A long journey always begins with a short one

Text: Ivo Kroone - Photos : autozine.nl & Renault

Photo: The more colour, the more the Japanese like their car. They have taken to the French Kangoo en masse.

It may be hard to believe, but the Kangoo has become a cult car in Japan. The annual Kangoo Jamboree, now in its 14th year, is a must.

After months of planning, a fourteen-hour flight and a three-hour drive, we arrive at the Renault Kangoo Jamboree 2023 site, where the first participants are already arriving in a colourful procession. It is raining incessantly, turning the site into a huge mud pool. But this does not bother the Japanese kangoo enthusiasts. Some have travelled thousands of kilometres to share their passion for the European model.

They get out of their Kangoos with big smiles. The fact that their shoes immediately fill up with muddy water is all right with them. They see the bad weather as a wonderful opportunity to make the most of the Renault's versatility. Tents, canopies, food, drinks - in short, everything they need for an enjoyable day's camping can be found in the large cargo area.

Conversations soon reveal that the Kangoo is the car of choice for Sundays and holidays. During the week, many people drive a Japanese product. European cars are necessarily exclusive in Japan. Moreover, there are only two types of family car on the Japanese market. The cheap but small kei cars and the extremely luxurious and expensive seven-seaters. The Kangoo fills the gap in between. 

The average Japanese describes the Kangoo as cute, and this qualification scores much higher than tough in this country. Renault builds the model for the Japanese market in Maubeuge, France, in trendy colours that are very popular there. There was even a La Poste version a few years ago as a limited series in the familiar yellow of the French post office and with the familiar logos. Another special feature is that not only the delivery versions of the three generations of Kangoo, but also the passenger versions have two rear doors instead of a tailgate.

Some visitors arrive at the event site in the special Kangoo Bebop. This brightly coloured second-generation short passenger version is extremely rare, with a production run of around 1,400 units.

There is a lively trade in Japan in accessories to make the most of the interior space and to emphasise the French origins. Just look at the French flags on the wing mirrors and the chrome hubcaps on several examples. A father and son gave their Kangoo closed wheels, a lowering kit, a closed grille and a bright yellow Malibu Surf interior. Two friends decorated the Kangoo entirely for their dogs, writing 'Vis tes passions' on the side of their car. Because there is definitely passion here.

Photo: A very rare Kangoo Be Bop.

One strict rule applies during the event. All trade must be done from a Kangoo, whether it be refreshments, household goods, home-made jewellery or car accessories. Some have even converted their Kangoo into a compact food truck, selling sandwiches and authentic French macaroons at many events. Many a Kangoo has a substantial roof rack which is packed with useful items for a day of events.

Later in the morning, umbrella-wielding spectators gathered in front of the large stage where Renault had prepared a Japanese premiere. It is the extended Grand Kangoo in a passenger version. Heinz-Jürgen Löw, director of Renault Commercial Vehicles, came to Japan especially for this. This extra-spacious seven-seater will certainly be well received in Japan. But please with two rear doors and no tailgate.

Löw explains the decision: "There is a demand for this because of the generally limited space around the car in Japanese garages. By the way, it is worth mentioning that the Kangoo was often parallel imported here even before its official launch on the Japanese market. So there was a demand for the model and Renault decided to adapt the car to the specific needs of Japanese motorists. So no tailgate, just two doors like the commercial vehicles".

Nissan also offers its own version of the French-built Kangoo on the domestic market. But the Japanese don't want to know about it at the event. What is appreciated is that the parts supply is up to standard.

The Kangoo has been Renault's best-selling model on the Japanese market for years. No wonder, given the interest shown by some two thousand Kangoo owners. Renault launches special versions in eye-catching colours on the Japanese market with almost regularity. Purple and pink are very popular in Japan, as evidenced by the fact that these versions sold out within half an hour.

Many consider the Kangoo to be the coolest car on the Japanese market, thanks to a happy combination of feeling, reason and good marketing. Add to that its European origins, its down-to-earth character and its endearing design. This combination of simplicity and French flair makes the Kangoo far more exclusive than a standard sports car or convertible. In the eyes of a people who live by the same rules, the Renault Kangoo is the coolest car in the world.

The weather for the one-day Renault Kangoo Jamboree 2023 was also good. By midday, the clouds had broken and the umbrellas could be put away.