Pickup trucks are one of the symbols of American car culture

Pickup trucks, which are popular in the United States, can be used for hobbies such as off-road biking and surfing because of their ease of use: they can carry a lot of cargo and don’t mind getting dirty or scratched. Mr. Takato Nakazono, owner of a Nissan 620 Datsun Truck King Cab, who was interviewed for the “Se-no Hon Grand Prix 2024,” also enjoys this American lifestyle with his vehicle.

Privately imported left-hand-drive US specification

Pickup truck riders almost certainly love the American lifestyle. I believe that the author and most people with similar tastes and preferences would agree with this notion. And the truth is that I am very envious when I see them living such a life.

On May 5, 2024, Children’s Day, three Nissan Datsun Trucks were lined up at the “Senomoto Grand Prix 2024” held at Senomoto Highlands in Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture. On the far right was the Japanese version of the 620, and on the far left was the Japanese version 720. And in the middle is this blue left-hand-drive 620 model. All of them had a nice, ordinary atmosphere as if they were used in daily life. I wondered which one I should interview, but I was interested in the left-hand drive one with a shell, so I approached the owner, Mr. Takato Nakazono (35 years old).

“I love pickups and used to drive a Nissan Sunny truck. Back then, I enjoyed vintage motocross and going out with my other bikes. I surfed, and I love the American side-riding culture, so I was fascinated by the idea of using a pickup as a transporter.”

Although I admire American things as a lifestyle, I like Japanese cars. The reason I stepped up from a Sunny truck to a Datsun truck was because it was a Japanese car.

“I had a friend who lives in the US, so I had him look for me all the way there. I didn’t specify a color, but I was happy to find a blue one that I liked.”

translated by DeepL