Japan’s Weirdest Car Meet?! We Visit Mad Renault Kangoo Festival

For over a decade, Japan has been hosting the world's largest gathering of Renault Kangoos. Yes, really!
And while the inaugural event attracted just a few hundred fans, in this 14th year of the Kangoo Jamboree, there were nearly 2,000 Kangoo models on show and more than 5,000 visitors.
One of those was Top Gear Magazine’s Tom Ford, who joined the thousands at the foot of Mount Fuji to discover why these Japanese owners and enthusiasts are so passionate about a small French van with sliding side doors.
Over to Tom, in a very sodden field…
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:00 History
02:07 Chat With Kangoo Owners
05:18 Chat With Frédéric Bourene
07:06 Conclusion
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[@TopGear]

Is the Kangoo the ultimate can-do car?

[@diogofaustino4348]

I've got a Kangoo 4x4 and it really is the ultimate everything car. Handles like a Clio, has heaps of space for work or camping, peppy little 1.6 petrol engine with 5spd manual and the 4x4 just means you'll be overtaking all the Transits that are stuck in the snow when winter's here. Mine has got steelies and knobblies and it won't say no to a bit of mudding now and again.

[@09RadBoy]

The kangoo is the ultimate car

[@DaciaSandero_1.5DCi]

kangoo ftw

[@user-qn9vs3ie3g]

I like kangoo, but CITROEN BERLINGO is the proper thing!!!

[@RideWithRen]

The Honda Element bears it, I think so. The Kangoo does have more exciting colours.

[@0990ftn]

Here’s my take, as a Japanese. Japanese commercial vans, especially this size are boring. They’re boring to look at, they’re typically in white, black or grey, they’re boring to be inside, let alone drive one, because that’s not what these vans are designed for. So Kangoo, with round design, comes in all shades of colors were like a breath of fresh air, it was van like we never seen before, both practical and fashionable. And Japanese loves it ever since.

[@boxoffisa]

I believe you. But what about sienta. In past three years I saw Toyota making it round and give more colors. I think probox/succeed which they stopped making, is better van than kangoo.

[@user-xp4zf1hd1o]

別にカングー持ち上げるためにそこまで日本車こきおろさんでもええやんけ

[@gabrieldegois8687]

The fiat doblo would be nice coloured

[@silverelgrandlow6298]

​@@boxoffisa The Sienta is nowhere as nice to drive or as capable as the Kangoo. As "van like" as the Kangoo is, it handles, drives and feels a much more solid product than most if the van offerings from Japan esp as speed. Additionally, the Kangoo has character, rather than the typical work or kei vans in Japan.

[@boxoffisa]

@@silverelgrandlow6298 I looked at sienta again. And honestly I was wrong, admittedly. It just looks cute but others it’s not as good as Kangoo. Driving is not good as kangoo.

[@kyouai7882]

I drive a Kangoo in Japan. I like it for its pop design, spacious cargo area, easy-to-handle body size, nimble manual transmission, and smooth ride-features not found in Japanese cars. I plan to continue cherishing it for years to come.

[@josemorenoporras7506]

What engines are available in Japan for the Kangoo? Totally agree the Kangoo is a very well rounded car/van/utility vehicle,very versatile. New vans of that segment felt very refined and well put together in general. I know the Citroen/Peugeot counterpart,the Berlingo/Partner. Cheer from Spain.

[@CuoreSportivo]

i'm sure they are equally surprised why people in USA spends thousands to import a kei van and gets very obsessed with them.

[@justmechanicthings]

I don't think you'll see such large a single model gathering quite like this though in the USA

[@user-cr4sc1ht9t]

R32 too for that matter

[@CuoreSportivo]

@@user-cr4sc1ht9t no R32 is a legit sports car. a honda acty on the other hand is just a small van.

[@ktcworks]

I heard JDM Nissan Figaros have a huge fanbase just like this in UK.

[@CuoreSportivo]

@@ktcworks figaros are adored everywhere. that car is unreal, yet it is very real.

