JAPANESE TO THE CORE

   
A traditional Japanese room is often decorated with considered refinement, only featuring a few carefully chosen elements. Ma is the beauty and tension found within the vacant space between these elements. In the context of car design, it is about resisting the temptation to overload the interior with a large number of extraneous elements; being restrained and minimal with design, whether that is for the interior or exterior.

Ma is the power and tension that space creates as demonstrated in the Japanese room (left) and car interior (right).

This philosophy is about curating a space – in Mazda’s case a car interior. Kaicho enhances the space that Ma creates. It does this by harmoniously combining a mix of varied materials and textures that complement each other, becoming more than the sum of their parts and producing simplicity and sophistication from complexity. Lighting is also a key attribute to Kaicho. Mazda employs subtle, soft, indirect lighting to enhance the feel of harmony in its cars.

Musubu is the philosophy of connection. In Japan, the precision art of knot tying, whether it is the strap of a traditional warrior’s helmet or a kimono, is elevated to an art form. Inspired by “Musubu”, Mazda has adopted a particular type of stitching for its interiors (right). This features a slight gap, as would the ties of ancient Japanese harnesses and armour, allowing for human movement. This symbolically represents jinba ittai, the driving philosophy that makes each Mazda feel and perform like an extension of the driver’s body.

Discover what makes Mazda a brand like no other: unique, expressive, individual. We've collected some of the most inspiring content about what goes into our cars as well as where they can take you. Ready to get on board?