Five Rolls Of Film & Japan’s Kyusha Customs
The 1980s

I think it could be fairly argued that we’ve passed the peak of human civilisation. Temperatures and ocean levels are rising while happiness and fertility rates are falling. Ordering a steak is offensive to half the population and owners of fast cars are seen as a menace to society, rather than heroes of speed.

Perhaps a super-intelligent AI will eventually pinpoint the exact moment when the human race tipped over from potential leaders of the free universe to cute but ultimately hopeless primate species. I’ll hazard a guess and say sometime after that glorious decade – the 1980s.

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In Japan, people are very frank about the country’s specific decline. The term ‘stagnation’ is used to describe the period from 1992 to present, an economic slump robbing the country of its place at the forefront of technological and cultural advancement. If you’re in the market for a car or camera, buying Japanese is still a wise choice, but it’s no longer the bold and exciting option it was 30-odd years ago.

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But it’s a misnomer to believe that the technology of this period is now irrelevant or unusable. I’ve found the contrary to be true – the tech that Japan Inc. pumped out during the ’80s was not only technologically impressive for the era, but robust enough to be enjoyed in 2018.

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The Geibunsha publishing company knows this – their Nostalgic Hero and Hachimaru Hero magazines have a strong readership, and once a year they throw a little celebration for their ’80s-loving fans at Fuji Speedway. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get geeky with some of the great cars of the period.

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Although Project NSX rolled out of the Tochigi factory in 1992, its development was absolutely a reflection of the ’80s and in my opinion represents some of the best things about that period wrapped up in an aluminium skin.

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I’d be turning the NSX’s keys over to fellow Tokyoite and writer at Japanese Nostalgic Car Brandon Kelley so I could get his thoughts on the car and otherwise just focus on taking photos.

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It seemed fitting to bring out a few period-correct cameras for the day, so I left the DSLR on the shelf and instead reached for something a little more retro.

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The Canon AE-1 Program was scored off eBay with the attached 50mm 1.8 lens a few years back for a pittance, and had been sitting unused and unloved for some time. In preparation for a day at the track, a new 4LR44 battery and a quick clean was in order.

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Seeing as I’d be using either a wide-angle or zoom lens on the AE-1, I also tucked this recently acquired Canon G-III QL17 into my jacket pocket. Its 40mm focal length would split the difference nicely and prevent me being caught out with the wrong lens (or in between rolls) on the SLR.

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Canon sold 1.2 million of these in the decade from March 1972, so they are not exactly rare. But for camera nerds, it’s still easy to see why it was so popular: a 40mm lens that goes to f1.7, shutter-priority auto exposure, full manual function, parallax correction, and even a film ‘quick load’ function.

It was really all the new tech that Canon could possibly throw into a camera at that time. Most impressively, even 45 years after introduction most of them still work fine, and produce photos as good as any modern Canon camera.

As with Japanese cars of the era, this is a product of engineer-led design, when maximum performance and longevity took preference over the efficiencies of platform-sharing and planned obsolescence.

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Of course, there’s a convenience sacrifice being made if you choose an old camera or car over a new version. But for what you lose in convenience, you gain double in character.

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That’s what draws us back to these classics even decades after they were declared ‘old’ by society at large. An analogue experience is a must-try for those who grew up connected to WiFi. Yes, your self-shifted, small-capacity turbo is quicker than literally everything in this story, but cover the badge and it will be almost indistinguishable from every other hot hatch on the market.

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So here’s a toast to personality. To cars, cameras and design that made us think, even if they didn’t always make sense.

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The unique designs from manufacturers served as the perfect base for customisation. It’s interesting that this style of modification really never went out of fashion in Japan, although it could be argued that the more recent global appreciation for the styles of yesteryear could be driving this recent resurgence.

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You’d be pretty ambitious to argue that a set of deep-dish rims and bolt-on flares were ever anything less than the peak of cool.

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Making our way up from the carpark to the show itself, the first section we stumbled into was dedicated to movie cars, these two probably being the most iconic to our international readership. There were a virtual fleet of ’80s detective cars from a number of TV dramas that I couldn’t name, although they seemed popular with the locals.

In front of the Fujitsubo exhaust stand (where their recently redesigned L28 manifold was receiving lots of attention) was one of my favourite cars of the event – this silky-smooth yet hyper-angular GX71 Chaser.

