Minamikaze was formed about four years ago. Two old friends and car enthusiasts, Shibata Kazuya and Iwasaki Tatsuya, went out in Iwasaki's then-favorite car, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which led to the birth of this unusual "test drive team."
"Whenever I tell people I drive a G-Class, they usually respond with, 'You're making a lot of money,' but Shibata said, 'That's a nice car, isn't it?' The two of us went for a drive and, over coffee and cake, we got excited talking about cars. That's how Minamikaze's activities began, where we would visit Matsushima Holdings, a Kyoto-based dealership chain for various manufacturers and other companies that was also my client, and give test drives," says Iwasaki.
Shibata explains that there are things you can only learn by test driving a car, rather than looking at the web or a catalogue. "For example, when I test drove a Mazda 3 some time ago, I was shocked at how good a car it was. The best part of a test drive is that it shatters any images or preconceptions you may have had in your mind," he says.
After that, Ran Domon and Yuzuru Sano, who had no interest in cars at all, somehow ended up joining the team. Up until then, the four of them had been test driving a variety of new cars from various manufacturers.
"When I drove them, I could feel the philosophy of each manufacturer, and I realized that even cars of the same size are completely different," said Domon. Sano added, "It's interesting to see how well a car suits you when you get behind the wheel," and the two have become complete car enthusiasts.
Cars to choose based on design
Mazda "Mazda 3"
This compact hatchback embodies the unique design philosophy of "Kodo Design," which breathes life into cars. "Not only the exterior, but the interior is also very European and very nice. It has changed my image of Mazda as a manufacturer," says Shibata.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class, also known as the "Gelände," underwent a full model change in 2018, improving comfort. Due to a global shortage, the official website states that "purchase may not be possible." "The interior of my previous car was also excellent," says Iwasaki.
VW Golf
Since the first model was released in 1974, it has always been called the "standard meter for practical compact cars" and has become a global standard. "It may not look stylish at first glance, but it has a cool, classic feel," says Domon.
Honda "Honda e"
This compact EV was released in 2020 and has a reduced battery capacity, making it a perfect urban commuter vehicle. Its production will end in January 2024, much to everyone's regret. "The interior and exterior of the car are condensed with the future of today, and it's a cool car just because it exists," says Sano.
A relaxing car
Toyota Crown Crossover
Of the four new Crown models that were released in 2022 and attracted attention for their significant overhaul, Shibata test drove the first crossover. "The interior is modern and the line of sight is high, so it's relaxing," Shibata said.
Tesla Model 3
Tesla's electric compact sedan was released in 2016. It was introduced in Japan in 2019. Following a minor change in 2023, the interface performance has been greatly improved. "The ride is quiet, and the interior is simple and has little information, so it's relaxing," says Iwasaki.
Suzuki Jimny
Although it may be small, the ladder-shaped frame body structure and four-wheel drive system are as authentic as a Jeep Wrangler. "I actually drive roughly, so I feel safe knowing that even if I hit something, it won't fall over," says Domon.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
This is Mercedes-Benz's flagship model. It is packed with high-tech equipment, including various hybrid systems and electronically controlled suspension. "The back seats were so comfortable I felt like I could live there," says Sano.
A car that's fun to drive
Honda "Vezel"
Honda's compact SUV transitioned to its second generation in 2021. It is positioned as a global strategic vehicle that will be deployed globally. "It would be fun to go snowboarding in this. I test drove it on a mountain road and it was fun, as it drove like a European car," said Shibata.
Nissan "Fairlady Z"
The current model is the seventh generation, which was released in 2022. It is a popular model in North America, nicknamed the "Z-Car." "I would like to see a four-seater open model in the lineup. I feel like I want to support Japanese cars," says Iwasaki.
Mazda "Mazda 2"
The compact car "Demio" has adopted a globally shared name since its minor change in 2019. Equipped with the company's proud SKYACTIV technology, it runs well. "The stable driving feel is also an element of the fun. This is a car that I was torn between until the very end and the Fiat 500" (Domon).
Subaru Forester
It is equipped with a variety of technologies, including a horizontally opposed engine, a symmetrical four-wheel drive system, and EyeSight, which reduces collision accidents. "The crossover style makes it a fun car to drive. The mechanical-like interior also struck a chord with me."
The car I want to drive someday
VW "T6 California"
This large VW camper is not officially imported to Japan. However, there is a company that imports UK-spec right-hand drive models, so they are available for purchase. "I imagine going to a ski resort and then holed up in the car to work alone," says Shibata.
Tesla Cybertruck
It combines the performance of a super sports car with the loading capacity of a large pickup truck. Its unique linear shape has already been delivered in the US, but it has not yet been released in Japan. "My parents are farmers, so I'm considering using it as a truck. I've already reserved it (laughs)," says Iwasaki.
