Roses On Your Piano - The Kei truck phenomenon

This short film is not about Donald Trump or Taylor Swift its about Japanese mini trucks. Why have Americans become so obsessed with these tiny trucks? How much are they willing to spend and what will they do with them when they figure out how to operate a right hand drive vehicle? What wheels and tires are those? Don’t worry, it will all be clear after watching the video so prepare yourself for the ultimate ASMR experience that can only come from the sights and sounds of a 660cc powered Honda Acty and Suzuki Carry in the forest.

[@cathy4800]

Awesome videography! I 1st viewed this knowing it would be a diversion from previous vlogs but this was beautiful in so many ways. The music..whimsicly profound, it made me smile ..but it worked. This piece makes me want to see more!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thank you! I wanted to do a recap of the past trips to compile footage for one video but decided to add a different style to it. It was fun to edit and I’m glad you liked it!

[@dlmurray55]

​​@@OlympicOverlandhey I know your brother has diff lock, how often do you guys use it? Also does your Honda have it? Reason why I ask is because I was looking at a Suzuki or a Honda. I rarely ever go off-road but just not sure if it's really needed. I have two options on the Suzuki that one's basically brand new looking and the others a little used with Deff lock

[@ExplorethePNW]

I just rewatched all your Kei truck videos, and this? Wow. What an incredible way to recap the past adventures. I love your videos man. You and Mike create such awesome content. I hope you come back to making more, but if not, until then keep getting out there in the PNW. 😎👍🏻

[@joshuaclark647]

Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee keep making videos!!!!!!!!

[@OlympicOverland]

Ha ha thanks Josh! I have a bunch of footage to dive into so hopefully getting started on the next project soon.

[@pierremaltais6465]

@@OlympicOverland hi you have a honda acty your brother have a suzuki carry in your opinion wich one is the best for off roading and really cool video by the way

[@nigelcox7477]

Great trip overview… the music added a surreal quality to proceedings. Love the pooches chillin’ out in the back!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Nigel! It was a fun project arranging all of the footage and nice looking back at some of the trips. I had to stop at 20 minutes so the video wouldn’t be too long but lots more footage to go through for future videos. 👌

[@jacobdiotte9150]

This is awesome!!! Me and my best friend are planning on buying one of these each and were gonna build campers and go overlanding with them! It just looks so cool!!

[@granitecolorado]

This was an amazing video Andy. I was happy to see you come back and deliver a beautiful piece. Awesome to see your brother, Stacy and your son and dogs. I enjoyed this video more than anything I've seen in months

[@stacyhodgson1051]

Those are such kind words! I know he was feeling a little bit burnt out and it took a lot for him to get back into making videos. I’m trying to keep him motivated to keep putting out more content. I just might be a little bit biased, but I think he does some pretty amazing stuff.

[@OlympicOverland]

I really appreciate that! When I started this video I wanted to do something that was a bit different, there are a lot of mini truck videos out these days so was hoping to put all of this together in a way that would give it a different perspective.

[@granitecolorado]

@@stacyhodgson1051 Anyone who's had any time here on this planet, knows quality people when they see them. You and Andy are really great

[@stacyhodgson1051]

@@granitecoloradothat warms my heart and I got pretty lucky finding someone like Andy. He’s brought so much adventure to my life. And let’s me bring home a pack of dogs too 😅

[@granitecolorado]

@@stacyhodgson1051 I know you're right Stacy, Andy's lucky too. Good men and good women are pretty rare these days. I've been a fan of Andy from the beginning. And you have a really cute personality that adds to what he does

[@Swamp-Fox]

Nice cinematogopraphy! This makes me want a Kei truck even more!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! Lots of fun, Kei trucks make most things more enjoyable ha ha!

