Tom Hanks might be a great actor, but we never knew he had great taste in cars too. The Saving Private Ryan star apparently owns a 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser. However, he won’t own it much longer as it is going up for auction soon, but that means a new lucky owner can. Continue reading
Mazda Japan has filed a trademark for a new “R” logo, potentially hinting at a myriad of possibilities regarding its denotation. It’s stylized, battleship grey and red color scheme, and race-car ish aura leads us to believe that the marque plans to use this on production cars in the near future. Continue reading
One of the great developments we noticed this year was the ascendancy of the A70 Supra. We can’t remember seeing such a high turnout of the third-gen Supra at Toyotafest, and it was good to see this important chassis receive some much deserved recognition. Continue reading
After a year and a half of no major car shows, it was good to be back. The 2021 Toyotafest picked back up right where 2019 left off, although a few changes had to be made due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, there were some opportunities missed — last year, for example, was supposed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Celica — that we won’t be able to get back. Others, like marking the 25th anniversary of Toyotafest, could continue onward. Continue reading
Actor and car guy Sung Kang has unveiled a new three-piece wheel destined for his DocZ project, itself an homage to the Datsun 240Z that dominated the 1971 East African Safari Rally. If you are looking to give your Z or 510 that restomod rally car look, this may be your chance. Continue reading
We were greatly saddened by MegaWeb’s closing announcement last week. The Toyota showroom was one of our favorite destinations in Tokyo. However, there still remains a great many automotive destinations for Japanese car enthusiasts, whether it’s a museum, company showroom, legendary race track, car show, a meeting place like Daikoku Futo, or a restoration or tuner shop. One day they too will probably be gone. Before that happens, please let us and your fellow JNC readers know what they absolutely cannot miss.
What’s your must-see Japanese automotive destination?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your favorite form of motorsport?” Continue reading
Round Two of 3DBotMaker’s JNC tournament has aired and, man, I am disappointed in myself. By all accounts my Toyota 2000GT should have been fast — it was painted like the Yatabe record breaker after all — but I didn’t account for the fact that Dave Yuan was such a ferocious driver. Continue reading
The last time Tokyo hosted the Olympics, Japan had yet to prove itself as a global force in the automotive realm. The country’s budding carmakers was eager to seize the opportunity that the 1964 Summer Games presented, to introduce the world to their wares. The boldest effort came from Daihatsu, which sent a small consort of cars to follow the Olympic torch route from Greece to Tokyo, a distance of 11,200 miles. Continue reading
A trademark for the name Skyline has been filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office under the category for motor vehicles. Normally, that would have enthusiasts cautiously optimistic about the potential of one of Japan’s most popular models coming stateside. However, the trademark was filed by Ford, not Nissan. Oops. Continue reading
One of our favorite places to visit in Tokyo has always been Toyota’s Megaweb showroom. Located in the Odaiba shopping district, it was perfect for getting a car fix while non-petrolhead traveling companions did some nearby souvenir collecting. Sadly, it has been announced that Megaweb will be shuttering its doors on December 31, 2021. Continue reading
It wasn’t a surprise when Nissan reached into its long history to promote cars like the new Z, or to bring out a classic Skyline GT-R for a Japanese market commercial. Those are beloved models and the older generations enjoy a devoted following. However, it did surprise us to see, during last night’s NBA finals game, a series of ads featuring glimpses of a first-gen WD21 Pathfinder. Continue reading
Fifty years ago today, Japan’s first McDonald’s restaurant opened in Ginza, Tokyo. The American fast food chain not only introduced hamburgers to Japan, but the concept of the drive-through restaurant. It was a time when Japan was undergoing rapid motorization, and McDonald’s introduced a whole new way to enjoy driving. Continue reading
This week Japan will celebrate Health and Sports Day, a holiday that promotes athletics and active lifestyles. Normally it’s held in October, commemorating the opening of the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. This year, it’s been moved to July to mark the last year’s pandemic-postponed Olympics. Unfortunately auto racing has not been recognized as an official Olympic sport, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate it in all its forms. From illicit touge battles to Formula 1, diecast tournaments to Dakar trucks, there are plenty of different ways to experience the skill and speed it takes to wield a motor vehicle.
What’s your favorite form of motorsport?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What are your best tips for managing your JNC life?” Continue reading
Round One of 3DBotMaker’s JNC tournament is here, and it’s a nail-biter. We have a beautiful lineup of, by coincidence, color matched classics with a heavy white, blue and red theme. The race is run four times, with cach of the four cars — a Hako GT-X, SA22C RX-7, 240Z, and 510 Wagon, all made by Hot Wheels — rotating through the four starting positions. Let’s see how they do. Continue reading
Biz Markie has passed away at the age of 57. In his honor, we are republishing this story from August 18, 2017. RIP (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021).
Nineties hip-hop had no shortage of love for Japanese cars, but one that typically isn’t mentioned in the same breath as Lexus and Acura is the Mazda MPV. In some circles, though, it was apparently quite the coveted machine. Continue reading
Recently Mazda restored the 40-year-old MX-81 concept after it had been discovered in a warehouse. They shipped the Bertone-designed car back to Italy to have Italian coachbuilders recondition the body and interior. However, the MX-81 from forty years ago is hardly Mazda’s first collaboration with Bertone. In fact, the relationship dates back to the early days of Mazda as a carmaker, with a young Ikuo Maeda, now Mazda’s global head of design, witnessing its unfolding. Continue reading
The fact that a Datsun Bluebird Wagon played a significant role in a Marvel production gave us a pretty good chuckle last week. However, it’s not the only Nissan to have appeared in the Marvel cinematic universe. Eagle eyed moviegoers may have noticed that, in fact, a Nissan has appeared in almost every Marvel movie and TV show. Have you seen it? Continue reading
Nissan’s factory in Omori has been the birthplace of some of the company’s most iconic cars. It’s the home of NISMO, and still cranks out parts for RB26, S20, and VQ motors. It’s always been a challenge to get these parts directly if you don’t have a friend in Japan, but NISMO has just announced an international ordering system for its prized parts. Continue reading
Today’s market isn’t particularly kind to small cars, or cars in general, as the would-be small cars on stilts we know as crossovers dominate the sales charts. There was a time in 1985, however, when you could buy a literal crossover, a perfect pairing of utility, tossable driving dynamics, and fuel economy. Enter the third-generation Honda Civic five-door Wagon. Continue reading
Even though Mazda’s new rotary engine is not slated for a sports car, many Mazda enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting its return. However, several English media outlets are reporting today Mazda’s rotary engine is once again on the back burner, with some even saying it’s dead. These are not accurate, according to Mazda. Continue reading
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