[@unknown_0364]

カングーは日本の道に合うサイズで、何よりKawaii フランス人は良い車を作りましたね Vive la France！

[@Gunlaugur]

フランス人として、気に入っていただけて本当にうれしいです！カングーは私の最初の車です！日本万歳 !

[@beardbewithyou2068]

I love how their fandom doesn't have to do with who's got the most horsepower, top speed or biggest pricetag. It's just a big contrast to western car culture

[@YouTuber-ii9tq]

向こうだとカングーってただの商用車だもんね 日本で言うところのエブリィとかハイゼットカーゴの愛好家が集まってるみたいな感じかな

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

One of the best cars to begin the van life, and it’s no surprise that japanese people like them, they have those uber cool kei vans, but since they are everywhere in the country, they tried something different from elsewhere and found out the kangoo is perfect for the purpose. They also are massive fans of the VW bus and several other quirky european cars.

[@Reddsoldier]

Fully this is the Japanese equivalent of driving an Nissan Elgrand in the UK.

[@gymusen]

This is both the equivalent of an American Car in Europe and a Japanese one in America, and we love to see those

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

@@gymusen yep, we all love some foreign quirky cars.

[@silverelgrandlow6298]

As much as the Kei vans are cool, assured that they really don't drive as well as the Kangoo.

[@timobruin617]

Kangeese. A group of Kangoos is called a Kangeese

[@cologist]

I prefer kangaroos, I know it makes no sense but I like it

[@simracingeverythin5832]

@@cologist Well, it actually makes all the sense, since that's the origin behind this model's name.

[@TopGear]

@@cologist We'll 'hop' on that idea

[@cologist]

@@TopGear That would be greatly appreciated!

[@shobin05]

This doesnt even look like a car meet. It just looks like a group of random people just came to the same spot and they happen to be driving the same car. 😂 Love it though

[@Angry_Squirrel555]

Well, to be fair it’s was pouring rain down. So there’s that side to it. I imagine it would’ve been different otherwise.

[@MrLense]

Basically all a meet is haha

[@Carsaddiction]

Definition of a meet

[@gregchambers943]

Em, sounds exactly like a car meet you've described!😂

[@rlinkandroidauto-xe9sg]

So...a car meet? 😂 I am actually surprised by how many showed up and the enthousiasm while it was pouring down like that. These are true fans.

[@ChatDuTiex]

In France you can stop by a similar event. The only difference to notice is the event is not a Renault Kangoo enthusiasts meeting, but a random brocante le dimanche matin absolutely anywhere in France

[@sirskorge]

I love Japan. Such a nice culture and people.

[@Angry_Squirrel555]

I love the ever so slight quirkiness in places you don’t expect.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

you NPCs forced mass imports of illiterates on them, destroying their culture

[@Pyjamarama11]

* great swathes of Asia turn scarlet biting their tongues

[@calebknipp4817]

​@@Pyjamarama11they're jealous

[@mystisith3984]

What a lot of brands don't understand: People love to build communities and have a special relationship with their utilitarian vehicles. Basic, cheap and functional but with just a dose of "why so serious?". We call them ludospaces which roughly translates as "playground vehicles" because with some imagination, you can do a lot of activities with those relatively small things thanks to the cargo volume. It was the Renault 4L of its generation.

[@kevinDMC12]

as a Frenchman i'm astonished about that i never knew the existence of a festival for kangoos lmao

[@chrispark4310]

Love the retro look with steel alloys and chrome hubcaps

[@tovape]

That's amazing, always loved the communities like those

[@mancavehobbies6213]

I have a 2005 Renault Kangoo 4x4 mpv . She's my daily driver and love her.

[@diogofaustino4348]

Same here😁

[@elvis1745]

that`s a cool car

[@numberstation]

One of the best cars I’ve ever owned. My Mk1 was practical and totally reliable, with winter tyres the high ground clearance meant I never got stuck in the snow or mud, with a roof box and bars I could take a load of holiday gear and boards to the coast. Brilliant motor.

