- Belgian dealer Mazda St-Michel and Gisele Racing unveiled a one-off Mazda MX-5 RF.
- The MX-5 Kabuki Town features a unique livery inspired by Japanese pop culture and tradition.
- The exterior design took 510 hours of work, including the original drawing by a Mexican artist.
Gearheads universally love the Mazda MX-5 because it does what so many bloated, overhyped vehicles today can’t: deliver pure, unadulterated joy without making you take out a second mortgage. But apparently, some people looked at the MX-5 and thought, “You know what this needs? More fluorescent dragons, derailed subway trains, and kabuki masks. Oh, and let’s make it glow in the dark.”
More: 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata Gains New 35th Anniversary Edition
Meet the Mazda MX-5 “Kabuki Town,” a bizarre, graffiti-inspired art car that’s either a love letter to Japanese culture or proof that humanity has finally run out of ways to waste time. Created by Belgian dealer Mazda St-Michel and local company Gisele Racing, this artsy roadster was transformed with the help of two contemporary artists.
The project is based on the MX-5 RF, as the reclining hardtop provides more canvas for the artwork. The vibrant livery, resembling a wild graffiti piece, draws inspiration from Japanese pop culture and ancient traditions, all while honoring Mazda’s country of origin.
How to Spend 510 Hours Painting a Miata
The original design was conceived by Mexican artist Eric Lopez, with Belgian artist Boris Sandron handling the adaptation and application to the MX-5’s bodywork. The original drawing took 300 hours to complete, with an additional 100 hours for design adaptation, 100 hours for painting, 5 hours for sanding, and another 5 hours for varnishing. When all’s said and done, a total of 510 hours were poured into this art car, so the future owner should probably do everything they can to avoid any fender benders.
Highlights of this art piece include the famous Godzilla monster on the hood, accompanied by a derailed subway train and a Japanese dragon along the profile. Multiple explosions, stars, and colorful elements fill every inch of the bodywork, alongside kabuki masks referencing traditional Japanese theater.
What makes the livery even more special is that it changes under black light. The glowing effect, made possible by the use of fluorescent paint, makes the dragon and the explosions pop out in the dark.
The Mazda MX-5 Kabuki Town is equipped with the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G powertrain, which is the only option available in the States but is no longer offered in Europe due to emission regulations. The four-cylinder engine generates 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque, sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential.
Want It? Hope You Have $75,000 and a Great Story
According to the Belgian dealer, the one-off Mazda MX-5 Kabuki Town will embark on a six-month tour across Europe. Prospective buyers can make their offers, starting at $75,000. The winning offer will be chosen based on both the amount and the exposure, meaning those hoping to display it might have a chance to purchase it at a lower price.
If $75,000 feels like a bit much for what is essentially a Miata in cosplay, don’t worry. Mazda St-Michel is also working on the MX-5 Geshi, a limited-production model inspired by the Japanese calendar. No word yet on whether those will also glow under black light, but hey, hope springs eternal.
