Paris found in Kyoto, touring in a Renault Twingo.

Renault is a French-born automobile manufacturer. The "TWINGO" is particularly popular for its rounded, compact form and unique design. Combined with its outstanding ride comfort and ease of handling, the TWINGO is also a favorite among the fashion-conscious, who have a strong opinion about cars. France, the home country of Renault, is also known for its beautiful scenery and rich history. It is known as a country that has a strong affinity with Japan, especially Kyoto, the "city of a thousand years," where beauty can be experienced on a daily basis. This time, we took the "Twingo" on a tour of Kyoto. The president of the boutique store "Loftman," Makoto Kimura, served as our navigator around the city. We will visit the spots recommended by Mr. Kimura in the "Twingo".

Photo_Masao Inoue (TRYOUT)
Text_Shinsuke Sakakima (TRYOUT)
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

PROFILE

Makoto Kimura

Loftman, President and Director

He is the president of "Loftman," which has seven stores in the Kansai region and is famous for bringing quality domestic and international clothing to the city. In addition to planning special-order items, he is a key figure in the Kansai fashion scene, having grown the store into a national leader by holding pop-up stores in Tokyo and Fukuoka under the name "Loftman Caravan.

SPOT.1 Keibunsha Ichijoji Store

The bright yellow "Twingo" looks beautiful in its retro appearance.

Kimura-san drove his "Twingo" in front of the Keibunsha Ichijyoji store, located in a quiet residential area.

. Kyoto is a city with many narrow alleys, but the 'Twingo' makes it easy to navigate. . Today, I would like to recommend some spots in the ancient capital that make you feel like in France.

Our first stop was the Keibunsha Ichijyoji Store in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City. The store has been voted one of the "10 most beautiful bookstores in the world" by the Guardian newspaper in the U.K. , and its stunningly beautiful layout is captivating. The store displays books related to France, art books, and other books that will tickle your curiosity.

He often wanders in hoping for a chance encounter where he can find a good book.

Not only is it a place where I can find a wide variety of books, but it also gives me inspiration for my work. Moreover, the Captain, the predecessor to Loftman, is just a stone's throw away, so it's a familiar place for me as well.

. Kimura-san pauses in front of a stack of books that make use of the cover design.

. Mr. Kimura picks up a book that interests him with a serious look in his eyes. European photography and art books are rich in styling and design that are relevant to today's world, and she says she makes unexpected discoveries.

. books with old European photos and designs especially catch my eye. . There is a universal beauty to them, and I sometimes get hints for store design. . And the shop also has a gallery and holds events, so there are plenty of things to do that will keep you coming back time and time again. I would like to make "Loftman" a store like that.

SHOP INFO

Keibunsha Ichijoji Store
10 Futsuden-cho, Ichijyoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
TEL: 075-711-5919
Open: 10:00 - 21:00 Open daily

INFORMATION

Renault Japon

www.renault.jp/car_lineup/twingo

Renault TWINGO

Manufacturer's suggested retail price ¥1,986,000 (tax included)

［ Renault Twingo EDC］

Specifications: Right-hand drive 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch
Overall length x overall width x overall height (mm): 3,645 x 1,650 x 1,545
Total displacement: 0.897L
Maximum output: 68 kW (92 ps) at 5,500 rpm

The one-of-a-kind Twingo designed by Akira Minagawa is now available at T-SITE.

Renault Japon is sponsoring "FUTURE ANTIQUE," an event organized by T-SITE under the theme "From modern craftsmanship to antiques of the future. Renault Japon is co-sponsoring "FUTURE ANTIQUE," an event organized by T-SITE under the theme of "Antiques of the future from contemporary craftsmanship. In conjunction with this event, a one-of-a-kind Twingo designed by Akira Minagawa, designer of "minä perhonen," will be exhibited at T-SITE in Daikanyama, Hiroshima, and Shonan. The exhibition will be held at the Daikanyama T-SITE until December 9 (Mon.), and will then travel to the Hiroshima T-SITE and Shonan T-SITE through January next year. The world's one and only limited edition "Twingo" is a cute looking car. If you are in the neighborhood, please visit T-SITE.

In conjunction with this event, Renault authorized dealers will also hold the "Renault Twingo Noel Fair" for two days only on December 7 (Sat.) and 8 (Sun.). Those who take a test drive or have an assessment during the fair will receive a Renault Japon original 2020 notebook and an original bookmark and badge featuring Mr. Minagawa's design on the Twingo. Don't miss out on this opportunity to win one of these prizes as well!

Daikanyama T-SITE Twingo Exhibition Overview
Description: Exhibition of Renault Twingo designed by Akira Minagawa and the first Renault Twingo
Dates: Friday, November 29, 10:00 a.m. to Monday, December 9, 17:00 p.m.
*The first generation Renault Twingo will be on display until Friday, December 6.
Location: Daikanyama T-SITE (16-15 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
*A talk show on the theme of "FUTURE ANTIQUE" by Akira Minagawa and Kenmei Nagaoka will be held for the general public hosted by T-SITE on Saturday, December 7.