Ryu Asada Memorial Drive: Honoring A Hot Wheels Legend

Ryu Asada

The world lost one its most awesome Honda enthusiasts and car culture figures last month when legendary Hot Wheels designer, Ryu Asada left this world. I personally had the pleasure of having him as my mentor during my summer design internship at Mattel. And in a studio filled with enthusiastic and exuberant personalities on the Hot Wheels design team, Ryu easily stood out.

True Enthusiast

He's known to many Hot Wheels fans, Honda enthusiasts, and the automotive design community for his obsessive love for Hondas and his always distinguishable collection of Honda sports cars. The day I met him, he told me about his S2000, which he drove on a regular basis. I was later introduced to his instantly recognizable NSX, sporting a pace car livery.

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Inspiration to Many

He's meant a great deal to the tight-knit Hot Wheels team, who will undoubtedly feel his absence, and who won't soon forget his impact. I was honored to have been his intern for a short few months, and learned a ton from him. 

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Gone Too Soon

Although he left us at only 42 years of age, he lived a life worth living and left a truly great legacy. More importantly, he touched the hearts of everyone he knew, even those who worked alongside him for a few short months. As emotional as it was to attend the Ryu Asada memorial drive this past Sunday, it was a reminder of how much he's meant to so many people.

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Celebrating His Life

The gathering was organized by the Japanese Nostalgic Car enthusiast group. The large meet of his friends and fans started at the Mattel Handler Team Center in El Segundo, CA, followed by a mapped-out scenic drive around town, and ending at Dockweiler beach. Ryu's living wife and life partner, Hazel lead the group in Ryu's yellow S2000.

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Lasting Legacy

The celebration of Ryu's life also served as a fundraiser for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. We lost him way too soon, but he will surely live on in our hearts forever. Thanks to everyone who came by to help celebrate the great Ryu Asada's memory. Enjoy the remainder of this slideshow of some of the highlights from the gathering.

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Beach View

>>Join the conversation about the Ryu Asada Memorial Drive and Hot Wheels right here in S2Ki.com.

More Highlights

>>Join the conversation about the Ryu Asada Memorial Drive and Hot Wheels right here in S2Ki.com.

More Highlights

>>Join the conversation about the Ryu Asada Memorial Drive and Hot Wheels right here in S2Ki.com.

More Highlights

>>Join the conversation about the Ryu Asada Memorial Drive and Hot Wheels right here in S2Ki.com.

More Highlights

>>Join the conversation about the Ryu Asada Memorial Drive and Hot Wheels right here in S2Ki.com.

More Highlights