[@AccidentalGenius158]

They're all probably like: "grr we don't like berlingo's"

[@sythan_]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH as an owner of both cars , i find this hilariously true

[@xxrs2009]

@@sythan_ Which one is the best?

[@mr.dabl3ide134]

Imagine a couple of berlingos raid in the kangoo festival xD

[@theskig]

Ahahahah😄

[@meganers96]

Renault > all

[@zero-samu5756]

フランスのKも日本のKも世界中を笑顔にするんだ🤓

[@tatsuyan51]

実用品というだけでなく それを越えた愛着が芽生えているからだよ クルマに魂が宿ってなければ、これだけ多くの人たちには共感されない

[@user-ue5fv1kq7u]

Now imagine a Renault Twingo festival!

[@miaugato93]

I am shocked something like that doesn't exist already, the first gen was always the closest thing to "kawaii" ever made by Europe. Would fit Japan like a glove. Get it painted in cute colors, pose with a maid outfit next to it, profit

[@user-ue5fv1kq7u]

@@miaugato93 perhaps there aren't many in Japan, and that place is took by Mazda Miatas!

[@miaugato93]

@@user-ue5fv1kq7u Ah yes, the classic.

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

That’s a club I would love to join!

[@FemboyTrain]

The 3rd generation is pretty popular actually

[@ktcworks]

Many Japanese Kangoo owners prefer the rear double door versions they lineup, because no other Japanese cargo cars of this class have it. Double door is mostly for commercial trim in France but its with passenger trim exclusively for Japanese market.

[@LAL2434]

For the 3rd Gen Passenger Car the Double doors are also available in Germany for an extra 150€.

[@MegaRetr]

I love Japan. Such a nice culture and people)))That's amazing!

[@jasonbernard1277]

I love Tom’s quirky Japan videos - keep them coming!!

[@ThirteenMatt]

Japanese people: "The Kangoo comes in yellow, so nice!" French People: L A P O S T E

[@blm7929]

Depuis des décénnies, si tu as une voiture jaune tu as une voiture de La poste, si tu as une voiture rouge tu as une voiture de pompier, si tu as une voiture bleue tu as une voiture EDF, si tu as une voiture orange tu as une voiture de la DDE... 😂

[@ifrit35]

Mais oui c'est clair.

[@blobba5442]

This reminds me of how many of the JDM Nissan Figaros ended up in the UK despite not being sold here and developed a cult following.

[@justmechanicthings]

Makes a lot of sense why JP love them in retrospect, with Kei trucks and mini vans being generally very popular.

[@kadajawi2]

Actually in some markets the first generation Kangoo (the one that was sub 4 meters long) was available with a third row of seats. I had one of those, it was brilliant. The third row was more comfortable than many other cars with 3 rows of seats, and there was still space for some luggage. It's weirdly fun to drive too. Also, I really want that shirt!

[@RoobehTunes]

Kangoo Jamboree is a great name. Well done to them all showing up in that rain!

[@aquantity8955]

Reminds me of why the old Chevrolet Astro minivan was popular in Japan. If I recall, they would import even old ones and convert them into RVs.

[@AbrahamArthemius]

Don't forget the Dodge Van (Dajiban) sub-culture as well. Heck, some of them even modified those big vans to do some fun drift days.

[@FrancisLitanofficialJAPINOY]

Right Hand Drive converted in Thailand.

[@DANNYonPC]

What a lovely weather

[@user-ro1ed8rt7s]

They like the Kangoo because it is a sweet spot between the small kei truck and the bigger vans. (And it is cute)

[@kieranjamieson]

This is probably Japan's LEAST weird car meet. And you can't even begin to explain why Renault is desirable in 21st century Japan without mentioning Nissan.

[@BAKU2K2]

Probably just a case of Paris Syndrome.

