{"id":37845,"date":"2020-02-09T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-08T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/?p=37845"},"modified":"2021-06-03T09:34:18","modified_gmt":"2021-06-03T00:34:18","slug":"yamaken-porsche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/","title":{"rendered":"Stopping the Decline of Young Drivers \u2013 Interview with 27-Year-Old Porsche Owner Yamaken"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>From a young age, I\u2019ve been a huge car enthusiast. <strong>In my twenties, I became a Porsche and Ferrari owner, founded the HOC (Heisei Owners Club),<\/strong> and I\u2019m currently active as the \u201cYusaku Maezawa Supercar Project Manager.\u201d On Twitter, I have quite a strong influence. It\u2019s surprising that I\u2019m only 27 years old.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17035\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6910-1280x855.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"855\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I had exchanged messages on Twitter and greeted each other at events before, but recently I was given the precious opportunity to do a one-on-one interview.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">\u30b3\u30f3\u30c6\u30f3\u30c4<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#1_The_History_of_Porsche_and_Yamaken\" >(1) The History of Porsche and Yamaken<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#What_sparked_your_love_for_cars\" >What sparked your love for cars?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#%E2%80%9CCar_Guy%E2%80%9D%E2%80%A6_laughs_So_youve_loved_cars_ever_since\" >\u201cCar Guy\u201d&#8230; (laughs) So you\u2019ve loved cars ever since?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#Buying_a_car_right_after_starting_work%E2%80%94thats_impressive_laughs\" >Buying a car right after starting work\u2014that\u2019s impressive! (laughs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#How_was_your_experience_driving_the_Porsche\" >How was your experience driving the Porsche?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#At_meetings_and_events_you_see_a_wide_range_of_Porsches_from_water-cooled_to_air-cooled_right\" >At meetings and events, you see a wide range of Porsches from water-cooled to air-cooled, right?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#Why_did_you_switch_from_your_beloved_964_to_a_Ferrari_Modena\" >Why did you switch from your beloved 964 to a Ferrari Modena?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#How_was_your_experience_driving_the_Ferrari\" >How was your experience driving the Ferrari?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#Is_that_why_you_returned_to_Porsche_currently_a_997_GT3_RS\" >Is that why you returned to Porsche (currently a 997 GT3 RS)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/#Its_true_that_driving_different_brands_helps_you_appreciate_Porsches_strengths\" >It\u2019s true that driving different brands helps you appreciate Porsche\u2019s strengths.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/#2_Stopping_the_Decline_of_Young_Drivers\" >(2) Stopping the Decline of Young Drivers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/#Can_you_tell_us_about_the_HOC_Heisei_Owners_Club_you_founded\" >Can you tell us about the HOC (Heisei Owners Club) you founded?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/#So_at_first_it_was_on_Minkara_not_Twitter\" >So at first, it was on Minkara, not Twitter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/#Jumping_straight_into_your_first_Porsche_event\" >Jumping straight into your first Porsche event!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/#I_see_thats_how_it_happened%E2%80%A6\" >I see, that\u2019s how it happened&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/#HOC_also_has_a_branch_in_Kyushu_right\" >HOC also has a branch in Kyushu, right?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#Being_peers_its_like_growing_together_through_life_right\" >Being peers, it\u2019s like growing together through life, right?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#There_must_be_cases_like_%E2%80%9CI_never_thought_that_guy_would_become_such_a_big_shot%E2%80%9D_laughs\" >There must be cases like, \u201cI never thought that guy would become such a big shot!\u201d (laughs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#From_Twitter_interactions_you_really_seem_like_a_beloved_leader\" >From Twitter interactions, you really seem like a beloved leader.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#Is_there_anything_you_keep_in_mind_as_a_leader\" >Is there anything you keep in mind as a leader?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#That_really_suits_the_younger_generations_style_of_group_management\" >That really suits the younger generation\u2019s style of group management.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#Yamaken_a_true_car_lover_what_are_your_plans_for_the_future\" >Yamaken, a true car lover, what are your plans for the future?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/#You_really_love_cars%E2%80%A6_Thats_wonderful_Lastly_are_you_thinking_about_marriage_laughs\" >You really love cars&#8230; That\u2019s wonderful! Lastly, are you thinking about marriage? (laughs)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"style3a\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_The_History_of_Porsche_and_Yamaken\"><\/span>(1) The History of Porsche and Yamaken<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_sparked_your_love_for_cars\"><\/span>What sparked your love for cars?