We Went to Japan To Learn Drift Fundamentals From Kota the Yoda

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As a gaming enthusiast, nothing compares to learning the finesse of drifting from someone who embodies the lifestyle. Earlier this month, I was fortunate enough to tag along with Kota The Yoda in Chiba, Japan, for a mind-blowing drifting session during their Tokyo Auto Salon. With more than seven years of self-taught expertise and a fame that transcends Japanese borders, Kota showed me the ropes and left an indelible mark on JDM culture.

A Passion Fueled by Fun and Perseverance

For Kota, drifting isn’t simply a talent or a pastime—it’s a way of life. He expressed this during our chat, saying, “I drift for enjoyment.” His passion is palpable not only in what he says but also in how he manages his vehicles, such as his Nissan Silvia S15, which we were fortunate enough to ride in. Customized explicitly for drifting, the car’s balance and power made it an ideal teaching tool. However, its history is just as intriguing: after rolling over a previous S15, Kota reclaimed the engine and drivetrain to construct the car we experienced that day. This serves as a symbol of his ingenuity and dedication to the art form.

Kota’s drifting adventure started approximately seven years back, where he honed his skills by investing countless hours on the road. He attributes his advancement to relentless practice and determination, mentioning that while he’s mostly self-taught, he has also learned valuable lessons from others throughout his journey. To those aspiring drifters, Kota offers straightforward yet practical advice: begin with vehicles like the Toyota 86, as they can drift effectively even in their stock form. Participating in group circuit events is another way to gain experience without incurring substantial costs.

On and Off The Track

 

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In the morning, our drifting lesson with Kota commenced with a car ride from Tokyo to Chiba. There, he patiently taught us the fundamentals of drifting, starting with basic techniques to initiate a drift and disrupt rear traction. For instance, we practiced the power-over method, where you apply extra throttle in the middle of a turn to lose rear-wheel grip. Kota’s instructions helped us understand how crucial throttle control is for maintaining a drift. If you use too much throttle, you could spin out; if you use too little, the drift will end prematurely. By the session’s end, we were confidently driving the S15 sideways, thanks to Kota’s guidance.

Beyond his love for drifting, Kota’s influence stretches far from the race track. He procures, constructs, and distributes Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles globally, with a focus on Nissan Skylines (R34 GTR models) and S15 Silvias. His objective is to send two to three cars monthly to the U.S., a venture that serves twofold purposes: it finances his personal projects and sustains his drifting and racing endeavors. For Kota, this business endeavor is not primarily driven by profit but rather by fostering his affection for automotive culture.

The PRIX Collaboration

 

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More recently, Kota’s impact within the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) community has led to an exceptional endeavor: a joint venture between streetwear brand PRIX and die-cast car specialist Tarmac. This alliance honors legendary hero cars, featuring PRIX founder Esther Ng’s Mazda RX-7 FD and the black Nissan Silvia S15s owned by Kota and his associate Tonnderu. This collaboration was brought about by their mutual friend and sponsored driver Hana Burton, who helped create an innovative and genuine fusion of fashion, narrative, and automotive aesthetics.

In late December, the die-cast versions of those cars went on sale, and Kota couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about transforming his S15 into a tangible collectible. “It’s amazing,” he confessed. This venture showcases the blend of car passion and artistic flair, while also underscoring the expanding influence of our global community.

In wrapping up our conversation, it was evident that Kota’s fervor for drifting is equally met by his commitment to spreading this passion. His transformative journey—from flipping an S15 to establishing a flourishing export business and partnering on prominent projects—stands as an inspiring testament not only for car enthusiasts but also for aspiring drifters everywhere.

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2025-01-28 09:26