Toyota GR Yaris Slays the Slopes in a Delightful New Video

A Winter Wonderland

The Toyota GR Yaris is a snow-loving machine, and when you throw some winter tires on this hot hatch and find yourself an empty parking lot, you’re in for a treat. And who better to team up with than Japanese superstar Yumi Matsutoya, aka “Yuming”? Together, they’ve created a charming new video that showcases the plucky three-door hatch’s abilities on the snowy slopes of Japan.

A Musical Match Made in Heaven

Matsutoya is a household name in Japan, with 38 studio albums to her name and a record-breaking 18 consecutive years with a No. 1 album on Japan’s recording charts. She’s also the brains behind the annual “Surf & Snow” concert series, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this weekend at the Naeba Prince Hotel Blizzardium resort. And to mark the occasion, Toyota has released a video featuring Matsutoya’s music, perfectly capturing the joy and excitement of winter sports.

Timeless Winter Fun

The video takes us back to the 1980s, with its retro styling, cassette tapes, and intentional low-quality footage. It’s a loving nod to the past, and who knows, maybe even a hint of nostalgia. And while it would have been awesome to see a real Celica GT-Four make an appearance, we’re happy with the GR Yaris’s stylish new livery, promoting the 45th Surf & Snow event.

A Snowy Sendup

The video is actually a sendup of a 1987 Japanese romantic comedy, “Please Take Me Skiing,” which featured automotive stunts on the slopes involving Celicas and Corollas. And, fun fact, Gazoo Racing is staging an event of its own alongside Matsutoya’s concert at Naeba, where attendees can get a demo run with rally driver Norihiko Katsuta behind the wheel of a Yaris WRC car, or take a ride-along in a GR Yaris on the powder.

Now, If You’ll Excuse Me…

It looks like I’ll be jetting off to Japan next week for the event, and who knows, maybe I’ll even make a few movie appearances on the long flight there. Wish me luck!