[@diveshwarsaravanan1355]

I did not know they made newer Kangoos. There's a yellow Kangoo in my residence and it's been there in the 16 years I've lived there

[@niklaswejedal463]

Not an MPV - CDV: car derived van. MPV= Scenic, Espace and other models that were only passenger cars with no van-version. Anyway - this is heaven and proof cars can be cool for other reasons than top speed, horsepower or 0-100-figures... The other day we had a AMG S63 in the garage at work. I could not care less - then we got a Kangoo and I was like "waaaaaant this!" The endless possibilities! Great car!

[@RideWithRen]

It's like a French Honda Element!

[@callum-jim-p]

Brilliant... kind of wanted a longer video!

[@vitorpassos309]

A proof that there's no need to have a sports or exotic car to enjoy the car culture. Japanese are really something.

[@Kivikesku]

You might want to check out videos about the Festival of the Unexceptional. It's a car show for ordinary family cars from the 1960s to 1990s, in Britain.

[@vitorpassos309]

@@Kivikesku yeah, i know of the FotU and its amazing.

[@ashliehiggins]

I spent most of my childhood hiding in the boot of a Kangoo.

[@carltonleboss]

I've seen the odd Kangoo on British roads. Never would have expected this, though.

[@jamaljames2578]

Always watching from Georgetown Guyana south America 🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@PedroSantos_83]

It's no weird at all, people that love cars, love them regardless of the brand, type or status. It's car people enjoying their passion.

[@oopsloops8380]

私は自動車ファンってわけでもなくて、ルノーのKangooと言われても知らなかった。ただ日本のイベントをあのTOPGEARが取材してるって事からこの動画を見たんだけど、この車って日本的なセンスがあるような気がする。 私達日本人って、多分、働ける車が好きなんだ。それがどういうセンスか知りたければ、多分HONDAのオートバイ、カブを見るとわかるとおもう。この車はそれでいてCOOLなんだ。私も見ていて好きだなって思えたけど、この車を嫌いって言う人はきっと日本人にいないよ。

[@andrewjones-productions]

「この車を嫌いって言う人はきっと日本人にいないよ」。これはちょっと言い過ぎです。好みはそれぞれなのでしょう。

[@user-si7so1kb5j]

わたしルノー自体がイマイチ・・＠元プジョー乗り

[@ktcworks]

@@user-si7so1kb5j ルノーはかつて国営企業だったので、ダサいイメージがつきまといがちですね。

[@ktcworks]

カングーは、花屋とかペットショップが使う「オシャレ商用車」が出発点だった気がします。観音開きリアドア仕様が日本でウケるのもも、実用性と、商用車としての記号をファンが好んでいるから。 日本でもいくつかハイルーフ系バンが売られてきましたが、ミニカトッポ以外ウケはイマイチでしたね。

[@chapel976]

the rain or shine dedication of this made me super happy.

[@minibus1351]

How weird, yet amazing

[@wtfwtf89]

With this car, You Kangoo wrong.

[@mackadresse6095]

I Bought one after watching the jamborree, now I am a JDM Hip ands my wife loves it!

[@keithronson2624]

As always, regardless of subject matter .....Renault Kangoo??.....Mr. Ford delivers! Sublime journalist and content. And very wet!! Pouring rain! Thank You.

[@marcusingram522]

Had a Kangoo Maxi van a few years ago, cracking little vehicle which never let me down in the 100k I put on it

[@petrolhead28]

In a world of stupid SUV's the kango reminds us what can be done with a car and persevere with it. Better food than a uk meet

[@74CarFan]

English man comes to Japan 🗾.. to see... Rain ☔😂

[@heitorbernardes7977]

That's so weird! **Proceeds to search for good condition Kangoos in the area**

[@davidjohnrees]

I can't quite believe what just happened. An advert for Tom Ford just preceded this video. Seriously. 😂

[@rendy5092]

I love my Kangoo, we camp everywhere across Europe in it, fits everything you need. 1.6 engine is speedy enough as well.