[@JimmyNewCakes]

Thanks for this! Though I've seen most of the original videos already, it's quite a beautiful recap of it all and inspiring to go take my truck out for some nice little adventures.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks for watching and the nice comment! I hope you have some great trips in your truck as well, happy holidays! 👌

[@Grateful.For.Everything]

So f’n good! Damn ya’ll do some fantastic work, super enjoyable video!!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thank you, comments like this inspire me to keep making videos! 👌

[@bobmoore8321]

Great video one of the best mini truck ones I've seen makes me want to get one even more

[@OlympicOverland]

Thank you! They are fun vehicles and I’ve used it more than I had ever expected. Lots of fun times and it’s helped make work more enjoyable as well 👌

[@allanperryman388]

Great to see you and the family are well! You have had some amazing adventures. I love your pups ❤. Thanks for the video.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Al! It was great to see you at the shop recently. Definitely stop by next time you are in the area, you need to drive the Acty 👌

[@kirbythomas5468]

Amazing adventures…never stop the best is yet to come👍

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Kirby 👌

[@svenanderson403]

That was a great recap of your adventures. Thanks for sharing!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Sven! 👌

[@quarlow1215]

Very cool. You guys have had a lot of fun with those mini's.

[@OlympicOverland]

They even make everyday chores and work fun ha ha! Thanks for watching 👌

[@harryfritter8266]

That's was a spectacular video Andy. I'm so glad you're back. Gilstrap and smashchan get me through, but you're adventures are the best.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks man, it’s great to hear from you too! I hope you had a great summer. We were busy and it went by too fast but I did get a lot of footage to edit so starting on a new video soon 👍

[@granitecolorado]

I basically took 9 months off because of some tragedy and the trucking market. But I've been making the best of it and enjoying beautiful Colorado and going to the mountains everyday. Maybe someday I can go to your area and see some of those places and bring my minibike. Maybe we could go riding one day. Hopefully 2024 will be a better year. I forgot to tell you. I have 3 phones for my business and subscribe to your channel with all three to help your algorithm

[@OlympicOverland]

@@granitecolorado thank you! Let me know if you make it to Washington for a mini bike rip someday 👍

[@frasertones8519]

These are truly go anywhere vehicles and by that I mean, if you put an amber light on the roof and wear a high vis vest you could literally drive this thing through your local park or slowly down a busy sidewalk.

[@lesterwest5512]

Best yet bud ! Always good!!

[@therealrealshocker]

This is absolutely beautiful ❤

[@michaeldavison430]

Wonderful video!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Michael 👍

[@pokechopachunky2905]

I'm so glad you're back Andy. I thought maybe because of the financial crisis that you weren't coming back. I had to trade in my smartphone for an older rotary cellphone. With a 75 pound backpack battery I can skip leg day now, so silver lining 😢 I love this video, you have transcended into another realm. Well done

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! I’m definitely back ha ha! It’s been a busy summer but I have a bunch of footage to start editing and a new mini bike engine project so lots of stuff in the works. I need one of those monster cell phone batteries to tote around too, it will keep me in shape! If times get a bit tighter I may go back to sending smoke signals and passenger pigeons but will keep the videos coming, cheers! 👍

[@apollo280zx]

Absolutely loved it! Great recap of memories made and a taste of the level of fun to be had with a small truck, some wilderness and your family. Thank you for sharing!!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks Dan! We just got back from a trip through Bend Oregon and I have footage from a bunch of previous trips to edit so hopefully getting started on the next video soon 👌

[@apollo280zx]

@@OlympicOverland whenever it comes we'll be ready to watch. No pressure. Really dig your content.

[@stephanelachance6195]

Man...the music made it sound like you guys were dead and someone made a video of your last adventures !!! hahaha !! but apart from that I liked it so much , I'l watch it again. Thanks, supper well made!!

[@OlympicOverland]

Ha ha back from the dead!!! One of my favorite comments so far, thanks for watching! I have another video in the works so hopefully posting again soon.

[@midnite-chowboy]

Excellent video, really sharp. The black and white really expresses the mood of the PNW, dark, wet, depressing at times but so damn beautiful. Watched this an hour after you posted it. Back again for another viewing. Fits in so well tonight because it is dark and raining in the PNW but not depressing. Half way through Five Easy Pieces popped into my brain. Thanks for an outstanding video.