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Lucky I packed my wide-angle lens to fit these wide rear ends in.

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One of my favourite things to check out at the event were these super-cool luxury vans.

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In many ways, these are the forerunners of the super high-spec (and super-expensive!) Alphards and Elgrands that cruise along Japan’s expressways today. But infinitely cooler, and in the case of this Delica, significantly more capable in challenging terrain.

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For those of you on mobile devices, it reads:

“The luxurious way to go…
The big, comfortable people carrier…
The new multipurpose performer…
The big, practical workhorse…
The “Mitsubishi DELICA” is exciting vehicle!”

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Some other whacky branding from Mitsubishi featured on this early Lancer sedan. Many of the cars in the main display area were in stock condition, or close to it, perhaps just with a suspension drop and some factory options, thus falling into the lightly modified kyusha category.

But perhaps the coolest example of 1980s excess is found in some of these more extreme examples of custom shakotan builds.

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At the wildest end of the spectrum you arrive at absolutely anti-social zokusha rides. These can often be of very questionable build quality, but this little crew that rolled in and took over a prime section of the general admission parking were actually finished to a really high level. Check out that front lip or deppa – slang for bucktooth and a rather appropriate term.

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Although arguably race-inspired, since the Toyota Soarer never raced in any real series this kind of build wouldn’t qualify as grachan (a Japanese/English portmanteau of Grand Champion).

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While the flavour of the day was retro cruisers rather than something appropriate for attacking the touge in, there were a few neat performance-oriented builds that I thought were worth a closer look.

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I’ve had a major crush on the simple styling of the EF Civic for a few years now, and seeing an EF9 Si-R in track-attack mode is enough to send me into an online classifieds frenzy. Bring back full-width rear light and garnish treatments!

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This previous-generation Si featured a host of rather rare, and therefore extremely valuable Mugen parts.

We’re big fans of the work done at R31 House, and it’s always a treat seeing a few of their customer cars at events.

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The stance of this Primera was giving off some great British Touring Car Championship vibes, with large-diameter, high-offset wheels kissing the guards.

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The exhaust tucked up into a notched rear bumper was an interesting touch that I’ve also seen on some of the early Primeras raced in the BTCC.

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I believe this 2.0e GT version came with a transverse SR20VE, but unfortunately as the bonnet was down I couldn’t confirm that on the day. Regardless, it’s a very cool build that was hugely different to most of the other cars present.

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This lovely R33 coupe was grabbing my attention for two reasons – the lovely green hue isn’t dissimilar to what Project NSX wears, and the rare full Nismo optional aero kit. Note: not a GT-R!

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By the time the day was done, I’d burned through five rolls of film. There was enough ’80s goodness to probably fill 10 rolls or more, but alas, I’d only brought five. I guess a modern 64GB SD card does have its place. Either way, enjoy the exposures in the Cutting Room Floor below!

Blake Jones
Instagram: blaketjones
blake@speedhunters.com

Cutting Room Floor
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1

That white EF is my new wallpaper! Loving the wheels/ride height

2

Terrific shots! Especially love seeing Akira_R31's gorgeous R31house car and the Z31 anniversary that Dino featured a few years back. Great gathering of cars here!

3

Holy jesus, this R33 is awesome. It´s so damn period correct and so different to all the other regular tuned R33s. I love it!

4

Cool stuff Blake, great to see the NSX again and especially parked (in pic #5) next to my favorite '90's car. That Z32 is pretty rare in yellow pearl and looked to be very clean as well, great shot as I'm not sure I've seen my two favorite cars presented together before.
Back to the story- I loved the '80's vibe as I owned a few of the cars you highlighted, and loved them all almost as much as my Z32. Even though of course cars have changed and in many cases opened the doors for "better" later cars, I agree that the 80's cars still have the stuff to survive in today's car climate and look good doing so!

5

same question. I like the colours, they look really natural.

6

Hey Blake, nice work!

I just got an AE-1 Program recently myself. What film did you use for these?

Author7

Thanks Bridges - these were shot on Portra 160 and Fuji Industrial 400. Fairly different films, but it seems they actually develop kinda similar when shot in overcast light!

8

Awesome Blake, thanks for the reply! I've been shooting Kodak Ektar 100 and Color Plus 200 (cheapie), but haven't developed anything yet. Fingers crossed!

