20th Anniversary Meeting in Japan - Message from Tom Matano

Dear All MX-5/Roadster devotees who gathered at Miyoshi for the 20th Anniversary.

I wish I were there to celebrate this historical event in person with you. I was there at the 10th Anniversary. I could still remember many special moments at that event. The climax was the drive through on the track. It was a scene to be remembered forever.
It has been 20 years since its introduction in 1989. For me, it has been 25 years since we started working on the concept and design of the LWS (Light Weight Sports Car) project. The establishing and nurturing the Owners Club was one of the very important elements of the LWS concept from the onset of this project. I would like to thank all Owners club members for assembling and organizing this great event. I wish I were there with you all to celebrate this historically significant event.

I developed a story titled 'Inspired Sensations' at the beginning of the project. I envisioned the scenario of the carﾕs life from introduction to 20 years after. I am proud to see that vision has come true in every possible way and in some cases, it has exceeded my expectations. Thanks to this special car that I was able to meet many MX-5 enthusiasts and gained many friends through out the world. It was an utmost pleasure as a designer.

I am proud to say that the MX-5 is the first Japanese car to gain the true citizenship wherever it was sold throughout the world. As a proof, MX-5/Miata was chosen as the Top 10 iconic cars in the past 25 years by the Businessweek in June. And it was chosen, along with RX-7, as one of the 100 most significant cars in the 20th Century in 2001, voted by global journalists.

The Message, 'JINBA_ITTAI' (Horse and Rider are one), the hardware, and 'Inspired Sensations', the hardware, from a maker side, have been communicated to owners and being resonated back. I am overjoyed to see our special relationship has made this event at Miyoshi possible.

Thank you again for your continued enthusiasm. I am looking forward to many more milestones in the future.

Always Inspired,
Tom Matano