Drift Tengoku — September 2004 · Page 238

I cut down my helmet visor for summer. With this sort of helmet, you usually ride with it open, right? But then the Drift Tengoku banner I had stuck on it wasn't visible, which was sad.

So I cut it to show the banner and make it less stuffy. It now looks a bit like a car-racing helmet—pretty cool, eh? Feeling pleased, I removed and washed the lining too, and it felt wonderfully fresh.

While I admired it, Da came over: ‘I've got a Simpson that is too small for me now. If it fits you, you can have it.’ What an honor! A Simpson, the helmet of my dreams!

It was very tight, but I said, ‘Plenty of room! A perfect fit!’ and got my coveted prize. This was the distinguished helmet D had worn when setting a speed record at the salt lake [name fragment damaged].

I'll treasure it forever! Which helmet should I bring to the next track day? (Saki )

At the editor's suggestion, we made original T-shirts. Everyone received one today—what do you think? They have a surf-brand feel, perfect for summer. A straightforward Drift Tengoku logo would feel a bit embarrassing, so a design that isn't immediately obvious is easier to wear. There were blue and pink versions; I chose pink. Anyone want one? Heh. (Ono)

Just before deadline, three of us were working—and taking photos—in the editorial office parking lot. We needed to write our copy quickly, but we also needed proper photos. With so much pressure, work that is normally fun felt tense.

Then, at 18:43, we captured the moment: ‘Editor Kawasaki finally reaches breaking point.’ It isn't staged; he really is asleep. This parking lot faces the road, and the thing resting on him is a reflector. The ground is pleasantly warm at this time of year.

Masuda and I promptly lay down for a nap too. So comfortable! (Nakanishi )

Deadline essentials: first, cigarettes to calm down. I like nicotine-heavy Hi-Lite and try to blow the smoke toward Ono, who avoids smoking. Then there are the stay-awake tablets, Estaron Mocha.

The package says no more than three tablets a day, but I actually make Ono take three at once, he jokes. And my partner, the Colt Government: if I realize the manuscript won't be finished in time, I'll take Ono with me when I blow myself up! (Masuda.) [Historical editorial dark humor; not an instruction or dosage recommendation.]