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>My father is a car enthusiast, so I think that passion runs in my DNA. He\u2019s the kind of person who\u2019s been driving a slightly used Porsche 930 since high school.<\/p>\n<p>When I was in middle school, I read car manga like <strong>Initial D<\/strong> and <strong>Wangan Midnight<\/strong>, which deepened my love for cars. Especially after seeing the 964 in Wangan Midnight, I admired it so much that I thought,<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCool! Someday, I\u2019ll definitely buy an air-cooled Porsche!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Everyone around me knew I loved cars, so back then, I was nicknamed <strong>\u201cCar Guy\u201d instead of \u201cTrain Guy\u201d (laughs)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%9CCar_Guy%E2%80%9D%E2%80%A6_laughs_So_youve_loved_cars_ever_since\"><\/span>\u201cCar Guy\u201d&#8230; (laughs) So you\u2019ve loved cars ever since?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Not exactly. In high school, I was seriously into soccer club activities, so during that time, I had zero interest in cars. It was all about soccer.<\/p>\n<p>Then, when I became a university student and went to driving school, I realized, <strong>\u201cEven driving a learner\u2019s car is fun.\u201d<\/strong> After getting my license, I drove a sporty BMW model from my family, and I thought, <strong>\u201cWow, this is really fun!\u201d<\/strong> and got even more hooked on cars.<\/p>\n<p>When I started working, I began thinking about buying my first car.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buying_a_car_right_after_starting_work%E2%80%94thats_impressive_laughs\"><\/span>Buying a car right after starting work\u2014that\u2019s impressive! (laughs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yeah&#8230; (laughs) At the time, I was considering cars like the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, but Porsche was a special brand to me, so I thought, <strong>\u201cIf I can drive one, I want to drive a Porsche.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I checked Car Sensor almost every day and found a <strong>very well-maintained 986 Boxster S<\/strong> listed, so I went to see it that same day and bought it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17036\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6902.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" \/><\/p>\n<p>It cost about 2.3 million yen, so it wasn\u2019t too expensive, but <strong>I was so happy to be able to drive my dream Porsche.<\/strong> That was in the summer of my first year as a working adult.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_your_experience_driving_the_Porsche\"><\/span>How was your experience driving the Porsche?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>It was incredibly fun (laughs). It was my first manual car since the learner\u2019s car, so I stalled the engine a few times at first, but I quickly got used to it. Driving it, I was amazed at <strong>\u201cWhat an incredibly fun car!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I had chances to drive cars from other manufacturers too, but Porsche was by far the most enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p>Soon after buying the Boxster, a friend took me to a Porsche event, and <strong>gradually, my world became all about Porsche.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_meetings_and_events_you_see_a_wide_range_of_Porsches_from_water-cooled_to_air-cooled_right\"><\/span>At meetings and events, you see a wide range of Porsches from water-cooled to air-cooled, right?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Exactly. At the meetings I attended back then, air-cooled Porsches were especially common, and seeing them in person was incredibly cool.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17038\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_5519-800x600-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Having admired air-cooled Porsches since reading Wangan Midnight, my desire to <strong>\u201cone day definitely own an air-cooled Porsche\u201d<\/strong> grew stronger.<\/p>\n<p>However, at that time, the air-cooled bubble had driven prices up, and I thought, <strong>\u201cThere\u2019s no way I can afford one at this price.\u201d<\/strong> Then, unfortunately, I wrecked my beloved Boxster.<\/p>\n<p>It was about two years after I bought it.<\/p>\n<p>Since I didn\u2019t have comprehensive insurance, it was a total loss&#8230; I was left with the loan, and I debated whether to give up on cars or buy a cheaper one. But <strong>I didn\u2019t want to drive another car thinking, \u201cI really liked the 986&#8230;\u201d<\/strong> Then, a friend\u2019s shop contacted me saying, <strong>\u201cA manual 911 (964 C4) is available. Want it? I can give you a good deal.\u201d<\/strong> I immediately said, \u201cI\u2019ll buy it!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, after a thorough check, the condition wasn\u2019t good, and they advised me to pass on it. So, reluctantly, I gave up on the air-cooled Porsche.<\/p>\n<p>Then the shop contacted me again, saying, <strong>\u201cWe have a well-maintained 964 C2 coming in, though it\u2019s a bit pricier.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Looking at the paperwork for that 964, I was surprised to see the new registration date was February 28, 1992. My birthday is February 25, 1992. I felt an incredible sense of fate that this 964 had lived almost the same years as me&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>I decided to buy it.