In 2006, the third entry (or sixth, depending on the viewing order) in a film franchise centered around street racing made its debut. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” illuminated the Japanese car culture and introduced drifting to a wider audience.
Although the fusion of cars and Japan is seamless, the capital of the country had never officially accommodated a street race. This changed recently with the introduction of the Tokyo E-Prix.
Sung Kang, the actor renowned for his role as Han in “Tokyo Drift,” graced the groundbreaking Formula E event. Blurring the lines between his on-screen persona and reality, he joined the ranks of notable figures who took the wheel of a current-generation Formula E car for a demonstration before the race.
Kang humorously shared his experience driving the GEN3 car, including a brief drifting episode at the start that led to a spin. Despite the challenge, he expressed excitement over the immense torque and power of the vehicle, acknowledging it as a thrilling but demanding machine even for non-professional drivers. Reflecting on the exhilarating drive, Kang quipped about the near mishap with his lunch but emphasized the sheer enjoyment and thrill of the experience.
While Kang has gained recognition for his adeptness behind the wheel, the driving sequences in “Tokyo Drift” were predominantly executed by professional drivers from Formula Drift and rallycross such as Rhys Millen, Tanner Foust, and Samuel Hubinette.
Acknowledging the distinction between on-screen portrayals and reality, Kang admitted that the actors in “Fast & Furious” do not perform their own stunts. He credited the skilled stunt drivers for their daring performances that enhance the cinematic appeal of the movie.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Kang described the experience of driving the Formula E car as unparalleled, marking it as a pinnacle moment for any car enthusiast. Participating in the Tokyo E-Prix fulfilled a dream for Kang, elevating it to a remarkable milestone on his automotive journey.
The arrival of Formula E in Tokyo marked a significant milestone, introducing professional street racing to the city after years of anticipation. Kang lauded the event, emphasizing the synergy between the postmodern ambiance of Tokyo and the innovative motorsport of Formula E, a combination he deemed perfect. Recognizing the profound passion for motorsport among the Japanese populace and the rich historical legacy in the country, Kang endorsed Tokyo as an ideal host for a Formula E event, labeling the experience as truly remarkable.