Elon Musk recently posted a sentimental video footage of him driving a Tesla Model S to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which made many smile.
Originally shot in 2015, the film shows Musk and Abe interacting in a playful and animated manner while the Prime Minister was in the US on a state visit.Abe's sincere and happy response to the electric vehicle ride demonstrated his interest in and respect for cutting-edge technology.
A rare look into the interactions between tech innovators and world leaders outside of formal settings, the moment showcases a fusion of diplomacy, innovation, and personal charm.
In order to demonstrate the features and capabilities of the Tesla Model S, Elon Musk personally drives Abe through a restricted course in the video.
Abe's enthusiastic answers, giggles, and obvious delight demonstrated his admiration for innovative and sustainable technologies.
Both political analysts and Tesla fans around the world will remember the event because it was a rare occasion where diplomacy and cutting edge engineering came together.
This incident happened during Abe's official visit to Silicon Valley in 2015, when he visited with numerous tech executives, demonstrating his interest in sustainable energy and innovation.
The Tesla ride was more of a casual, personal highlight than a formal policy gesture, even though the state visit's main goals were to improve US Japan relations, particularly through technology cooperation.
In September 2025, the video reappeared, attracting attention for its nostalgic value as well as its contrast to Musk's recent scandals, which include safety issues with Tesla cars and his political involvement with President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In sharp contrast to the many controversial public encounters Musk has had in recent years, fans and onlookers praised the sincere, happy exchange that was caught on camera.
