S6E68 — Toshi Hayama: From The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift to the 2026 Toyota RAV4
About this episode
Toshi Hayama shares his unique journey from street racing to becoming a key player in the automotive industry, including his role as a technical consultant for 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.' He discusses his work with Toyota and Lexus, bridging cultural gaps as a translator and engineer. The conversation delves into his experiences in the car business, the nuances of language, and the importance of storytelling in automotive design. Toshi's passion for cars and his ability to connect with engineers make for an engaging and insightful episode.
In this episode, we’re in Arizona for the 2026 Toyota RAV4 test drive, where we sit down with Toshi Hayama — a veteran of the automotive world best known for his work on The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Toshi shares insights from his extensive industry experience and his role supporting Toyota’s engineering team with his exceptional technical translation skills.
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turbochargers
"So I opened up the US office of a tuning company like parts, turbochargers exhaust,"
A turbocharger is a part that helps an engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It’s like giving the engine a boost.
Turbochargers are devices that force more air into an engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. They are commonly used in performance and racing vehicles.
tuning company
"So I opened up the US office of a tuning company like parts, turbochargers exhaust,"
A tuning company makes cars faster or look better by changing parts. They can add things like better engines or special exhausts.
A tuning company specializes in modifying vehicles to enhance performance, aesthetics, or both. This can include upgrades to parts like engines, suspensions, and exhaust systems.
street racing
"because we used to go street racing a lot."
Street racing is when people race their cars on regular streets instead of on a track. It’s usually illegal and can be very risky.
Street racing is an illegal form of racing that takes place on public roads. It often involves modified cars and can be dangerous due to the lack of safety measures and traffic regulations.
Fast and the Furious
"Well, that turned into the Fast and the Furious."
The Fast and the Furious is a movie series about racing cars and exciting adventures. It made street racing and fast cars very popular.
The Fast and the Furious is a popular film franchise that focuses on illegal street racing, heists, and espionage. It has significantly influenced car culture and the popularity of tuning and performance vehicles.
Takumi
"What's the term for the master technicians in the Japanese? Like Takumi. Takumi."
Takumi means a master craftsman in Japan. In car repair or manufacturing, it describes someone who has spent many years perfecting their skills.
Takumi is a Japanese term that refers to a master craftsman or technician, particularly in fields requiring exceptional skill and expertise. In the automotive context, it signifies a high level of craftsmanship and dedication to the trade.
Ford Mustang
"...g while like now, the chief engineer for the Ford Mustang in LA. And back then I had a show in Sears XM ra..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sports car that started being sold in the 1960s. It's known for being fast and stylish, and many people love it for the fun driving experience it offers. The Mustang is often talked about because it's a classic car that has a lot of history and fans.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car first introduced in 1964, known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. It has played a significant role in automotive history, symbolizing freedom and the American spirit, and continues to be a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Its ongoing evolution reflects changes in technology and consumer preferences, making it a frequent topic of discussion in automotive circles.
Toyota
"I think that, and just because I happen to be Japanese, but the engineers, Toyota headquarters, Lexus, whatever, there's so much information and so many great backstories to these cars and development."
Toyota is a well-known car company from Japan that makes many popular cars, like the Camry and Corolla.
Toyota is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles. It has a strong global presence and is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
Lexus
"I think that, and just because I happen to be Japanese, but the engineers, Toyota headquarters, Lexus, whatever, there's so much information and so many great backstories to these cars and development."
Lexus is a luxury car brand that is part of Toyota, making high-end cars that are known for being very comfortable and reliable.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its high-quality interiors, advanced technology, and smooth performance. It competes with other luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz
"Like there's, I don't know if you ever driven a Mercedes-Benz. And when you, you do the voice command..."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars, known for their quality and technology.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles and advanced technology.
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