When it comes to mastering the art of drifting, there’s no better guide than someone who has lived and breathed the culture for years. Earlier this month, while in Japan for Tokyo Auto Salon, we had the privilege of joining Kota The Yoda in Chiba for an unforgettable morning dedicated to learning the fundamentals of drifting. With over seven years of self-taught experience under his belt and a reputation that extends beyond Japan, Kota proved to be an exceptional teacher and an inspiring figure in the world of JDM culture.
A Passion Fueled by Fun and Perseverance
For Kota, drifting isn’t just a skill or a sport — it’s a lifestyle. “I drift for fun,” he told us during a conversation. His enthusiasm is evident not just in his words but also in the way he handles his cars, including his Nissan Silvia S15, which we had the pleasure of driving. Tuned specifically for drifting, the car’s balance and performance made it the perfect vehicle for teaching. Yet, its backstory is equally as interesting: after flipping an earlier S15, Kota salvaged the motor and drivetrain to build the car we drove that day. It’s a testament to his resourcefulness and commitment to the craft.
Kota’s drifting journey began over seven years ago, learning the ropes through countless hours behind the wheel. He credits his progress to sheer practice and perseverance, sharing that he’s been largely self-taught but that he’s also learned a lot from others along the way. His advice to aspiring drifters is simple yet practical: start with cars like the Toyota 86, which can drift straight from stock and attend group circuit events to gain experience without breaking the bank.
On and Off The Track
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Our morning session with Kota began with a drive from Tokyo to Chiba, where he patiently walked us through the basics of drifting. We focused on introductory techniques to initiate a drift and disrupt rear traction, like the power-over method — a technique that involves applying excessive throttle mid-corner to break rear-wheel grip. With Kota’s guidance, we quickly learned the importance of throttle control to maintain the drift. Too much throttle and you risk spinning out; too little and the drift ends prematurely. By the end of the session, we were running the S15 sideways with far more confidence than when we started.
While drifting remains his passion, Kota’s reach extends beyond the track. He sources, builds and exports Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars worldwide, primarily Nissan Skylines (R34 GTR models) and S15 Silvias. His business, which aims to export two to three cars per month to the U.S., serves a dual purpose: funding his personal builds and supporting his drifting and racing activities. For Kota, this entrepreneurial venture is less about profit and more about enabling his love for automotive culture.
The PRIX Collaboration
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Kota’s influence within the JDM community recently culminated in a unique project: a collaboration between streetwear brand PRIX and die-cast car specialist Tarmac. This partnership celebrates iconic hero cars, including PRIX founder Esther Ng’s Mazda RX-7 FD and the black Nissan Silvia S15s owned by Kota and his friend Tonnderu. Facilitated by mutual friend and sponsored driver Hana Burton, the collaboration merges fashion, storytelling and automotive design in a way that’s both innovative and authentic.
The die-cast versions of these cars were made available for purchase in late December and Kota couldn’t hide his excitement about seeing his S15 turned into a physical collectible. “It feels incredible,” he admitted. The project highlights the intersection of car culture and creative expression as well as serves as a testament to the community’s growing global impact.
As we wrapped up our session, it was clear that Kota’s passion for drifting is matched by his dedication of sharing it with others. His journey, from flipping an S15 to building a thriving export business and collaborating on high-profile projects, should serve as an inspiration to car enthusiasts and aspiring drifters alike.
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