Living in Iceland, Japanese tuner cars were always a rare sight. The only way I could really enjoy them was through movies in The Fast and the Furious franchise and games like Need for Speed.
But when I was 21, I moved to Sweden and that opened up a whole new world of automotive opportunity. My photographic journey started in 2019, right around the time the very first Japdays event was announced.
The event’s name really speaks for itself; Japdays is a day (or in 2019’s case, a weekend) for celebrating modified Japanese cars. It’s held at Mantorp Park, less than two and a half hours’ drive from Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, and features everything from a show to time attack and drifting, attracting the country’s finest modified Japanese cars.
2020 was a different year for everyone. There is no avoiding that truth, but in Japdays’ case, no spectators were allowed into their event. That said, with so many people entering show cars and racing machines, the September event still felt very much alive despite the situation the country – and rest of world – faced.
If you’re familiar with Mantorp Park, you’ll know that beside the track there is a huge open paddock space, and this area was packed with cars. It didn’t matter what it was as long as it was Japanese, so that attracted everything from old school JDM cars to crazy builds like this tube-framed Toyota KE70 that featured on Speedhunters last year.
I’m a sucker for old Japanese sedans and this Toyota Crown Deluxe was nothing short of awesome. Under the hood sits a single-turbo 2JZ-GTE boasting around 500hp, but its owner, Nicke, has plans of going well over 700. There’s a lot to this car, so I think it’s best I keep all the details for a full feature. And yes, it shoots flames – if you’re into that sort of thing.
It’s not the only interesting car Nicke has in his garage either, and I’ll get to his other one a little bit later.
This early Mazda RX-7 was something I did not expect to see. The only modification I could spot was the Ferrita exhaust system, but there might be some more secrets under the hood. Who knows…
My highlight of the weekend, however, was having the whole track to myself on Sunday morning. The reason? I really love golden autumn sunrises, so it was only fitting to take photos of these two GT-Rs. The clouds settled in quite fast when we caught a glimpse of the sun, but that did not stop the fun.
Like most Skyline GT-Rs in the country, both of these cars were modified by Sweden’s Skyline guru, Tommy Hammar at TH Garage. Of course, Tommy owns one too (an R32 GT-R), but his is not quite ready for the street yet. Trust me though, it’s pretty wild, and I’ll bring you that story as soon as the Skyline is done.
Back to the two GT-Rs in question though…
The R32 GT-R is packing 624whp thanks to an RB26 built and modified by Tommy. With a big single HKS T51R Kai turbocharger in use, everyone on board is guaranteed a good time when full boost hits.
Inside, things have been kept simple and clean with Kevlar seats from Corbeau, a Personal steering wheel and MaxxECU digital display.
The exterior upgrades are limited too, but I’m sure you’ll agree that they’re very effective. The front lip is from JUN, the side skirts are Nismo items, and the rear end features an N1 Gurney flap and Fujimura Rocket Dancer lip spoiler. Furthermore, the Skyline has been fully resprayed in a fresh coat of its OEM 326 Crystal White color.
Finishing things off nicely are a rare set of Nismo LMGT1 (by RAYS) wheels measuring 18×9.5-inch at all four corners, which have been customized with new spike hardware and gold-painted inner barrels.
Like the R32 GT-R, the R34 GT-R’s RB26 was also built and modified by Tommy. With 713whp at 2.1bar (31psi) boost, high performance is also guaranteed.
Despite all that power, both the interior and exterior remain stock save for a Nismo 300km/h dash cluster, Z-Tune front lip, carbon extensions on the wing, and a set of bronze RAYS Volk Racing TE37 SAGA wheels.
As the event progressed, I began noticing a few off-road vehicles around the place. Having completely forgotten that Mantorp Park has a dirt track, I quickly rushed to the area and luckily caught some of the action.
Well, just one lone Nissan Patrol going at it. This BMW-engined off-road machine only hung around for a couple of minutes before making its way through the water bed and up over the hill where it disappeared.