9

is the first paragraph really necessary

10

I completely agree with it

11

It's the first PHOTO that has me concerned. Is that hairdo really necessary? Or is the static charge on that Skyline just that intense?

12

Yes.

13

edit: 1G-GE with ITB's! stupid auto correct. lol

14

YES! More more more of this please. I wouldn't care if this site just produced Japan only content this is what I want to see. Great shots and the feel of the film only adds to it all. That Wide ass Soarer is the tits.

15

what is that black sedan? Cressida? Japanese market only?

16

Oh my God! This post is amazing! The 80s Japanese styles are my favorite and so is the Toyota x7 chassis. I'm glad you captured so many photos of the x7's . Blake, thank you for attending this event and especially for doing so in film.

Author17

Glad you enjoyed it Mike.

18

would it be something old but new to feature EF9 Si-R in track-attack mode. I bet a lot would like it.,

Author19

Funny you mention that...

20

Every single time I see an R33 done up in that fashion, it brings me back to my first ever visit to Japan in 1998. R32s and R33s were everywhere, along with similarly done up S13s, S14s. Sports cars littering the entire Osaka/Nara landscape. In just a few days, I saw a number of R32s, R33s, an Autech R33 GT-R, an NSX (with 3-spoke Advan racing wheels), 300ZXs, Soarers, 180SXs, Silvias, Celicas... It was a glorious time for a 16yr old auto-otaku me. Also when I fell in love with the least love GTR of all, the R33. Just thinking about it brings me back to those days, the sights, the sounds, the weather... I miss those times.

21

So much awesome.
Hey Blake what ever happened to that spotlight of the Concerto at WTAC?

Author22

Thanks for the reminder - just need to find the time!

23

Awesome post! Even more awesome cars. Maybe you guys can try and feature cars like that rare R33, GTSX etc. Other manufacturer brands too, would like to see there extra options added onto these cars from the manufacturer.

24

Everything about this article is cool!

25

Never thought I'd say this but that lovely little piss yellow Opel (?) seems oddly stylish amongst so much 80s Tron-ness.

26

That Opel is a Holden Gemini ZZ/R - same GM group body just spunkier. Not as tough as the UK Blydenstein Droopsnoot Firenzas but still rusty as a sub...

27

Excellent and so nice to see someone shooting film as I'm a film guy. I like the grain and 'texture' it produces but it really comes into its own for things like this when it can bring out the 'period correct' effect.

I mainly shoot with a Mamiya 7ii or a C330 Pro with slide or B/W only very rarely negatives. I prefer Provia or Velvia depending on the subject and Acros.

It is a shame that so many great films are stopping production so use it whilst you can!

Author28

Sounds like a great combination - I've been meaning to start shooting some medium format film! Even harder to find good (and cheap) emulsions, however!

29

I would definitely recommend a 7ii if you are wanting to get into MF. It is very adaptable if you want to do portrait and studio as well but it does shine on the street and handheld been a rangefinder. It is my favourite camera.

30

This is certainly my inspiration for the day. Great shots!

31

The P10 Primera never came with a Transverse mounted engine, and also never with the SR20VE.
The "eGT" Badge is from EU-Version P10 (don't know exactly, but could be that the eGT was only sold in the german-speaking countries like Austria, Swiss and Germany.
The eGT refers to the Top-Spec Version with the 150 hp SR20DE (most of them usually are more around the 160 hp mark, redline is also higher -> natrium-filled valves).
It also features side-skirts and different front and back-skirts, sportier seats and some other stuff (trunk-wing)

Author32

Hi Sebastian - the Primera is definitely a transverse engine (FWD configuration), but good point regarding the SR20VE - only became available in the P11.

33

Hey anybody at speedhunters, what camera would you guys suggest for a beginner who wants to photograph cars, thanks

34

Any camera is fine - seriously. However if you're getting serious, an entry level DSLR or mirorrless camera with interchangeable lenses and the ability to mount filters (for example a Sony a6000) would be good.

35

This is my absolute favorite "style" of car modification ever.

36

My god someone know what is the radio in the soarer interior photo we see? So awesome! Love that article i work for toyota and love to see 80’s japan stuff!

37

THIS IS SO SICK

38

Film and 80s Japanese cars. The perfect SH article <3
I just started photography, and with my dad's old film SLR - a big part of that was thanks to you guys so I was so glad to see this!

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