[@TatsunaIikase]

カングーっておフランスのルノーにしては気取ってない感じで好き 日本人の「こういうので良いんだよ」ってのを体現してるんだろうな

[@dannyhilarious]

However you forgot to mention, that Renault is together with Mercedes ad Nissan in the Auto Alliance, which not only shares some few parts, but whole platforms and drive trains. Therefore the Kangoo is almost some sort of domestic car, which could also being produced by Nissan entirely or at least outta CKD-kits.

[@meganers96]

But the Kangoo is the big brother of them all. It has the most personality.

[@dannyhilarious]

@@meganers96 Without any question!

[@ambergris5705]

I mean the Kangoo definitely has a lot of personality for a small utilitarian vehicle like that. I remember when they started to sell the BeBop version with the retractable roof, it was definitely a unique concept, but it suited the Kangoo really quite well

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

I swear the BeBop was a 1 of 1 concept, no?

[@ambergris5705]

@@Danse_Macabre_125 so, there was indeed a concept, but there was a production version, but they only sold 1400 of them, I just checked. I don't know in which markets either, at least in France

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

@@ambergris5705 I stand corrected, thanks

[@ambergris5705]

@@Danse_Macabre_125 to be fair, the concept was more striking than the production version, especially considering how little were built. I remember being fascinated by this quirky machine, but I forgive and understand that the rest of the world wasn't!

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

@ambergris5705 It's one of those cars I now really want even though I shouldn't want one (see also: R63 AMG), although since it's a Kangoo I'm guessing many have been used and abused. It's a people carrier with a retractable roof and not built by the TG trio, so I suppose that's what makes it special

[@duemilagt6396]

This is truly a uniquely Japanese "otaku" culture. Groups like this exist for each individual car model of other manufacturers, and often hold offline meetings on weekends. In general, if you choose a commercial vehicle in Japan, the Toyota Hiace is by far the best. In terms of functionality, toughness, and good resale value, it is unmatched.

[@LAL2434]

I bought my first Kangoo this week. My wife and I love our Kangoo and to be honest, we can handle it better, than our smaller Clio. I only can agree with the lady in 3:12. There are maybe better car brands in the world, but in our case we had good experience with Renault.

[@davidmulligan42]

I hope it was warm rain, at least!

[@Anonymous_world5000]

Japan is amazing, Japan is the leading country in technology and robotics, and I love Japanese culture too. Japanese people are so kind and friendly. 🇯🇵😊

[@yeonichannel]

Japanese alway sneaky people and The economy is failing. And it's a war criminal country and a defeated country in World War II. 😆 😂

[@yeonichannel]

Trollboy 😆 😂

[@Anonymous_world5000]

@@yeonichannel Triggered Hyundai fanboy following me around now? Lmfao 🤣

[@yeonichannel]

@@Anonymous_world5000 we know you are troll boy 😆 😂 😆

[@yeonichannel]

@@Anonymous_world5000 trollboy 😄 🤣

[@remnbig31]

Basically they brought their French style to the designee to a car. And they got a winner.

[@user-xs7ms5el4l]

In fact, I’m living in japan and Friends of mine own the one as family car. I see kangoo anywhere.

[@mixon_39]

Kangoo feels like the original iMac, Bondi Blue, popping up amongst Japan's boring black and white commercial vehicles.

[@untitleditem2334]

Interesting choice of clothes given the weather. Very thoughtful.

[@fabianmarcoschau]

In germany a kangoo is actual kidnapper car

[@georgewade278]

Much want for a Kangoo Trekka now.

[@someguy9520]

My family always owned a kangoo We had them from the very 1st gen. 2nd gen worked fine We currently use the 3rd gen. Great on diesel consumption, good load capacity, but not too large to park in most cases Maintenance is usually not too complicated or expensive They are somewhat loud though traveling at 130km/h and have very soft suspension making them handle like a boat

[@lordnill997]

i think that umbrella represents me.. doing its best .. but still failing. but still surviving

[@KarlBaron]

As someone who grew up in Sweden where yellow Kangoo = mail carrier van, I turn my head whenever I see one here in Japan

[@stefanleonardo9734]

Next door is Dacia Dokker Fest. 😂

[@Xayuap]

yeh, but bring someone without a condescending tone who actually love useful cars to do the presentation.

