Last week, I went out East for some work meetings in Toronto and had one evening to myself where I was able to meet up with Nau, his family and team at his shop – Kodawari Collective. For the longest time now (over the last several years, at least), Nau’s shop has been a place that I’ve only seen through pictures and through his retelling of his vision and aspirations for the place. I’ve tooned basically almost everything about the shop – from the interior wash bay, to the outside store front and all the cars that they have around – but I’ve never physically seen the space.

Right after my last meeting, I hopped in an Uber and made my way there. It’s cool to see a place in person after you’ve drawn almost every line, wall and brick of it from reference pictures. For reference, head over to their site and the landing page image is one that I tooned in Kawaii-spec. Many elements of Kodawari Collective were put into toon form and then used on their site – from PPF, the icons, the packages… In the grand scheme of things, my (JTooned) art was really just a small piece of it all and I only ever did what they asked. But when I see it on the site and see elements of it in their shop, it really brings the vision that Nau talks about together so nicely. I’m appreciative and honoured that I can be a part of it – even if in the smallest way.

https://www.kodawaricollective.com/

Nau and his team are very passionate about what they do and it’s hard to find that in a business these days. It’s either about money or about fame and clout but they’re really just there to do what they love to do and to share that passion with everyone else. You’ll kind of see what I mean as you make your way to the end of the post.

Anyway, I apologize for the lackluster shots – I didn’t bring my camera so my iPhone had to do the work.

Probably the coolest thing in their shop was this scale model of a TE37. Made by Rays, forged and using the same material as a real TE37. It was actually unreal. Nau even took it out of the case to let me hold it LOL. BOI… let me tell you, the urge I had to steal it was mad high. LOL

Even came with a scale model box too. So legit.

Another of the coolest things to me was seeing Jtooned stuff scattered around their shop. Specifically these two colouring books. For the most part, when I sold these I didn’t know where most of them went or what happened to them… For all I know, some could be in the recycling. I personally cherish my own copies because they are the first test prints that I had and have some misprints or errors so I consider them to be “limited edition” to me.

Nau and Sherry display these in their front office. Both told me that absolutely no one is allowed to touch these LOL. So honoured!

More Jtooned pictures around the shop…

Their wall of automotive-inspired goods and accessories

Another cool thing that they have is this apparel spot with – you guessed it – more Jtooned stuff. That shirt in the front is one of my favourite designs to this day. Sitting right next to the Bearbrick design and of course, Kodawari’s designs as well.

 

On the other side of the office, some detailing supplies for sale that they’re looking to begin building up so that customers can walk in and grab as needed.

The customer waiting area is rather fancy with lots of automotive memorabilia and other things to see while waiting.

On the back wall of the waiting area is somewhat of a vision board. A vision of what Nau wants the shop to eventually be and it features sources of inspiration from all around the world – boutiques in Japan to storefronts in the States that have been recognized as places as the “go-to” destination to stop by when visiting.

The vision for Kodawari Collective is rather unique because it’s a detailing shop, but Nau wants to expand it into a space that can be shared with other enthusiasts – where car meets can happen, where people can come and buy cool and unique automotive goods and accessories… Or in simpler terms – a Collective – hence their name.

In the back shop – they were just washing the NSX in preparation for the meet later that night.

A cool little Naruto/Perler bead display.

A wider view of a bit more of the back area

One of Nau’s cars – the S2000 that is still a work in progress. When I initially tooned it, I think it was still stock, but it’s coming along nicely.

Nau’s Varis widebody FK8. This one was the highlight for me because of obvious reasons. The fitment and execution was perfect. I’ve yet to see one in all black besides Nau’s.

   

Fitment on the TE37V’s

Wiping the NSX down… Nau was my Uber for the night and I’d never actually been in an NSX before so I was pretty stoked. Needless to say, I want one…

Nau was gracious enough to wine and dine me for my first Omakase sushi experience. I’d seen it but never thought to go because I never really knew what it was about. Nau asked me before coming what my last meal would be and I said sushi. Believe me when I say that this was probably the most delicious meal I’ve ever had in my life. I was talking about it all night haha

Thank you for the awesome dinner, sir!

After dinner, on our way back to the car – we saw this gentleman parked right beside in his Mini Cooper smoking his cigar and admiring the NSX. I’m not going to bore you with the details of the discussion but it basically ended like this – Nau asked if he had ever driven in an NSX before, to which he responded no. Nau proceeded to invite him to the shop on the weekend so that he could give him a ride. Nau has given countless rides to customers and friends in his NSX which is really rare to see. I don’t even like giving people a ride in the Type R and that’s not even exciting LOL.

One thing that Nau said that stuck with me on our way to the meet was that he didn’t look at cars as objects to not be driven. He wants to drive them and enjoy them. Listen, I know everyone says it but most of the time, their cars are garage queens anyway. I’m the same way – I want to enjoy it but I’m also too stuck up to want to ruin it. It’s a terrible thing LOL. Nau is the only person I’ve met that talks the talk and walks the walk in regards to that phrase. If you ever get the chance to be in and around the Kodawari Collective area, pop in and say hi. I promise you that you will be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated and welcoming bunch. Tell him you want a ride in the NSX too 🙂