's not that I don't have a license or have distanced myself from cars... it's just that as an adult, I'd casually thought there was no need to go out of my way to see it.
I'm here to formally retract that statement. I was incredibly excited. I suddenly want a new car. And not just any car, but an ultra-level supercar.
From the Audi R8 to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and the Nissan GT-R, cars that were just concept models until recently are now proudly on the market. I was simply amazed by the rapid pace of design evolution.
To be clear from the start, I grew up in the era of 'Circuit no Okami' (The Wolf of the Circuit), so I have a decent interest in cars. However, I'm not very familiar with recent mechanics or the current car market. I'm a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, but only at a superficial, fan-girl level.
As you might guess from my car history, which ranges from the Alfa Romeo Spider to the Porsche Cayenne S, my car choices are 90% based on looks – I'm a dilettante when it comes to selecting cars.
A concept car with a unique design.
The Citroën C-Cactus was a close second.
In my case, I drive my car every single day. It might sound like an exaggeration, but I probably spend as much time in my car as people who work in the automotive industry. Perhaps I'm a little too dependent on it.
I use it for my commute to the office, for picking up and dropping off clothes for rentals, and for going on location shoots. On my days off, I'm essentially the family chauffeur.
So, my car has become more than just a part of my body; it's become my life itself. With that in mind, I've picked out my ideal five cars. Simply choosing cool cars wouldn't be interesting, so I've selected them through the lens of a stylist's essential car life.
Masayuki Sakurai's Top 5 Picks from the Tokyo Motor Show
1/5 For Assistant Transport
Renault Kangoo
There might be many similar cars in the kei car or domestic Japanese market, but I didn't know Renault had something like this.
The rear doors open like French doors, allowing you to load three clothes racks with clothes still on hangers. It seems nimble and easy to drive, and parking shouldn't be an issue. It's not just practical; it looks quite stylish too. I like its Renault-esque characteristic of being small yet powerful. I'd love for my female assistants to drive this.
2/5 If I'm Driving Myself
Audi R8
It's simply cool and unpretentious. It may lack the emotional intensity of a Latin supercar, but it's by no means inferior in impact. The way the slits are integrated into the rear end gives it an almost intimidatingly intelligent aura.
I'm voting for this as a supercar that feels attainable if you work hard. In reality, I probably couldn't carry much luggage, and my assistants would probably slap me if I showed up to a job in this.
3/5 The Ultimate Location Vehicle
Nissan NV200
The way it expands like a motorhome is innovative. It provides ample space for changing during outdoor shoots, and you wouldn't need to set up a tent in bad weather, so I'd recommend it to photographers who are into digital equipment.
If I had one wish, it would be for it to accommodate more passengers when it goes into production.
4/5 For Elegant Appointment Setting
Mercedes-Benz F700
A concept for a luxury touring sedan. Seeing a car like this makes me think that with Mercedes, it's better to relax in the back seat than to drive it myself.
Wouldn't it be a dream scenario to have my assistant sit next to me, acting as my secretary, and making appointments while on the move? It seems like work would get done much more efficiently...
5/5 For Family Outings
BMW Concept CS
Even as a concept, I've never seen such a cool four-door car. Its streamlined design, with a height of only 1.36m, and the prominent kidney grille evoke the legendary 507 model from the 1950s. It looks like it would be thoroughly enjoyable as a sports car, and I imagine anyone sitting in any of the seats would be 120% satisfied. I can't wait to become the kind of man who would suit a car like this.
Honorable Mention: Best Dressed Award
Jaguar
The companion's costume, specially ordered from Loewe. It featured a bolero-style leather jacket, very much in vogue this year, paired with a black nappa leather tight skirt. Amidst many costumes that relied on overt sexiness, this one was exceptionally elegant and stood out. Therefore, I'm nominating it!
Profile
Masayuki Sakurai
A stylist active in a wide range of fields, from men's and women's fashion to magazines, advertisements, music, and entertainment. In OPENERS' popular column 'Sakuraism,' he presents his curated selection of five fashion items.
