Toshi Hayama provided technical consulting for The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) and Fast & Furious (2009), working with director Justin Lin on automotive and drifting authenticity.
Tokyo Drift (2006)
Toshi’s work ran from pre-production through the red carpet release. His JDM INSIDER documentaries, D1 Grand Prix MC work and appearance in Discovery Channel’s “The Drifters” had brought his experience to the attention of executive producer Clayton Townsend.
The early screenplay contained technical inaccuracies in driving dynamics and drifting technique. Toshi worked with Justin and a network of drivers, mechanics and technicians to bring the real drifting world into Hollywood’s realm of make-believe.
With the cars as the stars, his work included script review, technical input on the parking lot and canyon stunt sequences, and pedal and shifting shots as a driving body double. At Justin’s request, he also made two small cameo appearances.
Toshi spent close to six months at the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot on green-screen post-production work and one month on location in Japan. The experience and relationships helped Stage 10 develop its creative and media work.
Fast & Furious (2009)
Toshi worked with Justin again as a technical consultant on the fourth film. His involvement focused on consulting rather than being on set for the full production.
