DAY 1
Rain or shine, let's have fun! Departure to the long awaited festival.
TAKA (left) listens mainly to alternative rock, and SHUTO (right) likes house and disco. . and "XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor," Volvo's EV vehicle that will support us on this trip.
I invited TAKA and SHUTO of PAJA STUDIO, a silkscreen printing company, to FUJI & SUN '23. They are members of an up-and-coming creative team that prints for artists, brands, and stores, while also developing original items. The two had never been to a festival before. Unfortunately, rain was forecast for both days. . Nevertheless, they were ready to have fun.
TAKA: If it rains, there are ways to enjoy the rain. We ride our bicycles to the studio even when it rains, and we are used to getting wet, so we are fine (laughs).
SHUTO: I would say I am used to the rain, but it doesn't mean I like getting wet (laughs). But I have a high tolerance for rain, so it's not that big of a problem. I will enjoy it as much as I can!
The Volvo is equipped with Google for infotainment, so you can set your destination and check the weather forecast with a simple "OK Google" and the Google Assistant will assist you. The car is also equipped with a SIM card, so "Spotify" and "Google Maps" can be used without the need to connect a smartphone.
When we asked them about performers they were particularly interested in, they mentioned "never young beach," "cero," "Yuta Orisaka," and "Saho Terao. However, the charm of festivals is that you can fall in love with the performers even if they are not the ones you are looking for once you see them live. I am filled with anticipation.
The venue is about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo. After listening to the official playlist of "FUJI & SUN '23" to prepare for the event, I was ready to go!
On the way to the venue, the driver, Mr. Taka, was impressed by the high performance of his partner for the day, the XC40 Recharge Plus Single Motor.
TAKA: This is my first time to drive an EV, and the steering wheel and pedals are light and very easy to drive. Even a two-hour drive is easy. The car is also very quiet, so it is perfect for driving while listening to music.
Although we hear a lot about EVs these days, there must be many people who have not yet experienced them. Even for a short trip away from home, changing the means of transportation to something different from the usual can greatly enhance the trip.
