Recently, since I’ve started showing my face on YouTube, I’ve been mentioning that I actually write a Porsche blog more often. As a result, I’ve been hearing things like, “Oh! I know it! I read it!” or “You have a blog like that?” more frequently, and through that, my connections with shops related to cars and Porsches have gradually been expanding.

So, this time I visited CARAD in Okayama. They specialize in buying, selling, and servicing imported cars.

A 150km One-Way EV Drive

CARAD is located just off the Sanyo IC in Okayama. From my home, I get on the Sanyo Expressway and drive about 150km one way. Since I’m used to round trips to Fuji Speedway, I thought, “Ah, 150km is nothing!”—I realize my sense of distance is totally warped (laughs).

That day, I left with a 100% charge, and upon arrival, the battery was at 56%. My 2023 Taycan can travel about 390km on a full charge, so this kind of trip is no problem at all.

People often say, “EVs have a short driving range, so it’s worrisome.” But honestly, how many people actually drive over 300km daily? If your round trip is within 300km, there’s really no issue. It’s a shame that the image of “electric cars aren’t suitable for long distances” has spread so widely without basis.

That day, I left quite early (arrived an hour ahead), so I did a quick charge at the nearest FamilyMart (90kW). These days, more FamilyMarts have fast chargers, and they’re usually free, so it’s great to relax with a coffee while charging.

Along with range, people often say “charging EVs is a hassle.”

That might have been true in the past, but now fast chargers are increasing, and highway charging spots are usually available. Charging feels like a natural part of taking a break, so it’s not inconvenient at all. Unlike having to “go fill up gas,” charging fits smoothly into your routine, and honestly, I find EVs less troublesome.

I hope more people come to understand this feeling.

The Philosophy Behind the Store Design

It was a sunny day, almost hot. As rumored, I truly felt that Okayama is the “Land of Sunshine.” Even though I’m known for bringing rain and storms, the weather was perfect—proof of Okayama’s sunny reputation.

CARAD’s shop was much larger than I imagined, with over 100 cars on site that day (usually even more). Seeing rows of sports cars and imported vehicles instantly lifted my spirits.

I’ve always thought, “I’m not that much of a car enthusiast,” but surrounded by my husband and friends who are hardcore car lovers, I realized that just by driving all the way to Okayama and getting excited by cool cars, I’m actually a “car lover” too.

The store even has a photo studio. They have equipment and space to take beautiful videos and photos for delivery commemorations or used car listings.

This time, they kindly took photos of my Taycan as well. (It was pretty dirty, but they even washed it—thank you so much!)

The interior design of the store is also carefully crafted. The calm, hotel-like atmosphere was designed with the idea of “making it easy for wives to visit as well.” Indeed, even wives who aren’t that interested in cars would feel comfortable coming along.

The company president, Mr. Sha, is in his early 30s. It’s impressive that he’s running such a large business at a young age, but I also learned a lot from their operations—like how quickly they upload newly acquired cars online and how they visualize and share necessary information in real time.

I’m amazed—I definitely need to learn from him.

At one point, Mr. Sha said, “Our goal is to become the largest imported car dealer in the Chugoku-Shikoku region!” When I asked, “Why do you want to expand so much?” his answer was refreshingly simple:

“Because cars are fun. I want many people to experience that joy.”

That said it all. Yes, cars are fun.

Cars Might Not Be Essential, But They Enhance Life’s Quality

Especially cars like Porsches aren’t absolutely necessary in life. Honestly, if you think about it calmly, you don’t need one. Actually, even without thinking calmly, you don’t need one (laughs).

They cost money, take up space, and require maintenance and inspections. When I wasn’t interested in cars at all, I would have immediately said, “Cars are just unnecessary.”

But everything changed once I experienced a “car with great driving performance.” I’m not saying you have to drive a luxury car, but when you drive a car with excellent handling, accelerating, cornering, and braking all feel precise and reassuring, as if your intentions are directly communicated to the car.

When I felt this unity between car and driver during a 2015 Panamera test drive, I thought, “Driving can feel this amazing! This is what my husband meant!”—my perspective changed completely.

For me now, the car is my only place to be truly alone.

In a space where no one else is around, without worrying about anyone, I just focus on the road ahead. (Well, I do check behind and to the sides too, lol.)
Everything moves at my own pace.

There are moments when work, childcare, and housework make me feel like I’m losing myself, but having this time alone driving helps me reset. Time with my beloved car is my precious “me time” and a source of richness in life.

There’s value that can’t be measured by efficiency.

That’s why Mr. Sha’s words, “Because cars are fun,” really struck a chord with me.

How a Taycan Test Drive Changes Your Impression of EVs

On the way out, I let Mr. Sha test drive the Taycan. “My first Taycan!” “Wow, the interior feels so futuristic!” “The acceleration is incredible!” “The sound is like a spaceship!”—he gave me so many enthusiastic reactions that made me feel great.

Hearing him say, “My impression of EVs has completely changed. Now I really want one,” made me, self-proclaimed Taycan ambassador, incredibly happy.

Many of CARAD’s customers are people switching from Japanese cars to imported cars for the first time. Supporting such a big decision with trust and sincerity is no easy task.

The car industry has recently faced criticism as the “dark side of the car world,” but I believe that honest, humble business builds trust, and continuing that is the most important thing. Visiting CARAD reminded me of that.

Next week, I plan to visit a well-known shop among Porsche owners in Gifu (of course, driving the Taycan).
Traveling around Porsche shops and car dealers nationwide gives me time to reconnect with what “cars” mean to me.

It’s another joy added to my lifestyle.

And thank you very much, Mr. Sha, for this wonderful opportunity!