The Kaido Racer and zokusha are the epitome of Japanese car culture, or at least an obscure slice of it. It’s incredible that these sort of cars still exist and continue to be built, but even more so that younger generations are now getting into this sort of style. It’s not often that you come across these creations, [...]
By definition, a Speedhunter should pursue his “hunt” in a variety of different ways, which means that when we cover events we don’t simply just concentrate on what is served up for us on the show floor, or in the paddock at race tracks. Our curiosity pushes us to wonder around, to head out of [...]
“Wanna check out a cool RC drift event?” was what Johnny of Weld asked me the other week on the phone. I said sure, as it had been way too long since I spent some time shooting cool little RC drifters sliding around. I thought it would make a cool post, especially since it was [...]
My favorite event ever. I suppose that’s a strong statement considering how many great automotive gatherings I’ve had the pleasure to visit, but if someone asks me what my single favorite event is I’d easily answer with “the JCCA New Year Meeting”. There are so many different words I could use to describe the New [...]
It’s right back at Daikoku PA now for a final look at the other day’s supercar gathering. During the few hours that I was there I literally never stopped walking around, because as cars left, more kept coming in. By around lunch time the lot was so full that a many were forced to park [...]
It’s not often that I go to Daikoku PA during daytime, but a couple of days ago I made an exception. I’d heard that a lot of supercars and various car clubs would be holding a meeting across a series of parking areas, starting off at Tsuzuki in Yokohama and eventually ending up at the [...]
I can’t possibly imagine what your average Joe might think when being confronted with a shakotan ride from Japan. For me these sort of cars are as much as part of Japanese car culture as drifting is, but I’m sure a lot of people out there, including enthusiasts, might scratch their heads in confusion when [...]
I thought I’d share this shot of Kato-san’s private garage at Liberty Walk, a place where he stores five of his shakotan rides. He treats and looks after these cars in the same way he does his valuable exotics; to him they are just as important albeit very different reasons. These kinds of cars are [...]
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Japan is one hell of a bizarre place. It’s as international as any advanced nation could ever be, but at the same time impossibly backwards on so many fronts. It’s a place where beliefs and cultures clash on a daily basis, where traditional values are challenged but at the same time respected by all generations. [...]
When I left Fuji Speedway last weekend after the Lotus Day, I did my usual pit stop at the 7-11 close to the track to grab a drink before heading back to Tokyo. I'm glad I did stop, as this is what I found parked up once I came out from the store. The owner [...]
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Sunday, the final day of the Tokyo Auto Salon, I took my time to get out of the house and ended up paying for it on the way to the Makuhari Messe. Traffic was nothing short of horrendous on the highway with the line at the exit for the exhibition center miles long. I then [...]
Anybody remember this Car Feature? The owner decided he wanted something new so he added a bit more carbon. The hood, doors and trunk are now made from this much lighter material. He even has some more upgrades in store for us, so keep checking his Japanese Nostalgic Car thread. -Jeroen Willemsen
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After all the new school cars we've been featuring on Speedhunters, I found this Toyota Celica in true Bosozoku style. This car caught my attention a while ago, but I knew it would be a great addition to this month's theme. This Celica was build in 1975 for the Australian market but after Alfonzo, the [...]
I'm really missing Japan right now. I plugged in my external hard drive a bit ago to hunt for some lowdown car pictures and the memories came flooding back. Memories of Watanabes, SSR's, Solex carbs, and musical horns. We thought you guys might be getting a little tired of the late model flushed out cars [...]
