The Story
Aloha, It's Asher here
I'm not the best writer, but I hope you’ll connect with me through my blogs. I’m involved in many interesting activities behind the scenes, and posting vlogs on YouTube is quite a bit of work. I’d like to expand my content and try new things that I wouldn't normally do.
The Love for 90's JDM Nissans
To those who know me, what's up? And to those who are new, nice to meet you! My name is Asher Uchiyama, and I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. My passion for cars began when I was just 3 years old, and I’ve never lost interest since.
I don't know how to explain, but I was always super influenced towards 90's JDM specifically Nissan. It was a dream of mine to own an R34. As age progressed I gained the passion for drifting. I grew up watching Drift Tengoku and Option video on Youtube that I slowly got sucked into that drift scene. I started collecting a bunch of Drift Tengoku magazines with money that I barely had in elementary school.
After moving to Hawaii in 2011, I got my driver's license as soon as I was of age and after going through 4 cars, this is what I drive now. 1993 Nissan 240sx hatchback (180sx RPS13 US SPEC). I bought it from a grampa that bought this car brand new. I fell in love with it and bought it on the spot when I went to go check it out. It was always the dream of mine to own a white hatch; btw I'm a hatch guy haha. Slowly building towards what I love which is Type X kouki style.
Story Behind the Name "Hiddenpalmtree"
Growing up, I was bullied because I was categorized as "different" than any other average boy. It is tough when your interest does not align with other people and eventually become a target for people to hate.
I self-taught myself during my hard times that one day I will be someone who can influence people who struggled with being different that felt like they do not belong anywhere like how it was for myself.
Finally able to get my own car, started hanging out with new friends that I met through cars. It was great until didn't work out at the end. At this point, I was losing hope that I won't ever be included in the group because I felt like I was incapable of establishing friendships.
As I decided to leave the island for good, went to Arizona for a year, came back with a different mindset. I was more motivated and independent. One day, I was going through YouTube and found Krispy Media. That is when I knew I wanted to be a cinematographer. As someone who grew up with art background, I was always interested in the creative field.
I was doing car photography from time to time and shooting short travel videos was something that I was also doing on my phone for fun. But anyway, I decided that I want to jump on.
When I was trying to settle for a name. I did not want to use my name for my establishment. I wanted to be low-key and on down low. Hidden and secretive. Because I was fearful that people might come after me because I was scared that people may not find me as someone who wants to be associated with.
Trying to see me from alter-ego stance point. Going through an identity crisis, came to the conclusion that I wanted to represent Hawaii and myself. Palmtree was named because I just like palm trees and I think palm trees represent the vibe that Hawaii has. Finding the word "Hidden" was came after going through a newspaper and matching every single word on the article with the word "palm tree" and when I came across the word "Hidden", something just clicked.
I knew this name will just make everyone say "hIdDen pAaLmtRee" as If I being mocked on the name. But it was different and original. Does not really overlap with any other mainstream automotive accounts on Instagram. So It was perfect.
Later, when I was trying to find Japanese spelling for the name and came to the realization that the word "hidden" and the Japanese word "hiden 秘伝" are almost identical. "hiden 秘伝" in Japanese basically means, secret/unknown legacy. Which just fits right into the meaning that I was looking for. This was the completion of meaning behind the name "Hiddenpalmtree"
The name "Hiddenpalmtree" represents "Hidden gem that grows into originality and turns them into a legacy".
It was just right.
I know that I come from a background that I didn't like. But now, I feel like I am myself and feel like I can finally express myself the way I want to.
I also know that people who might be wanting to get to know the story may or may not find this relevant.
And that's okay.
This is my story and anyone who feels relevant is because you are who you are. and you also have a story to tell.
And I want you to know that even the sky is falling down, I want to be there for you and make sure you feel like you belong somewhere.
So that is where "Hideenpalmtee" is growing towards. You are the part of the reason why indifference and originality that you have makes you amazing. Supporting your originality is what we are all about.
Because one day, you will be who you want to be and unstoppable.
"NEVER BLEND IN STAY HIDDEN AND ORIGINAL"
Mahalo for coming to my storytime.
Love yall <3
Watch this video for more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi7klQDrFi8