Mazda is one of those car brands that just seems to have a better understanding of how to make materials, even humble stuff like plastic and steel, look and feel beautiful. To show us how that all works, the company has created a touring exhibition called: 'Crafted In Japan House: A Walk Through Hiroshima.'
Do I have to go to Hiroshima to see it?
No, thankfully for us Europeans the exhibition is coming to Madrid, and opens next week on 26 May.
It's an exhibition that shows you how the company's cars are designed and engineered, and what inspirations are taken for those processes, but there's something more to it than just that. There's the connection to Hiroshima.
Theres a big anniversary coming up isn't there?
Indeed so. This August will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Mazda doesn't shy away from that terrible history, noting that: “the city's revival wasn't driven by a single entity, but by the determination of an entire community that stood united in the face of adversity. Small and medium-sized businesses came together to bring the city back to life.”
Mazda points out that it became a key part of Hiroshima's recovery and rehabilitation, and that of Japan as a whole, in the long years of peace that followed: “That shared spirit still defines Mazda today. While the brand has evolved, its connection to Hiroshima remains strong: resilience, respect for the individual, and meticulous attention to detail and harmony. Mazda's headquarters remain in the city, and its human-centred approach to crafting cars reflects a lasting legacy that turned adversity into purpose and beauty. This identity is deeply tied to Japanese culture, evident not only in Mazda's design but also in a constant pursuit of balance between form, function, and human connection.”
And the connection to cars?
Well, Mazda says that it's the same spirit that drives it to try different things, like keeping the rotary engine going for longer than any other car maker, or creating the original MX-5 when no-one else was making sports cars.
There's also the influence of traditional Japanese art and craftsmanship on its cars — from the 'Takumi' (a name that means artisan) designers who crate the clay styling models for Mazda's new cars to the 'Takuminuri' method of painting which means 'artisan colouring' to the inspiration from traditional Japanese 'Musubu' knots which are used for the interiors of the CX-60 and CX-80.
Whats in the exhibition?
The exhibition is inspired by the Hiroshima's eight districts, and features outdoor and indoor spaces “offering a sensory journey through visuals, objects and immersive experiences. Visitors will explore Hiroshima's history, architecture, and culture, enjoy a forest bathing experience, and witness the craftsmanship of Takumi artisans.”
There will be also be hands on workshops featuring Ikebana (Japanese floral art), Furoshiki (the art of wrapping and knotting), and moving meditation sessions in the garden. Every Sunday in May, guests can also enjoy subtitled Japanese cinema.
There will be cars too, right?
Oh yes. Mazda will be showing off its entire model range, including the new all-electric Mazda 6e saloon, at the event. It definitely sounds like it's worth booking a plane ticket for this one.