Mini "Convertible"
This four-seater Mini is a convertible with a retractable roof. The soft top opens with the flip of a switch. "I actually wanted a car with a retractable roof. Now that I'm used to driving, I want to choose a convertible next time," says Domon.
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac is the premier brand of American luxury. Its flagship model is the full-size SUV, the Escalade. "I just love big cars, and I'd love to drive the Escalade, which is by far the largest American car," says Sano.
The next car I want to test drive
VW "ID.BUZZ"
This electric MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) has styling reminiscent of the famous "Type 2" car, affectionately known as the "Volkswagen Bus." "I'm interested in EVs, and this is the car I most want to drive right now. I'm also interested in the size," said Shibata.
BYD "Dolphin"
BYD is a Chinese manufacturer competing with Tesla for the world's number one EV production volume. Originally a battery company, it has an advantage in battery performance. The Dolphin is a compact, practical vehicle on the same level as the Corolla. "I want to see how complete China's EVs are, including the quality," said Iwasaki.
Fiat 500e
The 500e was announced in Europe in 2020 and became a best-selling EV. While its appearance is not much different from the engine version, the inside has been completely revamped. "I really love the Fiat 500 I bought, and I wanted to try out the ride comfort of the EV version," says Domon.
Land Rover Defender
Since its debut in 1948, there has only been one model change. In other words, the current model released in 2019 is still the second generation, so it remains unchanged. There are three body types, including short and long. "The largest, the 130, is quite impressive. I'd like to drive it," says Sano.
What's interesting is that all four of them have purchased cars through their activities. Both Domon and Sano have purchased their first cars.
Domon, who chose a white Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) as his first car, uniquely explains the significance of owning a car, saying, "Until then, when you consider parking fees and maintenance costs, taxis were by far cheaper and more rational. I thought I didn't need a car. But as I test drove cars, I realised I didn't drive because I needed it, but because it was fun."
"Just riding in a Cinquecento makes me feel energized. Unlike a bus or taxi, you can take the initiative when traveling," he continues.
After completing a self-analysis and coming to the conclusion that he "likes big cars" through test drives, Sano's first car was the Mazda CX-8.
"When I started driving, I realized how fun it was to have a moving private compartment. The feeling of having your own personal space to move around in when you're riding alone is something you can't get with any other means of transportation," he says.
Shibata, who has owned several cars in the past, recalls that Minamikaze was a big factor in his decision to purchase a new car.
"We had always wanted to drive an Audi A4 Allroad Quattro, but the price had kept us from buying it. The four of us went to test drive the Allroad Quattro, and on the way back we stopped at a roadside station and got excited using an online simulator to try out different colors and specifications. With that momentum, we ended up buying the car with the color and specifications almost exactly as shown in the simulation."
When the car is delivered, it is customary for all members to gather together and take a commemorative photo.
For Domon, the two members are also reassuring advisors. Of the various ways to buy a car, such as paying in cash, taking out a loan, or, more recently, subscribing, it was Iwasaki's advice that led him to choose a "residual value loan."
"Since Domon was buying his first car, he decided on a residual value loan, which would allow him to keep his monthly payments low while offering a large discount. I also bought my Toyota Land Cruiser GRS with a residual value loan," said Iwasaki. Shibata also researched and told him about advantageous systems such as eco-car tax breaks and subsidies.
The reason why the four chose new cars is because Shibata was going to snowy mountains, while Iwasaki was looking for something more advanced. The two, who were first-time buyers, wanted a car that was hassle-free. The sense of security that you don't get with older cars is also a value that only a new car can offer.
Each of the four people has a different way of buying and choosing the right car. In addition to finding the car they want, the test drive also helps them realize their own personalities and unexpected values.
Four cars chosen by four people after test drives
Audi "A4 allroad quattro"
He test drove it with the members of Minamikaze and decided to buy it. Since he travels to snowy mountains every winter, "all of his previous cars have been four-wheel drive, so most of them are new cars that he can drive safely. It's a car he's always dreamed of, and the ultimate practical vehicle." (Shibata)
Toyota Land Cruiser GRS
Since the launch of Nanpu, I have purchased a Mercedes-Benz G-Class and a Mini Convertible. "I thought it would be more modest than the G-Class, but it was actually quite intimidating," says Iwasaki.
Fiat 500 
Mazda CX-8
A rare three-row seat SUV. After repeated test drives, Sano realized he preferred larger cars. "I agonized over whether to buy a Subaru Forester or not, but I decided on this one. The key point was that I could fit a lot of music equipment in it," said Sano.
Money talks about new cars
Subscriptions for cars too
What is a "residual value loan"?