[@Kangoo_2005]

Long Live Renault Kangoo!!

[@clarinetbubbleface8655]

Sure Japan’s cars seems weird to us only because our landscape is mainly flat and our national was developed 300 years ago, whereas Japan was developed centuries ago, so their roads are much smaller because automobiles were a later invention to their time.

[@SimonBauer7]

there are wild tunes of these, people put 172 clio rs engines in these, one guy did a 225 megane engine, and the furthest gone one is one with a turbo clio 172 engine and 343hp since the first gens are basically clios with different bodys you can engine swap them to insane levels.

[@coscorrodrift]

I love em. Nice video but a bit too short to my liking. Would've liked to see some more special ones. Shame they didn't show any Kangoo Be Bop, those are extra quirky. Surprised no one with one made it there

[@urbanstrencan]

Tom great video love your view on cars and car culture , keep up with great work ;)

[@vicentedacosta]

Kangoo is a lovely car. Sad that they dont sell the passanger versio. around here (Brazil) any longer

[@garagecedric]

RHD kangoos are very common here in Sweden aswell, but as post delivery cars. Not the nr1 car you think of as an enthusiast car, but people are into all sorts of stuff, why not :)

[@fahrenfreude]

I did not know until now that right-hand drive cars are used as postal delivery vehicles in Sweden. From Japan.

[@garagecedric]

@@fahrenfreude so they can put the mail in the box, they can easily reach out the window:) cars like the kangoo are cheap and useful aswell, since they already exists in RHD as special order.

[@dsoi1398]

they are almost all yellow because this yellow is called "Jaune La poste" which is the mail sending system in France. La poste asked more than 4 000 000 Renault Kangoos to Renault.

[@andrewevolution472]

Why 2023 edition ?

[@JiisuriG3]

Who picked the Yuru Camp kinda BGM for this? It's brilliant.

[@kemalemrahsahin]

I have a kangoo. The best car ever for families

[@riccardo-nr4]

Tom, I started and then I ended up watching it all because of your facial expression 😂 And if you can't beat them 😂😂

[@Turgineer]

I didn't know Renault was sold in Japan. This is so interesting. I guess Renault isn't just in North America.

[@Alext165]

Excellent small Top Gear video and could this guy step into the main show if it comes back to BBC? He’s good! Come on BBC make it happen

[@noriyukitakano2366]

I drove Renault 4 for 21 years until last year in Japan. That's why Renault Kangoo looks a large van to me 😄

[@davidjones332]

It's just a brilliant piece of design, a latter-day Morris Traveller, but moreso. Mine is twenty years old, has 220k miles on the clock, and it's the most all-round useful vehicle I've ever owned, which is why I have hung onto it for ten years and won't part with it until it falls apart....and yes, it's yellow!

[@user-fx5uh5hs9j]

My hobby is mountain climbing, so I find KANGOO very useful.

[@charlieverity5405]

Got a nice sense from this that Japanese people are rather similar to the British…

[@philippe-lebel]

I'll be glad to bring my Kangoo at this "festival" but the travel could be a little expensive :)

[@agnostichuman7369]

People want whatever is far away. In Europe, a jdm car or an old Honda Civic is the car everyone wants, but Japanese people don't even care about Honda Civic.

[@esparauto]

It is Kawai thing. Kangoo looks and even sounds cute.

[@tusharsharma7513]

So no one is gonna talk about his French + Japanese English accent?

[@promethenatv5217]

ils ont tellement de voitures magnifiques, ils ont créé un club de nos poubelles! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JohannesGalansson]

2:20 Have you ever heard the VW Transporter or the Mitsubishi L300?

[@ncrlel3223]

新生トップギア初めて見たわ

[@alabardaspaziale3208]

I love my 2001 blue kangoo 🚙

[@petrolheadfrombr]

Neko even has a magazine dedicated to the Kangoo