The show side of the event turned up an interesting array of builds, and these cars even had a chance to turn their wheels later on.
When day turned to night, a Fast & Furious-inspired cruise brought a new element to the event. With under-glow aplenty, I enjoyed every minute of it.
This year’s event was very similar but with more cars and a couple of new things on the schedule. And of course, rain.
The JDM scene here in Sweden has progressed too, with more and more people getting into it, which is great to see. We now even have a couple of ultra-low static cars that scrape the ground at the slightest bump. Props to anyone going that route though, because speed bumps are popping up everywhere in Sweden, so air suspension is pretty much a must if you want to ride really low.
I mentioned earlier that Nicke, the owner of the 2JZ-swapped Crown, has another car worthy of note. This is his amazing engine-swapped Toyota Celica sitting on Work Meister CR01s and packed full of other goodies from all over the world.
What engine is it running though?
Look past the Toyota badge and you’re actually seeing a Volvo T5R that’s now pumping out 490whp backed up by a BMW gearbox. Who wants to see a story on this thing?
During the whole of 2020 and up until this summer, the people over at Dual M-TV teamed up with an organization called Ellas Hjältar, which helps kids in tough situations, to customize a Japanese car and give it away at Japdays. By donating a small amount of money (100SEK, roughly US$11), you were in the draw for this one-of-a-kind 1987 Mazda 323, modified with new wheels, new paint, a full engine refresh and one hell of a sound system.
Now, before anyone comments saying they could have built a Supra or something similar, it was the first time the team did this, so they did not know what to expect. As the old saying goes, it can only get better from here. Most importantly though, the equivalent of around US$27K was raised for the Ellas Hjältar organization.
Plans have already started for Japdays 2022 at Mantorp Park, and you can count on me being there. Let’s just hope that the weather gods give us a little more sunshine next time around.
Alen Haseta
Instagram: hazetaa
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When it comes to import cars, especially the JDM scene, I am all for it and totally love it! I own a Toyota and a Subaru myself, was a Nissan fanatic back in the day drifting them for 12 yrs. and into modifying my cars above being stock (nothing against domestics, as I am also into American V8 muscle - Ford, Chevy, Dodge, gotta have love and respect for the raw NA torque some of these engines displace!) However, I strongly believe the term "Jap" is not PC particularly in this day and age. I am not Japanese but I am Asian Amercian. When I first read that Sweden has a "Japdays" car meet of sorts, I was taken aback regarding the name itself. And reading this article was the very first time I have heard of such a car meet. Now to some, if not perhaps many (esp. those that are not of Asian descent), you may more than likely see no harm in this jargon, I could be wrong. However, if a Japanese-American is reading this title, I completely beg to differ and share in their utter disappointment in this racially biased title! Sweden's organizers of this meet should highly consider changing the name to something else. Perhaps, something other than what people may take offense to (Asian or not). A better example would've been "J-days" or the like, but Japdays- seriously?? This is 2021, completely unacceptable and not conducive at all in today's standards. If this title was used in a New York Times Headline in their newspaper or on Twitter, how would you think the rest of the world take to this? Yup, exactly what I thought too, not very well.
Im pretty sure I can speak on behalf of everyone who attended/made the event possible that there is without a doubt no intention of being offensive. Like people have written, its a very unfortunate name. But I do get your point.
The message has been sent to the event organizers. Thanks!
Just call it Wokedays so everyone can be happy
If you are going to use a newspaper as an example please do not use the NYT as they are not the bastion of honesty "Weapons of mass destruction" anyone?
Lets not forget Sarah Jeong who was employed by the NYT who posted on Twitter "“Are white people genetically disposed to burn faster in the sun, thus logically being only fit to live underground like groveling goblins.” as well as "oh man it’s kind of sick how much joy I get out of being cruel to old white men.” plus others just as despicable.