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks for watching and the great comment! Also, thanks for reminding me that I need to watch Five Easy Pieces again, it’s a good one 👌

[@fidoexpeditions9366]

I understand the obsession. Black and white as well as the music selection were really nice. Thank you.

[@ifixit172]

I enjoy the mini truck videos. My mini truck is still a work in progress but they are fun to wheel around in for sure and draw lots of attention.

[@OlympicOverland]

Great trucks! Thanks for watching 👌

[@DEADB33F]

Great fun little trucks. I have a similar-sized Jimny that will go pretty much anywhere bigger 4x4s can get. Any plans for an episode or series detailing the construction of the camper backs?

[@OlympicOverland]

Jimny’s are awesome! I will be doing more videos on the camper this winter and can include more details on the build process and things that I have learned from this particular project. 👍

[@johnpoe5569]

Love your videos amigo!!!

[@OlympicOverland]

Much appreciated man! 👌

[@HitokiriRaiden]

I love these little trucks wish they was road legal here in kentucky but sadly not.

[@OlympicOverland]

It’s a bummer that some states don’t allow them to be registered for road use. Maybe you could register one in a different state and bring it into Kentucky? Some of the Kei truck groups on Facebook have registration info and tips. Cheers! 👍

[@HitokiriRaiden]

@@OlympicOverland Sadly they basically fall under farm equipment or utv's so pretty much dont matter if the cops pull you over in one no matter if its legal somewhere els they will fine you and impound the vehicle, so its a huge hassle and makes no sense because you can drive a rusted beat to death geo metro anywhere but here a kei truck is no good lol.

[@harryvanvliet881]

Great video compilation! Watching this was how I chilled out last and into this year enjoying the superb imagery, audio, music and diverse scenery you share here. Truly works like this are an inspiration to get and use a Kei truck or van for pleasure and utility, I'm working with my Sambar today and hope to squeeze in a joy ride later too.

[@OlympicOverland]

I hope you have many fun trips with your Sambar in 2024, thanks for watching and happy new year!

[@aleckelsey402]

Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks for watching! 👌

[@bt6266]

Excellent

[@OlympicOverland]

Thank you 😁

[@jhonycakes]

Man I was researching Kei trucks but I think these videos sold me! Now I gotta figure out the details

[@OlympicOverland]

My best advice would be to drive as many different models as possible and you will know when you find the right one. They all have such a different feel from brand to brand. If you will be using it on the trails often then try to find one with a rear differential lock if possible and don’t get confused by “axle lock” that is just a front axle engagement for 4wd instead of having manual locking hubs. Here is a link to a video of driving some different truck models when I was originally looking for a Kei truck. Good luck and let me know what truck you end up getting 👌 Buying a mini 4x4 JDM Kei truck. Test driving the Suzuki , Honda , Subaru and Mitsubishi. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJrIfKWObK5sn5o

[@Scrambler85]

Just came over from your brother's channel and subscribed. The Honda looks like a lot of fun. 👍

[@talonstips]

The shot with the drown overhead next to the creek was awesome!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks T! That was a cool spot, I love that section of river. That shot was taken with my Autel Evo drone, unfortunately that drone was wrecked pretty bad recently so I need a new one ha ha!

[@sjackson99]

Well done!

[@OlympicOverland]

Thank you! 👍

[@giovanny4316]

New to the channel, great videos, I’m so close to getting a kei truck but my only concern is where to get the parts and mechanic to work with them.

[@nicoverrocchio3623]

Love your videos! I have my Attack coming in a couple weeks and was wondering if you had any tips on finding new trails?

[@OlympicOverland]

Congratulations on your Acty Attack, they are great trucks and you will love the diff lock with low gearing. My tips for finding new trails and routes would be to get a decent atlas of the state that you are in, I prefer the Benchmark brand atlas’s because they seem to have the best and most accurate dirt roads. I also prefer the layout of the atlas, once you get used to their flip system and rear page lookup things go really fast for finding locations. Combining the Atlas with the Gaia or On X GPS app is a great pairing and makes navigating really accurate. If I had to choose though I would take a paper map any day but the combination of GPS is very helpful. Good luck! Here is a link to the Benchmark atlas that I like, they sell them for all states. www.rei.com/product/189290/benchmark-maps-washington-road-recreation-atlas-9th-edition

[@nicoverrocchio3623]

Thank you very much! I will definitely be doing that.

