Japanese rock guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, known for his iconic riffs and international collaborations, was recently spotted in London driving a MINI Cooper convertible. The sighting highlights the musician’s continued presence in the city and offers a glimpse into his personal style. Hotei’s connection with the British automaker stretches back to 2012,demonstrating a longstanding affinity for the brand’s design and engineering.
Japanese Rock Icon Tomoyasu Hotei Spotted Driving Stylish MINI Cooper in London
Tomoyasu Hotei, a prominent guitarist in the Japanese rock scene for decades, has been based in London in recent years and continues to maintain a global presence. Beyond his musical endeavors, his choice of vehicles has also garnered attention. Recently, Hotei was seen driving a compact luxury car through the streets of London.
On October 7, 2025, Hotei shared a photo on Instagram of himself driving in London, accompanied by the caption “Driving in London.” The image, set against a clear London backdrop, features him behind the wheel of a convertible. Based on the interior design and roofline, the vehicle appears to be a third-generation MINI Cooper.
Developed under BMW, the MINI Cooper is a premium subcompact car known for its iconic circular headlights and circular design elements throughout the interior. The model offers a range of options, including the One, Cooper, and Cooper S, catering to different driving preferences. The One and Cooper variants are powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, with the Cooper (gasoline version) delivering up to 136 horsepower. A 1.5-liter diesel version is also available for the Cooper, while the high-performance Cooper S boasts a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine for a more dynamic driving experience. This reflects a broader trend of automakers offering increasingly sophisticated technology in smaller form factors.
Despite its compact size, this “small luxury car” incorporates BMW’s latest technology, making it well-suited for urban environments. Hotei’s connection to MINI dates back to 2012, when the company released a Coupe/Roadster special edition inspired by the guitarist’s guitars, both inside and out. The limited-edition vehicle appealed to both music and automotive enthusiasts, signifying a unique relationship between Hotei and the MINI brand.
Source: “布袋寅泰”の愛車““小さい”高級外車”どんなクルマ？ “似合う”“助手席に座りたい”声も集まる“英国車”とは
Original Reporter: Aota Kai
Original Photo Gallery:https://kuruma-news.jp/photo/985340
More Information: KURUMAのNEWS (https://kuruma-news.jp)
