5 questions with Jon / Kanashimi
If somehow you haven't seen Jon's work by now via Kanashimi, you’re missing out immensely. Jon is easily one of the most talented guys behind a camera in Melbourne's car scene and his work is an absolute testament to that. I wont go on too long here because this is a big one so without further ado, 5 questions with Kanashimi.
First things first, what was your initial introduction to cars?
I'd say a mix of PS1 (Gran Turismo and Ridge Racer) and the F1 being on the telly at my Grandparents when we would go over for roast on Sundays. The mid to late 90's made for some pretty amazing sights and sounds on track.
That being said, what are you driving or working on currently?
Man, there's a list. I daily drive a new 86 and am looking to sell it soon to make way for a shitty old Nissan. I can't wait.
I have 2 ED Civics. Probably the car I'm most known for is the Canon livery smoke show on wheels that I track every chance I get. I have a D16A8 that's getting dual carbs that'll go in hopefully early next year as well as a new livery, cage and some other surprises planned. The other isn't running but long term will be B16A2 and hopefully a daily.
Next up the Celicas. I have an RA65 that I finally found a clean bumper for, it's been impossible to find one. That will get paint and eventually I'll get coils. Then I have an RA23 that's currently had a full engine rebuild with a few goodies. Just waiting on engine bay paint and then a list of the last few bits for roady, fingers crossed it'll be slapped on H plates and out sooner rather than later.
Then there's the 200B. The cream machine. Half slow, half rust. It makes noise, looks cool, in dire need of a 5 speed and some carbs.
Finally I got an AH Civic that was meant for the little man but judging by my friends struggles with parts, I'm thinking about moving it on and finding something that'll be just as fun but much more accessible. I'd love to have him competing in events as soon as he's old enough.
So what to you is Kanashimi and what is the motivation behind it?
Kanashimi for me is just my way of dealing with life. I had a lot of shit going on and I used it as a means to grow, learn and connect. Very much the opposite mindset of where I was when I started. Since starting projects, trying new things and working with many creatives across Melbourne and interstate I've built some strong friendships, helped others where I could and learnt a great deal myself along the way.
What can we expect to see from Kanashimi in the near or far future?
I've got a shit load of plans. Plenty of people I'd love to work with. I want to explore, see new places, meet new people. I'd love to revisit places I've been (*cough* Japan *cough*) just to show how much I've improved since buying a used SLR camera from the 80's and knowing nothing but the joy of wanting to capture the cool stuff I've been lucky enough to witness.
So I guess simply, expect to see progress in my work and for me to be working with some rad artists.
Finally, any last words or shoutouts?
Way too many people. First up Matt, you support me more than anyone and without you I wouldn't still be shooting my favourite camera after my body died at Classic Japan. You're the best friend a guy could ask for and the world needs more people like you.
Pete and Damon from Ikigai Camera for helping me out with all my dumb questions, helping all my photos look as good as possible and always smashing expectations on dev times.
Karol and Lochie for helping create some rad times with plenty more to come through SanPi SanPi!! and also helping me push my work to new levels with the quality they bring to the table as creatives. Hugo aka Tenorfifteen for all the artwork and the brainstorming, big things coming from us soon.
Jordan from Eye to i for being the massive cutie that he is and the joy he is to be around and to anyone and everyone who likes what I do or inspires me in any way, thank you.
Lastly, thanks heaps for letting me answer these questions and for the Nardi and hangs. Super keen to watch what you guy's get up to under the Shinzo Garage name!
- All photos via Kanshimiphoto
-Shinzo Garage 🤍
