With the twist of the key to Signal's Sil-180, Komatsu changes from Charlie Brown to Charlie Manson. We wanted to see what makes Drifter X tick, and with the help of Signal's manager and translator Yumi Mano we learned the gospel according to Komatsu.

Super Street: Could you please tell us how you learned the drift?Fumiaki Komatsu: I started drifting when I was 19 years old and mimicked the drifting skill of the top drivers with my first car, an AE86.

SS: What is Osaka Style in regards to drifting?FK: It means to be absolutely outstanding and f**king powerful! Everything about Osaka Style is over, over, over the top!

SS: That's pretty far over the top. Why did you become interested in drifting?FK: I felt the excitement deep in my soul the very first time I went to the mountain pass where people drift.

SS: How did you get so good at drifting?FK: When I was learning I would go drifting every day! I wanted to be good at drifting more than anything else. In those days I also crashed my car at least once a day.

SS: Aside from the not-crashing thing, do you have any advice for people who wish to learn how to drift?FK: Don't be scared, and practice hard! Also, you have to basically have a love for drifting. Just go out and do it!

SS: Which cars are best for drifting?Komatsu: Any car is OK, but FR [front engine, rear-wheel drive] cars are better as they are easier to control.

SS: What modifications are needed to set up a drift car?FK: The LSD is absolutely necessary! The engine does not need too much power, as it is easy to drift with medium speed. We build our drifting cars for medium speed.

SS: Thanks, Komatsu. And sorry about that wet spot on the passenger seat.

By John "A-La-La-La" Naderi
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