Driven by Passion: Kazuki Furusawa and the GT-R Legacy in Paradise

As a Nissan GT-R specialist, Kazuki Furusawa was able to turn a long-time dream into reality when he opened CRAFT SPORTS in Naples. Today, his showroom connects American enthusiasts with the cars they fell in love with through classic video games like Grand Turismo, Need for Speed and Midnight Club. Once available only in Japan, CRAFT SPORTS now makes these iconic sports car legends available here in the U.S –including a curated lineup of Skyline GT-Rs and other iconic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) models.

meet the man behind craft sports

"My name is Kazuki Furusawa, the President and CEO of CRAFT SPORTS. Our business model focuses on selling right-hand drive JDM cars, specializing in Skyline GT-Rs. It has been 5 years since starting this business in America."

But Furusawa's story doesn’t start in Naples. It began over two decades ago in Japan, where he became a GT-R specialist and launched the CRAFT SPORTS brand in 2011. "I have been in this business for 24 years. In Japan, I gained various experiences as a GT-R specialist, and I really wanted to expand into the US."

He chose to officially open the showroom on a symbolic day: November 23, 2020, affectionately called "Good Nissan Day" in Japan, thanks to a play on the numbers 1-1-2-3, which can be read as "ii Nissan," or "Good Nissan." It felt like puzzle pieces coming together perfectly.

a business born from enthusiasm

When Furusawa decided to pursue his dream, he had a personal mission: connect directly with the GT-R fans who had long admired the car from afar. "Among [the customers I sold to], there were many GT-R enthusiasts from overseas, including the United States, who visited Japanese stores to purchase GT-Rs. This created a significant increase in opportunities for business."

Eventually, the timing aligned. Thanks to the 25-year import rule – a federal regulation that allows vehicles at least 25 years old to be brought into the U.S. – iconic models like the R32 GT-R could be legally sold in the United States. "In particular, the R32 GT-R had had its regulations lifted, so when we first opened, the showroom was mainly the R32 GT-R models on display."

why naples?

While scouting locations, Furusawa considered Los Angeles and Texas but landed on Florida’s Paradise Coast for both practical and personal reasons. "When I landed at the airport, I thought, 'This could be where we open our business, and maybe I could imagine myself living here.' It felt like I could see my future."

He chose Naples, in particular, not just because of the registration-friendly laws, but because it felt right. "Even though I didn't know the names of places like Fort Myers or Naples at the time, there was something about them that resonated with me…I just felt like this was where I belonged."

a perfect fit for paradise

Florida’s Paradise Coast welcomed CRAFT SPORTS and its fleet of GT-Rs with open arms. "There are so many exciting cars driving around, including luxury sports cars and high-end imported vehicles. I think many people here enjoy the car culture and seek that sense of uniqueness, including the idea of having their own original vehicle."

And that sense of originality? It's part of what makes a GT-R so eye-catching. "The right-hand drive alone already attracts a lot of attention, and on top of that, it's the GT-R, which is Japan's pride. The car that represents Japan, the GT-R. That is special and unique. I think that really resonates with car enthusiasts."

a lifelong love

Furusawa's admiration for the GT-R runs deep. "I've loved the GT-R since before I even got my license. When I was just a student, there was a commercial for the R33 GT-R, and the message 'in our country, we want to be proud of having the GT-R'... I've always admired this commercial, and I think that's where it all started."

He still carries that same pride today. "When I talk about my collection, I’m proud that even today I’m able to work in a field related to the GT-R."

Though he once had an R35 GT-R in Japan, he sold it to focus on the U.S. business. "When someone asks me about my collection, I always think of the cars here as my collection, so this is all my collection."

And as for a personal favorite? That honor goes to a classic. "What really interests me is the Gunmetal R32 GT-R. The first GT-R I ever owned was a Gunmetal R32 GT-R, so I have a lot of fond memories of it."

why it matters

Furusawa finds the greatest reward in sharing his passion with other car lovers—people who truly get what makes the GT-R special. "The GT-Rs we display in our showroom—there's something about it that doesn't lose its luster even when crossing borders. The raw power of the GT-R just comes through. That's something you don't find in many cars."

And Naples? It's a place where car culture is appreciated, the climate is ideal, and the future looks bright. "Everything I saw looked so bright and cheerful. I love the heat, so this climate, with the sun shining brightly, really suits me."

For GT-R fans and car lovers alike, this corner of Southwest Florida offers something one-of-a-kind: a chance to purchase rare imported JDM models and connect with like-minded individuals. For collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone chasing their automotive dream, ONLY Paradise will do.