[@ytJnC]

Oh no. The side window in the camper was left open in 10:51. 😮 Hopefully it didnt’ snag on anything.

[@stacyhodgson1051]

Nice catch ha ha I don’t think it caused any damage. He ended up noticing a little while later 😂

[@OlympicOverland]

Ha ha yes, good eye! That is an emergency escape hatch window that I had salvaged from an old camper. The latch got bumped by something on the bunk while we were going through a large ditch. Fortunately the window was okay and our sleeping bags didn’t fall out! 😂

[@Daniellloydbmx]

Beautiful! What camera gear are you using?

[@OlympicOverland]

Thanks! I used an old Panasonic G85 with a 25mm F1.7 prime and 12-60mm, GoPro Hero 10 Black, IPhone 14 pro and a Sony ZV-1F but wouldn’t recommend the Sony because it has some glitches with stabilization/rolling shutter that nobody in the paid reviews talk about but both of the cameras that my brother and I bought seem to have the same issues. Cheers!

[@user-yi8pk6ch7i]

キャリーとアクティで悪路どっちが強いのか検証してほしい！

[@OlympicOverland]

My brothers Carry works really good off-road and both trucks are really comparable. We both have rear differential locks now and are running the same tires so that helps to keep them similar on the trails. I might make a comparison video of both trucks this winter when the trails get muddy. 👍

[@RyanLarivee]

What are these like in 2wd? I just bought one from a Japan auction

[@OlympicOverland]

2wd is about the same as most other pickup trucks but at least the Kei trucks are light and easy to get out if you do get stuck.

[@kunalsingh_yt]

*Awesome video but why it was in B&W.* 🤨 _Watching from Bharat_ 🇮🇳✌️

[@OlympicOverland]

Bharat that’s cool! Thanks for watching. I started editing it in B&W and just kind of liked how it went together and looked. I used old and new footage from trips to make the video and some of it was shot on older cameras so it was also an easier way to make all of the different videos match without doing a lot of color correction. 👍

[@nicoverrocchio3623]

What lift and tires are you running?

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi Nico, the tires are Forceum MT08’s on 13” Honda Civic steelies. The 2” lift is from a fellow on eBay that makes them in the U.S., he occasionally posts kits as he builds them. Most of the 2” kits on the market are pretty comparable to each other. I wouldn’t go much higher than 2” with the lift because CV joint angles start getting pretty steep. In this video I show the tires a bit and mention the lift: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ-pfKagj9WnqZIsi=Tr1Go9sC0QTQ848I

[@nicoverrocchio3623]

@@OlympicOverland thank you very much! Just picked up my attack yesterday and can’t wait to start modding it.

[@OlympicOverland]

@@nicoverrocchio3623 Attacks are awesome, enjoy!

[@easyriderkei]

what did you say at 4:17 たすけて〜？日本語に聞こえました

[@OlympicOverland]

Hi, I said “yeah (yes) that’s too deep” referring to the depth of snow. After that I said that I was going to lock my rear differential to pull the stuck truck out.

[@easyriderkei]

なるほど、日本人の僕には、thats too deep を　助けて　と聞こえました。 私は、ハイゼットジャンボの4ｗｄを所有してますが、山道を走らないし、デフロックも使用したこと無い 貴方は冒険家だ

[@OlympicOverland]

@@easyriderkei 😂ha ha we definitely needed help at that point of the trip! I wish I could speak Japanese, I have always wanted to visit Japan. The Hijet Jumbo is a great truck and very rare to see in the U.S. especially with a diff lock. We typically only see the standard cab version. I have seen pictures of the Diahatsu Super cab Kei trucks as well but they are so rare here that I have not had an opportunity to drive one. Cheers! 👍

[@muratec]

デフロック👍❇️❇️❇️

[@OlympicOverland]

Yes! One of my favorite features on the Acty. That differential lock has gotten me in and out of some great locations over the years. 👍