<\/p>\n<p>Driving it was truly fun, and I fell even more in love with Porsche.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17037\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6904.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"638\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_did_you_switch_from_your_beloved_964_to_a_Ferrari_Modena\"><\/span>Why did you switch from your beloved 964 to a Ferrari Modena?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>After about three years with the 964, I moved to Tokyo and started thinking, <strong>\u201cI want to try other cars.\u201d<\/strong> I was actually looking for a 930 Turbo, but prices had risen too much, and good ones were hard to find.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, I had the desire to <strong>\u201ctry driving a Ferrari at least once while I\u2019m young.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17039\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6912-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I was curious, thinking, <strong>\u201cI get why Porsche is great, but what about other cars? What\u2019s a Ferrari like that everyone admires so much?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I started looking for a Ferrari 355 but couldn\u2019t find the right one. Then I came across a well-maintained Modena. At first, Modena wasn\u2019t on my list, but <strong>the color was just stunning<\/strong>, and I felt a spark, so I decided to buy it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6909-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_was_your_experience_driving_the_Ferrari\"><\/span>How was your experience driving the Ferrari?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The sound was amazing, and I definitely felt the attention on the streets, but I realized that <strong>I was enjoying the feeling of \u201cdriving a Ferrari,\u201d not necessarily the driving itself.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17041\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6896-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17042\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6908-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In my personal view, it wasn\u2019t as fun to drive as a Porsche. And <strong>I realized once again how much I love Porsche.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You could say Ferrari is more about the image, while Porsche is about the joy of driving.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_that_why_you_returned_to_Porsche_currently_a_997_GT3_RS\"><\/span>Is that why you returned to Porsche (currently a 997 GT3 RS)?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yes&#8230; Ultimately, I\u2019ve decided I want to get models like the 964 Cup Car or RS, so until then, I want to try various Porsches and other brands.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17043\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6914-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17045\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6901-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Water-cooled GT3s are great, and I\u2019d love to try Lamborghini and McLaren at least once.<\/strong> I only have one Ferrari, so I still want to understand more and try driving it again.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Its_true_that_driving_different_brands_helps_you_appreciate_Porsches_strengths\"><\/span>It\u2019s true that driving different brands helps you appreciate Porsche\u2019s strengths.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Exactly. I used to hear,<\/p>\n<p class=\"well2\">\u201cYou\u2019ve only driven Porsches, right? How can you say Porsche is the best if you haven\u2019t driven anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And I thought, <strong>\u201cI\u2019ve driven the 986 Boxster and 911 (964), but I haven\u2019t owned anything else.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why I deliberately bought a car from another brand, the Modena, and it made me even more convinced that <strong>Porsche is a truly fascinating car.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So, because I love Porsche, I want to keep trying other cars too.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17046\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6897-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" \/><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/2\/\">Next page \u2192 Stopping the Decline of Young Drivers, Founding the Heisei Owners Club (HOC) with Friends\u2026!<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"style3a\">(2) Stopping the Decline of Young Drivers<\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">Can you tell us about the HOC (Heisei Owners Club) you founded?<\/h4>\n<p>Sure. The \u201cHOC (Heisei Owners Club)\u201d is a group of car enthusiasts born in the Heisei era.<\/p>\n<p>I had been talking with car-loving friends and a friend my age who drives a Porsche 964 about how <strong>\u201cit would be fun to create a group for young car enthusiasts.\u201d<\/strong> So, we decided, \u201cLet\u2019s just create it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>About four years ago, in November 2015, we launched HOC when attending EPM <span style=\"font-size: 8pt;\">(Exciting Porsche Meeting)<\/span> Yokohama.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17047\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6888-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<p>At that time, I was mainly active on \u201cMinkara,\u201d so I first created a group there and started recruiting members.