Keep in mind there is also Jap-fest in Ireland I believe. Both of these car shows are supported by people who love Japanese cars and Japanese car culture (and I would presume culture in general) so I doubt there is any racism involved more like adoration.
I do acknowledge I am not Asian nor Japanese though I would suggest looking at the people behind these events before insinuating any kind of racism. Perhaps they could call it Japanese Days instead or Japanese Fest instead. Perhaps suggest it to the organisers.
I was thinking the same exact thing.
This platform reports on shows and events and clearly celebrates Japanese car culture. It is in no way derogatory at all.
You can choose to be offended by pretty much anything these days. It’s sad to read these comments taking this story the wrong way.
I’d go so far to say that Speedhunters has done more to celebrate Japanese cars and culture than any other automotive media site globally.
It’s the framing of things that matter and this is in no way malicious or insulting.
I’ve been reading Speedhunters for over a decade and I’m grateful for the integrity of the site. 2021 or 2011: there’s no difference. These discussions are important, but this is far from malicious. This is clear when you read the story.
Ps. Enjoyed the story and the photos. Thanks!
Unfortunate name, likely culturally lost in translation with the opposite of derogatory intentions, but awesome event, creative energy... Miss this powerful individuality at USA shows since too many in US have herded themselves into the desperate for instattention or derivative frankenstyle. Looked like big fun
What car is that the midnight or navy blue one with the gold/bronze decals and the halo headlights? So deadly looking.
You might be looking at the S14 with a rocket bunny boss kit
As a non-native English speaker, as well as non-asian, how is the word Jap offensive? Isn't it an abbreviation of Japanese, just like Brit or Scot for British and Scottish? I'm curious to hear/learn.
And about the event, it looks like a nice one. Lots of cool cars. I especially like the R32s.
I am Japanese. I'm a little surprised so I'll comment. I feel that being called JAP is equivalent to being called a yellow monkey.
It is safer to avoid saying JAP to Japanese people. In my opinion, the event name JPNdays is preferable.
I really had no idea it was thought of as offensive. As Paddy said if you look at the people behind the event I am 100% sure it's never been intended that way though I am sure if some people who felt that way the organisers would seriously consider changing the name.
It's pretty common in Europe to see the name 'Jap' in an event name, as there's no real awareness around the use of the word as a slur (which from my experience is most prevalent in North America)
I think as people become more aware of this though, we will see a shift towards the use of JPN, Japan etc. in these event titles. FWIW, these events are absolute celebrations of Japan and Japanese car culture and there has never been any intention to cause offense.
It's an unfortunate name, but there's certainly no ill will behind it.
How come there are never full res pics? or higher definition?
Bandwidth is one reason but part of it is because people steal them and monetise them by selling prints, posters etc.
Amazing work mate! Very enjoyable story and crazy pics
Thanks for a nice article! My Isuzu Piazza partly showing besides the Z!
I completely forgot about these cars. In Australia it was the Holden Piazza. Looked up Gumtree and could only find one for sale:
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/charlton/other-parts-accessories/holden-isuzu-piazza-turbo-manual-wrecking/1265329443
I do like the look of them and the Holden Calibra too.
Celica feature please. The white R32 is perfect.
Will do!
Would love see more on that EP3 Type R, does anyone know the social media it might be found on, I'm sad the beautiful cars and story have devolved into the non PC naming of the event, which in my mind celebrates the Japanese culture not degrades it. Maybe JPN would be a better abbreviation? Here in Sydney we have a few car wreckers like Jap-Wreck and Ultimate Jap Parts, Just Jap auto imports etc, I have never thought of them negatively and know they are there if I need parts for Japanese vehicles.
Please do a feature on the Celica. I am in the market for one...and was even more shocked to see that someone else had my inline-5 swap idea. I'm curious to know more about the process for the swap and the build itself. Mooooore! please and thanks
I will cook up something with the Celica!