【Part 1】INSIDE DRIVER vol.1 Ren Sato - A Close-Up Look at His Off-Day Training. Getting to Know the Driver During a Busy Race Season.

We go behind the scenes with Ren Sato, driver for #16 ARTA MUGEN HRC PRELUDE-GT. This two-part series, Part 1 and Part 2, will delve into his multifaceted personality, covering his training methods, daily life, and passion for racing. In conjunction with the article's release, we've prepared a special instant photo campaign, so please read to the end!

■Q&A: Getting to Know the Real Ren Sato

Sato-senshu arrived in his beloved HONDA CIVIC Type R (FL5). The interview, conducted on the way to his training session, began in a relaxed atmosphere.

――Thank you for today! Your car's color is really cool. And it's a manual transmission, isn't it?
Ren Sato (hereinafter, Sato): I bought the Civic Type R last year. It's a great color, isn't it? I think it's rare for racing drivers to drive manual cars in their daily lives. I also have a Honda ZR-V, which is an automatic.

――To the fans, I'd like to ask you some questions in a Q&A style, including some personal things. First, please tell us what got you into the world of racing.
Sato: It started when I was four years old, my parents encouraged me to try karting. After I tried it, they thought, "He might have a knack for this."

――Four years old! That's even before riding a bicycle.
Sato: I started riding a bicycle after I started racing, but I broke a bone after falling and then went back to racing... that was my childhood. For me, bicycles were more dangerous (laughs).

――Many drivers your age have been racing together since elementary school, right?
Sato: I've been with Yuki Tsunoda since I was six years old. More than a friend... he's an "enemy" (laughs). I don't really have memories of playing together; fundamentally, he's someone I compete against in races.

――What other lessons did you take as a child?
Sato: I did swimming and things like that. I vaguely thought I'd become a driver in the future, so I also took English conversation classes.

――Are you good at Mario Kart too?
Sato: Yes, I'm good. I'm good at judging the best lines and I'm skilled with controller operation. When I play with other racers, everyone's skill level is surprisingly high.

――I'd love to see that! That sounds like a good idea for the next project (laughs). Are you close with the other ARTA drivers?
Sato: We're all pretty good friends. We send each other LINE gifts on birthdays.

――Please tell us about your usual fashion and favorite music.
Sato: I often buy clothes from BEAMS and Maison Kitsune. Today's bottoms are from SHEIN. Bottoms are difficult to choose the right size for, and depending on the silhouette, women's styles sometimes fit better. My favorite music includes popular artists like RADWIMPS.

――What's your MBTI?
Sato: I'm an INTP (Logician). I'm the type that can be annoying to be in a relationship with (laughs). I tend to try to solve emotional issues with logic, so I often get into arguments. Sometimes I can be an INTJ (Architect).

――I heard your specialty dish is curry.
Sato: Yes, I can make authentic spice curry. I also make Neapolitan pasta, omurice, and beef stew. I love to eat, and I'm the type that doesn't gain weight no matter how much I eat.

――We should have prepared a kitchen studio today... Not gaining weight from eating is enviable.
Sato: I eat ramen often, and I'm a "Jirorian," a big fan of Ramen Jiro. I go to Jiro restaurants all over the country. For beginners, I recommend half noodles, light vegetables, and light pork. Also, a ramen shop called Chibakara is delicious.

――Conversely, is there any food you dislike?
Sato: I hate cucumbers the most in this world. Cucumbers are just no...

――Speaking of Sato-senshu, your illustrations have been a hot topic on social media. You can cook, draw, and you're very skilled with your hands.
Sato: I like to draw, and I do it on my iPad. I'm slow, so a complex piece can take me about 40 hours. Aside from music, I think I'm pretty skillful. I'm fast on my feet too.

■Impressions of ARTA Civic-Specific Items

We asked Sato-senshu, who says he mostly travels by car in his daily life, about his impressions of ARTA's popular Civic-specific items.

1. Wireless Charging Smartphone Holder

This holder is custom-designed for the honeycomb-patterned air conditioner vents, a signature feature of the FL-series Civic interior. Securely fastened by a stay, it offers excellent stability while driving.

Sato: The previous smartphone holder I used was also Civic-specific, but ARTA's item has a cool, high-quality feel! It seems good for everyday use.
I basically travel by car, and in Tokyo, many places have poor access to stations, so a car is the easiest. I barely remember any routes and rely entirely on navigation (laughs).

2. Quick-Fit Umbrella Sunshade

This practical item prevents the interior temperature from rising when parked in direct sunlight and protects the dashboard and interior from deterioration. He noted the convenience of its custom fit and one-touch opening and closing.

Sato: It really fits the Civic perfectly. And it's great that it can be installed with a single touch.

In addition to Civic-specific sunshades, we also offer general-purpose sunshades in three sizes. Even if you don't own a Civic, you can try an ARTA-style sunshade. *The general-purpose M size also fits Civic FL series.
S size
M size
L size

3. Door Handle Protector

This item covers existing scratches while protecting the body from new ones when opening and closing the door. It's easy to attach and detach by simply heating and sticking it on, with no tools required, and it blends naturally with the coloring of Sato-senshu's Civic.

Sato: It's great that it's so easy to attach and detach without tools. I try not to scratch my car, so items like this are really useful.

Continue in Part 2!

The training finally begins. And the trainer is none other than... a high school friend! We'll bring you plenty of content, including driver-specific training methods, Sato-senshu from a friend's perspective, and his future goals.
Click here for Part 2

■Instant Photo Giveaway Campaign

13 lucky winners will be chosen by lottery from those who make a purchase, and will receive a signed instant photo taken throughout the day of the interview!

Application Requirements

Customers who purchase a total of 10,000 yen (tax included) or more in one order at the ARTA official online shop.

Application Period

August 19, 2026 - September 1, 23:59

How to Apply

1. Add items totaling 10,000 yen (tax included) or more to your cart during the campaign period.
2. Check the box for campaign entry in the cart page.
3. Complete your purchase.

Important Notes

※ Please note that if the campaign entry checkbox on the cart page is not checked, you will not be eligible for the lottery.
※ Winners will be announced by the shipment of prizes after a strict lottery selection.
※ Prizes will be shipped to the address registered at the time of product purchase.
※ This campaign is limited to residents of Japan and those with a shipping address in Japan.
※ Resale of the winning instant photos is strictly prohibited.
※ Each person may only apply once. If multiple applications are submitted, all but the most recent application will be invalidated.
※ We cannot specify the delivery date and time for the instant photos. We appreciate your understanding.