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">So at first, it was on Minkara, not Twitter?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. I wasn\u2019t on Twitter yet. Actually, I started using Minkara before buying my first car, writing posts like <strong>\u201cWhat should I buy for my first car?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After much thought, I chose the \u201c986 Boxster S (MT)\u201d as my first car.<\/p>\n<p>From there, I became friends with Porsche owners on Minkara, and one owner invited me, saying, <strong>\u201cThere\u2019s a Porsche gathering event at Wangan Nagashima PA. Let\u2019s go together.\u201d<\/strong> That\u2019s how I started attending events.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">Jumping straight into your first Porsche event!<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. The person who invited me was a well-known Porsche owner on Minkara, driving a 993 Turbo.<\/p>\n<p>I had never attended a Porsche event before, and since my Boxster was newly delivered and I wasn\u2019t used to driving it yet, they kindly said, <strong>\u201cI\u2019ll pick you up on the way. Let\u2019s go together in my car.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6911.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"825\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Despite meeting for the first time, we met at Ebina SA, and I rode shotgun as we headed to Mie.<\/p>\n<p>Along the way, more people joined at each SA. There were about 10 cars in Hamamatsu, but the group grew to 50, and by the time we reached Wangan Nagashima, there were about 200 cars.<\/p>\n<p>I met many people there and was thrilled, thinking, <strong>\u201cTouring is so much fun! Cars are seriously awesome!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, at several car events and meetings, there were hardly any young people. Most attendees were much older than me.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17049\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_5567-800x533-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Still, talking with those people was very enjoyable and broadened my world, but gradually I started thinking,<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cAre there really no other car enthusiasts my age?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Talking about this with friends my age who love cars, we decided, \u201cLet\u2019s create a group for young car enthusiasts,\u201d and that\u2019s how HOC was born at EPM.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-17050\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6890.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">I see, that\u2019s how it happened&#8230;<\/h4>\n<p>At first, we gathered occasionally on Minkara and went on tours, with about 10 members, but it was hard to grow beyond that.<\/p>\n<p>After some thought, I realized <strong>there weren\u2019t many young car enthusiasts on Minkara.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>So I opened a Twitter account and discovered <strong>there are many young car enthusiasts on Twitter.<\/strong> As I interacted more, Twitter became more fun, and I gradually shifted there.<\/p>\n<p>Now, HOC has about 50 members. We often meet at places like Tatsumi and Shibaura or go on tours.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17051\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6907-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">HOC also has a branch in Kyushu, right?<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. A Porsche owner I got to know on Twitter asked, <strong>\u201cI want to start an HOC in Kyushu too.\u201d<\/strong> I said, \u201cSure, no problem!\u201d and the Kyushu HOC was quickly established. It now has about 20 members.<\/p>\n<p>Because of this, I made friends in Kyushu and have been visiting more often.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17052\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6906-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/3\/\"><strong>Next page \u2192 Future Plans, Thoughts on Marriage\u2026!?<\/strong><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">Being peers, it\u2019s like growing together through life, right?<\/h4>\n<p>Exactly. Of course, members have changed somewhat since the beginning, but it\u2019s interesting to see how members who drove domestic sports cars in their early twenties now buy Porsches or Ferraris in their late twenties, or how those who drove Porsches start families and switch to completely different cars.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Watching these changes is really fascinating.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">There must be cases like, \u201cI never thought that guy would become such a big shot!\u201d (laughs)<\/h4>\n<p>Definitely (laughs). Some members who said, <strong>\u201cI want a Ferrari, but my salary isn\u2019t enough,\u201d<\/strong> have since been recognized at work, started side businesses, and ended up buying Ferraris.<\/p>\n<p>As the leader, I feel motivated to <strong>\u201cwork hard and not fall behind!\u201d<\/strong> which is a great positive stimulus.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">From Twitter interactions, you really seem like a beloved leader.<\/h4>\n<p>Do I? (laughs) I\u2019ve often taken leadership roles since school. In middle and high school, I was like a class representative. But I\u2019m not the type to say, <strong>\u201cFollow me!