A Japanese music producer’s dream of owning a luxury sports car ended in disaster just moments after it began.
Honkon, a 33-year-old producer for the Japanese idol group Chocorabi, had spent a decade saving up to buy his dream car — a Ferrari 458 Spider. But within an hour of taking it out for its first drive, the car burst into flames on Tokyo’s Shuto Expressway.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 16. Honkon had just taken delivery of the red Ferrari and went for a celebratory ride when he noticed smoke. At first, he believed it was coming from a nearby vehicle. But after that vehicle drove away, he realized the white smoke was actually billowing from his own engine.
He immediately pulled over, exited the vehicle, and called emergency services. Firefighters arrived at the scene, but the blaze had already caused severe damage to the car.
Honkon later shared a photo of the burning car on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “I think I’m the only person in Japan to have experienced such trouble. I spent 43 million yen ($306,000), and all I got was this photo.”
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police reported no sign of an accident. Investigators believe the fire likely originated in the engine compartment, though the precise cause remains under investigation.
While emotionally and financially devastated, Honkon expressed relief that he escaped unharmed. “I thought it might explode. I’m just glad to be alive,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread sympathy online, with many praising his calm reaction despite the heartbreaking turn of events.
