The French-born Kangoo assists people with their hobbies and lifestyle.
Vol. 20 / Takuma Kinjo (Model)

The “Kangoo” set off briskly toward Lake Motosu. This time, Mr. Kaneshiro is driving a limited-edition model set to go on sale on October 1. It’s a special yellow edition featuring 〈TOYO TIRES〉’s “OPEN COUNTRY A/T III” all-terrain tires for SUVs from , along with original classic wheels by Crimson finished in matte black—a special yellow-colored model.

"When you think of the 'Kangoo,' you tend to picture it in yellow, but the black wheels really give the whole car a much sleeker look. It’s as if a cool, rugged vibe has been added to its original cute image. It gives off a powerful vibe."

"I love the outdoors, and I often go hiking with friends. Since we sometimes end up driving on unpaved roads when we're in the mountains, I'm really glad the car is equipped with all-terrain tires."

As we chatted, the “Kangoo” steadily made its way toward Lake Motosu. Before we knew it, the scenery had become filled with mountains and greenery.

"When I'm in Tokyo, I often have the chance to meet all kinds of people for work, so coming out into nature like this really helps me switch gears. Being in a quiet place reduces the noise and clears my head. I feel like I can be more myself when I'm surrounded by nature. That's probably why I find myself wanting to come here regularly."

Mr. Kaneshiro says that spending time in nature—whether hiking or camping—has become a regular part of his daily life. For him, a car that takes him to the places he wants to go is also an indispensable part of his life.

"When I head out into the field, I usually go by car with my friends. It can carry a lot of gear, and it gives me more freedom to explore. That’s why a car like the ‘Kangoo’—one that’s easy to drive around town on a daily basis but can also be loaded up and taken straight to the mountains—is a perfect fit for my lifestyle. Especially with this model’s all-terrain tires, it gives me even more peace of mind since I’m often out in the great outdoors.”

After all that, we finally arrived at the campground. Since it’s located at the foot of a mountain, we even drove up the slight incline leading to the campsite.

That’s where this limited-edition model’s rugged suspension comes in handy. Even on unpaved roads covered with gravel, it maintains a firm grip on the ground as it moves forward.

"Even when driving on a gravel road like this, I could feel the tires gripping the ground firmly. It gives me a sense of security."