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I like everyone having fun together. Even at sports festivals, I was happy when people said, \u201cThat class looks so fun,\u201d and we won first place or awards. So, <strong>I love that HOC is a place where members tease each other and have fun together.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17053\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6915-1280x854.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">Is there anything you keep in mind as a leader?<\/h4>\n<p>Well&#8230; Since HOC is completely private, I don\u2019t want it to feel like work with responsibilities or obligations.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone gathers because they love cars, so I don\u2019t force anyone to join tours or demand RSVPs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s fun because everyone can join freely whenever they want,<\/strong> and I think that\u2019s why it\u2019s lasted over four years.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">That really suits the younger generation\u2019s style of group management.<\/h4>\n<p>Yes. Many members say, \u201cHOC is great because it\u2019s free.\u201d <strong>I also think \u201cIt lasts because there are no restrictions,\u201d and when we get together, we enjoy ourselves to the fullest.<\/strong> I want to keep valuing this going forward.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">Yamaken, a true car lover, what are your plans for the future?<\/h4>\n<p>Privately, I want to keep having fun with everyone as before. Many peers are getting married and their situations are changing, but I still love connecting with people.<\/p>\n<p>Since last year, I\u2019ve been involved in the Yusaku Maezawa Supercar Project, and I feel like <strong>\u201ccars have gone beyond just a hobby.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I think I\u2019ll be connected to cars for life.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why I want to work hard on project events but also never forget the fun of cars as a hobby. Both are important to me.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-17054\" src=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/IMG_6905-1280x960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" \/><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"style4b\">You really love cars&#8230; That\u2019s wonderful! Lastly, are you thinking about marriage? (laughs)<\/h4>\n<p>Well&#8230; I want to enjoy my freedom until I\u2019m 30. I want to gain lots of experiences and see many worlds.<\/p>\n<p>Also, I might only be able to drive two-seaters now, so I want to enjoy that fully while I can. (I\u2019ll probably still drive after marriage, though, haha.)<\/p>\n<p>When I turn 30, I\u2019ll start thinking seriously about marriage and take action. Something like that (laughs).<\/p>\n<p class=\"well2\"><strong>[Blog Owner\u2019s Thoughts]<\/strong><br \/>\nYamaken is loved by everyone\u2014from younger to same-age to older people. After interviewing him, I understood why he\u2019s so beloved: his genuine personality and passionate love for cars. It made me think again, \u201cCars are really great.\u201d Thank you very much, Yamaken!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"From a young age, I\u2019ve been a huge car enthusiast. In my twenties, I became a Porsche and Ferrari owner, founded the HOC (Heisei Owners Club), and I\u2019m currently active as the \u201cYusaku Maezawa Supercar Project Manager.\u201d On Twitter, I have quite a strong influence. It\u2019s surprising that I\u2019m only 27 years old. I had exchanged messages on Twitter and greeted each other at events before, but recently I was given the precious opportunity to...","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":17056,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/?p=17032"},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<title>Stopping the Decline of Young Drivers \u2013 Interview with 27-Year-Old Porsche Owner Yamaken - \u30dd\u30eb\u30b7\u30a7\u304c\u308f\u304c\u5bb6\u306b\u3084\u3063\u3066\u304d\u305f - \u30aa\u30fc\u30ca\u30fc\u30ba\u30d6\u30ed\u30b0<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"An interview with Yamaken, founder of the Heisei Owners Club (HOC) and member of Yusaku Maezawa\u2019s Supercar Project. 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He shares his car history and passion for driving.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/en\/entry\/yamaken-porsche\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"\u30dd\u30eb\u30b7\u30a7\u304c\u308f\u304c\u5bb6\u306b\u3084\u3063\u3066\u304d\u305f - \u30aa\u30fc\u30ca\u30fc\u30ba\u30d6\u30ed\u30b0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/panameralife\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-02-08T21:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-06-03T00:34:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.panamera-life.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/yamaken.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"850\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Stopping the Decline of Young Drivers \u2013 Interview with 27-Year-Old Porsche Owner Yamaken - \u30dd\u30eb\u30b7\u30a7\u304c\u308f\u304c\u5bb6\u306b\u3084\u3063\u3066\u304d\u305f - \u30aa\u30fc\u30ca\u30fc\u30ba\u30d6\u30ed\u30b0","description":"An interview with Yamaken, founder of the Heisei Owners Club (HOC) and member of Yusaku Maezawa\u2019s Supercar Project. 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