Design Takes Center Stage
This year’s Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show) felt like a glimpse into the future—with a catch. Japanese automakers brought out stunning concepts, wild designs, and creative tech. But most skipped over a crucial detail: how these vehicles will actually be powered.
From Mazda’s rotary-carbon-capturing dreams to Toyota’s mysterious Century coupe, the show revealed more about style than substance. EVs, hybrids, hydrogen? No one had clear answers—and many didn’t try to provide one.
Bunker Outside, Lounge Inside
When the world feels uncertain, design gets tough. That was the vibe across the floor. From the Lexus LS Van to the Mazda Vision X Coupe, many vehicles looked ready for the apocalypse—thick exteriors, minimal windows, and intimidating shapes.
Inside, though, it was a different story. Soft lighting, spacious layouts, and lounge-like comfort created sanctuaries on wheels. Cold on the outside, warm within—an emotional reflection of today’s world?
The Powertrain Question
Powertrain talk was oddly absent. Executives from Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, and Honda all offered vague or fantastical answers. One mentioned algae fuel. Another said “we’re still deciding” battery chemistries. Most simply avoided the topic altogether.
Concepts like Honda’s 0 Saloon and Super-ONE looked amazing—but gave no clue how they’d move.
And with charging details missing across most displays, powertrain agnosticism might be intentional, but it raises eyebrows in a moment when tech leadership matters.
The Weird and the Wonderful
Beyond cars, brands showed off bikes, vans, VTOLs, autonomous pods, and even bubble-like baby strollers. Lexus teased a supercar, a van, and—yes—a catamaran. The message? There’s no single path forward, so try them all.
Beauty Isn’t Dead
Not all was ambiguous. Mazda’s Vision X Coupe and Honda’s 0 Saloon stole the show with refined, elegant forms. If the future is unclear, at least it looks good getting there.
