Diplomacy on Wheels | Article

The solar beamed down warmly, abnormally robust for an October in The Land of the Rising Solar. Rows of vehicles meticulously aligned so far as the attention may see, neglected by the acquainted Gundam, guardian of the Odaiba space – host to the seasonal Stancenation Japan, a world-famous customized automotive present. It’s hotter immediately than it usually could be this time of 12 months; nonetheless Jimmy Williams stands proudly beside his 2015 Mercedes S63 AMG, a glossy beast wearing a hanging matte gray coat. That is Stancenation Japan, a world-famous customized automotive present, and the seasoned Navy veteran and present Chief of the Technical Assist Department on the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers—Japan Engineer District, is showcasing not simply his automotive, however a lifelong ardour that bridges cultures and breaks down limitations.

Initially from Gary, Indiana, Williams arrived in Japan in 1991 aboard the united statesS. Blue Ridge throughout the Desert Protect and Desert Storm period. That is when his fascination with vehicles started, however it wasn’t till after leaving the Navy in ’96 that the interest became a ardour. “Across the early 2000s, I began attending automotive exhibits round Tokyo, Fuji, and Hiroshima. It’s only a interest, however one which’s landed me an entire neighborhood.”

Selecting to stay in Japan after his navy profession, Jimmy discovered his area of interest in IT contracting, initially at Camp Zama, supporting tech wants throughout navy bases and embassies. But it was his deep dive into the native nightlife, working safety at golf equipment frequented primarily by Japanese locals, that really honed his cultural understanding and fluency in Japanese.

At Stancenation, Williams comfortably bridges the east-west cultural divide. Fluent in Japanese, he welcomes curious locals to discover his automobile, effortlessly switching between Japanese and English, prompting smiles and laughter throughout. “Automobiles are like music—they communicate a common language,” he remarked, including, “I get pleasure from seeing folks’s reactions. I think about myself an extrovert, however there’s at all times a little bit of shyness.”

Household additionally performs a component in Jimmy’s car-centric life. Married with two daughters, he fondly refers to his youthful one as sharing his enthusiasm, whereas the older one prefers totally different pursuits. Laughing, he remembers, “I had a two-door coupe earlier than, however household life requires one thing extra sensible. Now, that is our household journey.”

Jimmy’s AMG is not your common luxurious sedan. It’s one-of-a-kind—the one matte gray U.S.-spec S-Class AMG in Japan. With its highly effective twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive engine able to hitting sixty miles per hour in nearly 3.6 seconds, it is clear why heads turned. Jimmy admitted with an easygoing smile, “It nonetheless wants a nickname. I am open to recommendations.”

By his involvement in automotive tradition, Jimmy not solely shares his ardour but additionally represents the private face of American dedication to the Pacific alliance.

Right this moment, Jimmy performs a necessary position on the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers—Japan Engineer District, a corporation important to America’s protection technique within the Pacific area. This district manages in depth engineering, development, and logistical tasks, guaranteeing U.S. forces in Japan and all through the Pacific stay ready and resilient. Jimmy’s contributions by way of the Technical Assist Department are integral, guaranteeing clean communication and operational effectivity throughout all engineering missions.

His approachable presence at occasions like Stancenation strengthens bonds, fosters friendships, and deepens cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Jimmy Williams proves that diplomacy is not at all times formal—typically, it is as easy and highly effective as a shared love for vehicles.