Monthly Archives: February 2026
Is the next Toyota Celica testing as a camouflaged rally car?
Some footage out of Portugal has revealed a new Toyota rally car test mule. Though wrapped in camouflage, it’s clear that the profile isn’t that of a GR Yaris. It looks like a small coupe, leading many outlets to claim … Continue reading
Nissan’s Skyline GT-R Bayside Blue color is also a city bus in Yokohama
Yokohama a great city to visit. It’s away from the hustle of Tokyo and there’s many historic and fun places to see, like the Yokohama Ramen Museum. For car enthusiasts it’s also the home of Nissan and the Nissan Headquarters … Continue reading
QotW: What non-car goods should you buy from Japan?
A couple of weeks ago we asked about tools, but what other items should you buy from Japan? Take the Converse sneaker, for example. In Japan, the Chucks Taylors are completely different than the ones you can buy in the … Continue reading
A one-owner Nissan Fairlady 280Z gets restored in Japan
While scanning the Tokyo Auto Salon for the rare stock(ish) carsstock(ish) cars last month we came across a beautiful Nissan Fairlady 280Z. It was displayed at the Wise Square booth and looked incredibly fresh. We were amazed to learn that … Continue reading
Nissan ruled the streets in late 1960s Japan
Nissan may be closing factories and searching for a lifeline from another company right now, but that wasn’t always the case. In 1960s Japan it dominated the streets. In this Showa Snap, nearly every car in Tokyo’s bustling Yurakucho area, … Continue reading
Honda and Nissan are still figuring things out
Despite a well-publicized dissolution of merger talks last year, it seems that Honda and Nissan are still talking to each other. The result might not be a marriage, but perhaps more of a rebadging situation. Either way, the two companies … Continue reading
Happy Year of the Horse from JNC
Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, meaning it is now officially the Year of the Horse. America may have its Broncos and Pintos, but in Japan the marque most associated with the horse is Mitsubishi. The … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite factory exterior/interior color combo on a Japanese 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 … Continue reading
Could Toyota be reviving the V12 for the Century Coupé?
According to a report out of Japan, Toyota is considering bringing back the V12 engine for the upcoming Century Coupé. Last fall it spun Century off as its own standalone brand to go against the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and … Continue reading
Kyosho’s FJ60 Land Cruiser looks absolutely incredible
Kyosho is coming out with an all-new RC crawler in the shape of an FJ60 Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s an all-new platform and it looks absolutely stunning. We’re big fans of Kyosho’s high-quality RC kits, but the 1/10-scale crawler isn’t … Continue reading
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Toyota’s AE86-owning, Celica-loving president has been replaced with a minivan-loving accountant
In a surprise press conference February 6, Toyota announced that president Koji Sato will relinquish his role and pass the baton to Kenta Kon, the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Sato, who owns an AE86 and said it was his life’s … Continue reading
QotW: What Japanese tool is a must-have in your arsenal?
` 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 … Continue reading
A history of TOM’s Igeta wheel
One of the most iconic wheels among fans of classic Toyotas is the TOM’s Igeta. Introduced in 1978 by Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport, its unique crosshatch design has graced countless Toyota race cars. At the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, TOM’s … Continue reading
Spoon Sports persists in the face of Honda’s modernization
For many, Honda today isn’t quite what it used to be. The company built its reputation on high-revving precision engines and razor-sharp handling on cars that could serve as equally well as everyday commuters or track weapons. Those days are … Continue reading
Posted in tuning shop
Tagged Civic Type R, FL5, honda, n-one, Prelude 6g, s660, Spoon
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Restored Honda Civics go on maiden voyage with Takuma Sato
Last August we reported that former F1 driver Takuma Sato was going to be taking part in the Rallye Monte Carlo Historique driving a first-gen Honda Civic RS. The historic rally only allows cars that participated in the race between … Continue reading
QotW: What car unfairly lives in the shadow of another?
Today, February 2, is Number Two Day in Japan. It’s an occasion to celebrate the penultimates, such as Mt Kitadake, the second tallest mountain in the country after Mt Fuji, or the Shinkoro Clock Tower, the second oldest clock tower … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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