Hidetomo Kimura: The Art of Fostering Classic Car Culture in Japan

Hidetomo Kimura, a Japanese artist from Kyoto, holds a profound passion for vintage cars and their symbolic significance. Within them, discovers his artistic inspiration, skilfully blending colours and forms to infuse them with life itself. In fact, his works are small worlds animated by a harmonious fusion of hues and lively Medaka fish, resulting in an ever-changing and captivating experience. “I perceive the same spirit in automobiles: their shapes contain a world of mechanics, emotions, and perpetual transformations. The shapes of cars do not merely pursue aesthetics; they attain beauty through the functionality they provide us: everything must be perfect, just like the water in which my fish live: temperature, oxygenation, and nourishment.

Kimura gained widespread acclaim when he started organizing the grand Kyoto Concours d’Elegance: a truly enchanting event set against the backdrop of the ancient Palace during the breath-taking cherry blossom season, with every detail meticulously attended to, reflecting the revered perfection of Japanese culture. The event attracted many participants from Europe and America, yet despite his success, Kimura’s unwavering passion lies elsewhere. “To be completely honest, I hold a greater fondness for races and rallies than competitions”. He is, in fact, a frequent participant in the Mille Miglia in Italy and other events such as the Bernina Gran Turismo in Switzerland. “But I wanted to create the Kyoto Concours d’Elegance with the precise goal of educating Japanese collectors about this type of use for their cars. In Japan, collectors often lack a cohesive sense of community, with few opportunities for meaningful encounters. A Concours d’Elegance is the ideal opportunity to come together, get to know each other, and admire each other’s cars. Furthermore, the fact that the cars must be original and well-maintained to meet the judges’ requirements and enter the rankings, means that the Concours becomes a powerful medium to make people understand the importance of the heritage in their possession”.

“The Artist Driver” was compelled by the Covid pandemic to interrupt the Concours, which will return next spring. However, he made the most of his time: “I am the only Asian to have been part of the TCCT Project from the very beginning. I believe in TCCT’s mission to foster increasing interactions among collectors and attract new generations through activities that help the world of collecting to evolve. I feel a deep sense of responsibility in nurturing an initiative that resonates with all car enthusiasts who cherish their collections.”

Kimura was present in St. Moritz in September 2021 when Fritz Kaiser introduced the eClassic program alongside the Pininfarina and Zagato simulators. “I found the initiative of offering vintage simulators to collectors to relive real-life emotions truly fascinating. With only a few events possible in a year, having simulators at home to connect with other collectors and drive together felt like a significant step forward. Especially a step that caters to young collectors like myself, who find it natural to blend the real and the virtual.” Kimura’s conviction quickly materialized with the acquisition of an Elio Z and a Pininfarina Sportiva. “Today, I am deeply honoured to assume a role of responsibility and prestige in TCCT’s activities in my country.”

The circle is now complete: through his efforts with the Kyoto Concours d’Elegance, Kimura endeavours to gather and unite individuals who share a profound love for vintage cars, aiming to enhance their enjoyment and appreciation. Congratulations, Kimura-san.