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Osaka Is All About the Hanshin Tigers

“Rokko Oroshi🎵” To those of you who jump up and down in joy when you hear this song—did you know?
Daihatsu’s relief cars were actively used at Koshien Stadium, the home of the Hanshin Tigers and the sacred ground of baseball!

Excerpt from a company newsletter published at the time
Relief Car Delivered to Koshien Stadium
Actively Used with the Hanshin Tigers!

Since the official games in 1999, the relief car produced based on the EV golf cart had been used, featuring the Tigers’ signature black and white stripes with the “DAIHATSU” logo. The design was inspired by a helmet! Apparently the purpose was to protect the pitcher even if something came flying from the stands! There were two different colors, one for the Tigers and one for the other team.

Vehicle for the Tigers

Vehicle for the other team

In 2006, the second generation was introduced, this time with a baseball motif, attracting a lot of attention!
The audience shouted, “Yes, Fujikawa, we’re counting on you!,” creating a swell of excitement! The ball design also made for a spacious vehicle interior, which was a big hit among the pitchers! One of the pitchers commented, “I want to ride in this and make a dashing appearance! Again and again!”
Shining brightly for just one moment during the game, the relief car plays a great supporting role, and it’s a great honor for a car manufacturer to be able to make such a car.

Excerpt from a company newsletter published at the time
Looking Forward to Another Year!
Unveiling of the New Relief Car

This relief car was designed by Tani-yan from the Daihatsu Styling Division. Let’s hear from Tani-yan himself about the backstory to this design!

Guest Appearance: Let’s Hear It for Designer Tani-yan!

Well, thank you very much for having me today. I’m so excited to talk about the old days!

“I’m Tani-yan!”

The start of the design began when Hirohumi Ishizaki, the general manager of the Styling Division at the time (I think), asked me, “You got time for a job, Tani-yan?” I couldn’t turn down a request like that, and it sounded like an interesting job, so of course I said yes!

At that time, I worked really hard and drew lots of sketches. I wanted to make something that would appeal to all baseball fans, from children to adults, who came to Koshien, and something that would be recognizable from afar.
When I was designing, I asked the opinion of a senior Tigers fan. He told me, “Tani-yan, you have to imagine the audience being happy, think hard about what you want to create, and your designs have to be stylish and playful.” I remember how happy I was to learn about the essence of Daihatsu’s design in a place I didn’t expect.

As for the stylish aspects that I paid particular attention to… Hmm, well, everything, especially the wheels. The wheels featured the ball design with the same motif as the body to create a sense of unity, and the wheels spin round and round, imitating a ball rolling around. Kids will love it, I thought. It’s stylish, isn’t it?

Relief car during production

And finally, the masterpiece was complete!

When I was watching a Tigers game on TV with my son, who was in elementary school at the time, our eyes were glued to the TV as I said, “The relief car designed by Dad is coming out! I can’t wait!” When Manager Okada signaled for the pitcher change, just as it was about to happen…there was a commercial break, so in the end, we sadly didn’t get to see it… I ended up buying the sports newspaper the next day. (laughs)
But I was really happy to be able to make a vehicle that everyone loved (I think).

Tani-yan, thank you for telling your valuable story!!

Photo courtesy of Masaki Omori

Many More Daihatsu’s Excellent, Interesting and Unique Cars

There are some interesting cars out there!
They’re small, which makes them charming, playful, and so much fun! They’re definitely classic Daihatsu!

Brought to you by the self-proclaimed Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers)!
Stay tuned for the results of our next exploration!