Yes, I just wanted to take car photos, and that was the only reason I went. I chose London because I thought the contrast between London’s streets and supercars would be beautiful and wanted to see it with my own eyes.
I spent the whole day shooting cars and wasn’t interested in sightseeing. When I had free time, I thought, “I should at least see Buckingham Palace,” and just took a quick look (laughs).
I went in summer, and London is a summer retreat for wealthy people from Dubai, so there were tons of incredible cars from Dubai’s billionaires.
The level of cars was just too high. You might see some in Tokyo, but in Kobe, you almost never see them.
There were Bugatti, 918 Spyder, G63 6×6… and many museum-level cars parked on the street. Rolls-Royce and Bentley were also common. It really felt like “This is Britain.”
The customizations were insane, too. Some cars were covered in gold, and I thought, “These people must have unlimited money…”.
Also, overseas license plates blend well with the car design, which looks cool. I wish Japan had plates like that.
Wow, that’s sudden! Hmm… I can’t answer immediately, but if I get married, I don’t want someone who interferes with my hobbies.
Also, someone whose values match mine… it’s a common answer, but I think that’s important.
I’m actually in the middle of it now. My parents tell me to “get a proper job,” but I haven’t decided my future yet.
…Though at this point, I really should decide soon (laughs).
I wonder if I should keep pursuing my hobby after graduation or get a job and shoot cars on the side during breaks and weekends.
Since I want to own a dream supercar or sports car, I think just shooting cars probably won’t get me there unless I become extremely skilled.
So maybe I should get a well-paying job first…
But many of the people whose cars I photograph are entrepreneurs, and since I want to be independent, they tell me, “If you want to start a business, just do it early.” So I’m quite torn.
Hmm… I don’t really like being used by others (laughs), so I think I’m better suited to doing things myself.
Lately, I’ve been thinking, “It might be tough to make a living from photography alone, so maybe I should also get into video.”
The person I met three years ago at Royu Driveway recently got equipment to shoot videos of his car, so I’m thinking about learning video from him… I’m considering various options.
Royu gathers all kinds of car enthusiasts. From new sports cars to rare supercars and even classic Porsches… Talking with these owners lets me hear stories you’d never hear anywhere else.
Also, many people who come to Royu are friendly. Sometimes, joking or not, they casually say things like, “Want to drive it?” about their insanely expensive cars (laughs).
Many don’t reveal their jobs, but through our shared love of cars, we can talk about all sorts of things and become friends. That kind of space is rare. Especially in Kansai, I think Royu is the only place like it.
Probably a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. I really love the sound and looks. Owners say it’s quite usable as a daily driver, which is great. I like blue, so a blue F12 would be perfect.
But since I see so many cool cars, I can’t decide. Lamborghinis are cool, and the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is amazing too… I’m torn (laughs).
Sure. I don’t mind showing photos, but I have too many favorites to pick just one. If I had to choose, it would be these.
I want to be able to buy a supercar myself and park it at places like Royu where sports cars and supercars gather.
“The guy who used to shoot photos at Royu is now driving his own supercar and coming back to Royu!” (laughs)
I think everyone who has supported me so far would be happy.
There are many great shooting spots across Japan—in Kyoto, in nature—but those places often have narrow or hard-to-drive roads, making shooting difficult.
But if it’s my own car, I can go anywhere without worry, so in the end, I have to buy my own car! If I keep getting shooting requests every day, maybe I’ll get there. I’ll keep working hard!
■For more of KUGATTI’s beautiful photos and shooting requests↓↓
・Twitter: @V12_SCL
・Instagram: @V12_scl
・For shooting requests: kugatti.photo@gmail.com
*Image source: @V12_scl
[Editor’s Note]
When I first heard about a “university student car photographer,” I thought it was a rare and catchy story that had quickly brought him to this environment through media coverage.
But after talking with Rikui, I realized he truly loves cars, works steadily, and courageously takes action.
His photos are stunning, and his polite, pleasant personality is another reason why so many car owners are drawn to him.
Thank you very much, Rikui!
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