Japanese Nostalgic Car

Today, February 16, is Matching Color Day in Japan. It’s a play on the words ni au iro (similar colors), which sounds like ni (2) i (1) ro (6). The occasion asks us to consider what colors go well together in clothing and fashion, but we’re going to apply it to cars. Design studios have dedicated color rooms with reams of upholstery and paint samples and employees whose entire job is to select the best matches. These days so many cars seem to come with just a sea of black inside, which makes a well-chosen merge all the more alluring.

What’s your favorite factory exterior/interior color combo on a Japanese car?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What Japanese tool is a must-have in your arsenal?“. Continue reading →

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Wrenching on your car or project can be made much easier, and even more pleasurable, if you have the right tool. It’s no secret that Japanese tools have world-class quality and thoughtful designs that can make a difficult task just a bit more effortless. Unfortunately, some of these tools aren’t available in the US, or if they are have a steep import and shipping premium attached.

But if you happen to be in Japan, say, for the Tokyo Auto Salon, a tool we can’t live without are Lobster adjustable wrenches. These totally underrated spanners have very little jaw play, have a longer mouth opening, and are flatter and lighter than conventional adjustables.

What Japanese tool is a must-have in your arsenal?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What car unfairly lives in the shadow of another?“. Continue reading →

On this day in 1959, Tokyo installed its first parking meter in front of the Metropolitan Government building (near what is now the Tokyo International Forum) in Yurakucho. The cost was ¥10 for 15 minutes. Around the same time, Tokyo also opened its first paid parking lot, near Tokyo Station. For those who care about their cars, parking is always a fraught exercise. Do you circle the lot for a wider spot at the end of a row, or just go for the closest? Do you avoid trees? Are you allergic to paying for a spot? If not, do you ever let a valet touch your car? We know you must have some hard and fast rules for temporarily leaving your car.

What are your rules for parking your car in public?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What car separates seasoned car enthusiasts from the superficial?“. Continue reading →