I’ve been trying to identify exactly what my personal “15 minutes of fame” has been. I have a new candidate, only this one is limited to Japan. Late last year Toyoki Nakanishi, a reporter from The Nikkei, the leading Japanese business daily publication, came to South Carolina to interview me about switching from a Prius to an all-electric Tesla Model S. Nikkei had seen my article here titled “Prius to Tesla Transition.” We had a nice talk, and the reporter took a photo of me and my car. I gathered that the focus of the article is the disruption in the auto industry that will be caused by the change to electric vehicles.
The article was published in Nikkei on January 5 past. The article itself is behind a paywall, and it is only in Japanese. Nevertheless the photo, reproduced above, was a very nice one and I have my 15 minutes of fame.
Update
Thanks to modern AI processing, I now have a translation of that article from Microsoft Copilot:
🚗 Why I Drive a Tesla
Disruption Beyond the Collapse of Toyota’s Stronghold
Special Feature
Published January 5, 2017 | Nikkei Online Edition
In 2016, Tesla Motors (now Tesla, Inc.) sold approximately 76,000 vehicles worldwide. While that figure is still modest compared to the millions sold by major automakers, Tesla’s influence continues to grow. The company’s electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping consumer expectations and challenging the dominance of traditional manufacturers like Toyota.
To understand Tesla’s appeal, we spoke with Kevin, a Tesla Model S owner living in South Carolina, USA. Kevin is not a tech executive or a Silicon Valley early adopter—he’s a retired engineer who chose the Model S after careful consideration. His story offers insight into how Tesla is winning over thoughtful, pragmatic drivers.
🧠 “It’s the first car that made me think differently.”
“I’ve driven many cars over the years,” Kevin says, standing beside his white Model S parked in front of his home. “But this is the first one that made me rethink what a car could be.”
Kevin purchased his Model S in 2015. He was drawn not just to the environmental benefits of an EV, but to the engineering philosophy behind Tesla’s design. “It’s not just about fuel economy or zero emissions. It’s about reimagining the entire driving experience—from acceleration to software updates.”
⚡ “The torque is instant. It’s like flying.”
One of the biggest surprises for Kevin was the performance. “The torque is instant. It’s like flying. There’s no lag, no gear shifting—it just goes.”
He also appreciates the quiet ride and the minimalist interior. “There’s no clutter. The touchscreen replaces dozens of buttons. It’s intuitive and elegant.”
Kevin notes that Tesla’s over-the-air software updates have improved the car’s functionality over time. “It’s like getting a new car every few months. No dealership visits, no waiting—it just updates while you sleep.”
🌍 “I wanted to be part of the future.”
For Kevin, driving a Tesla is also a statement. “I wanted to be part of the future. I believe in innovation, and I want to support companies that are pushing boundaries.”
He acknowledges that Tesla’s build quality isn’t perfect and that charging infrastructure still has room to grow. “But the direction is right. They’re solving problems, not just selling cars.”
🔋 “Range anxiety? Not really.”
Kevin lives in a suburban area and uses his Model S for both local errands and longer trips. “Range anxiety? Not really. The car tells you exactly how far you can go, and the Supercharger network is expanding.”
He’s also installed a home charger, which makes daily use seamless. “I plug it in at night, and it’s ready to go in the morning. It’s simpler than people think.”
🏁 “Toyota makes great cars. But Tesla is changing the game.”
Asked about Japanese automakers, Kevin is respectful but candid. “Toyota makes great cars. I’ve owned several. But Tesla is changing the game. It’s not just about making EVs—it’s about rethinking the entire system.”
He believes that traditional automakers will need to adapt quickly. “They can’t just retrofit old designs. They need to start fresh, like Tesla did.”
🧭 A Global Shift
Kevin’s story is one of many. Around the world, drivers are choosing Tesla not just for environmental reasons, but for performance, design, and philosophy. As EVs become more mainstream, the disruption Tesla represents is no longer theoretical—it’s happening in driveways, highways, and homes.
Just tell everyone you’re big in Japan