Drifters compete against each others in the mountains and on the streets, and spend thousands customising their cars. You don’t buy these parts at your local autoshop, nono. These guys need special pieces that aren’t just for looks. They say you can tell a guy who only made cosmetic changes to his car because it sounds “like a fart in a coffee can.” Real drifters change the performance first...then they add the flash.
You can almost smell the burning rubber just looking at real drift cars, so of course we had to include them in our productions.
We managed to find a classic looking “pit-girl” named Reina Yuuki and a cool custom garage called King-Buyer to shoot at. If you’re interested in getting a custom drifting car, check out their website here: http://www.king-buyer.co.jp/
I’m a car nut when it comes to American muscle cars (Chargers in particular) and this is the modern Japanese version of those.
Car body shops likes these are great locations – big spaces filled with tires, flags, banners, racing seats all kind of mechanical parts and tools, and our long-legged racing girl made an excellent hood ornament!
For those of you who notice Tommy Lee Jones in some of the pics, you can read my reflections on those here: http://www.hegre-art.com/news/show/166
We have 3 more days to gogo in Tokyo...
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These were great models and an awesome shoot!
I figured it wasn't you. You generally have a more intelligent and easy-going approach, but there will always be morons and drunks out there looking to have their little snickers behind the screen.
Keep up very good works,
Best regards..
As a non-tourist to Japan for the past several years, I agree with the basic premise of your post but certainly not the presumptuous tone. While I would not question your business credentials, it's questionable for you to do the same onto others.
Anyone one who has tried to do business in Japan with other than large multi-nationals has gotten the same impression about it being run by organized crime. You may disregard comments from those who have only been there as tourists but want to seem like they know something. (Canadians & Angelinos) First time in any country is difficult. First time in Japan make others seem simple.
To whomever posted RE: Woof! as "The Guy": please grow some brain cells and think of your own nickname. I have been using that moniker for years. Perhaps your problem is more testes than brain cells. (Though clearly not much of either).
You've come to the conclusion that "[m]ost of Japan is run by organized crime" after only two trips? That's the problem: you've only been to Japan twice and therefore you're not really in any position of authority to make such a claim.
When doing any type of business in Japan, however, it is quite important to know the business culture and customs beforehand as well as have local representation. Petter, it would have been much much easier for you and your crew had there been a Hegre-Art Japan office already established. Although i fully realise this wasn't possible for this trip, it underscores how vital it is to establish a trusted presence in Japan for all business dealings in that country. You have to prove yourself first and then they'll trust you.
Anyways, as a professional, you've seemed to work your way past the initial tension. I look forward to seeing more of your work from Japan :)
best regards H
Unless you are speaking of the girl in pink in the last pic you desperately need a testosterone injection or a transplant to replace your ovaries with testes.
P.S. loose Konata
As they might say there: ganbatte Hegre.
Can't wait to see the rest of the travel journal for your visit to Tokyo. I spent many years there - fascinating and frustrating at the same time....