Author Archives: Ben Hsu

Shako Hako

Shakotan means simply “low-down” in Japanese, but this shako hako is a superlative example. There is such a thing as going too far though. Suffice it to say, you won’t be seeing this on the JNC project car. [via KaZato … Continue reading

Posted in datsun, nissan | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Mitsubishi Lancers Rallying in Rio

We are seriously behind in showing Mitsubishi love so here’s a double dose of commercials for you. Japan is such a small country that it was often fashionable for automakers to ship their cars overseas and drive them across exotic … Continue reading

Posted in cm, mitsubishi | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Kidney, Anyone? Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition, Number 1 of 3000

Automakers often release limited edition cars, but it’s not necessarily enthusiasts or collectors who buy them. More often than not, they’re simply snatched up by buyers who need a new set of wheels. Which begs the question: what happens to, … Continue reading

Posted in datsun, for sale, nissan | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Japanese Classic Car Show 2009

There’s less than a month left to register your car for the 2009 Japanese Classic Car Show. This is going to be a special one, as it is the 5th anniversary of the show that finally brought kyusha fans a … Continue reading

Posted in events, jccs | 6 Comments

Bonus Vid: Wangan Midnight 2009 Movie Trailer

Speak of the Devil Z! Here’s the trailer for Wangan Midnight, the manga, movie, video game and anime series that is now being rebooted with yet another remake on the big screen.

Posted in datsun, nissan, Video Games | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Friday Video: Seibu Keisatsu's Water Cannon Patrol

Sgt. Daimon manning a Nissan Patrol-mounted water cannon leads to a flipped Datsun 620 pickup (on Enkei Bajas – SK was sponsored by Enkei) and senseless wagon destruction. Have a good weekend!

Posted in nissan, seibu keisatsu, trucks, Video Games, wagons | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

First Look Inside Nissan Gallery Yokohama

Last week we mentioned that Nissan was opening a gallery at their recently relocated headquarters now in Yokohama. The grand opening was on Monday, and here are some photos of the new digs.

Posted in datsun, japan, nissan | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Toyota Says Crush Your Cruiser for Cash

This is an actual commercial from Toyota in which they encourage you to crush your classic Land Cruiser in exchange for a Cash for Clunkers voucher. Obviously a two-door FJ60 is a nonexistent beast, so was Toyota USA just creating … Continue reading

Posted in cm, laws, toyota | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Toyota Corona RT20, Stunt Machine

Here’s a car that’s definitely no clunker. In the 60s Toyota put out a series of commercials in which their cars performed zany stunts to demonstrate their resilience. Take this RT20 Corona, for example. Sold as the Tiara in the … Continue reading

Posted in cm, toyota | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Cash for Clunkers: Fail or Win?

So last week was the first for the dreaded Cash for Clunkers program and it’s been either wildly successful or a dismally mismanaged failure depending on how you look at it. First, the government thought it might run out of … Continue reading

Posted in laws | Tagged | 16 Comments

Bonus Vid: Toyota Corona Mark II & Clipper Ships

A heavenly Toyota Corona Mark II in the music video for the song “Clone” by Japanese band Straightener. Thanks to gtxtom!

Posted in toyota, Video Games | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Friday Video: Seibu Keisatsu Nissan Carnage

We went with high art and how-to for the last two Friday Videos but this week is a return to the roots – more Seibu Keisatsu madness. The video appears to be clips from two episodes spliced together. In the … Continue reading

Posted in nissan, seibu keisatsu, Video Games | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Mazda MX-5/Miata/Roadster 20th Anniversary Edition

Available starting today at all Japanese Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships is a new Roadster (called MX-5 or formerly Miata elsewhere on planet Earth) celebrating the model’s 20th anniversary. Mazda offers it in either soft top or retractable hard top … Continue reading

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The Ninja's Arsenal: 1968 Toyota Corolla KE10

Sai. Nunchucks. Shuriken. These are the ancient weapons of the ninja, lurker of shadows, trained in the arts of illusion, stealth and assassination. But did you know there was another closely guarded secret weapon in the ninja’s arsenal that has … Continue reading

Posted in cm, toyota | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Shizuoka 70s Street Fighters

Picture it: you’re cruising along in the Shiz behind the wheel of a rented kei car, minding your own business in the slow lane. It starts as a faint buzz. Within moments, the sound multiplies into a chorus of side … Continue reading

Posted in datsun, nissan | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments

61 J-Tin Sightings in Alameda

Our buddy Murilee Martin over at Jalopnik has been documenting old cars still in service in his hometown of Alameda, California. “The Island that Rust Forgot,” he calls it. Out of 480 cars “Down on the Street,” 61 have been … Continue reading

Posted in datsun, honda, mazda, mitsubishi, subaru, toyota | 1 Comment

Nissan Gallery To Open in Yokohama

Come August, Nissan will be opening a gallery showroom at its new headquarters in Yokohama. According to the press release, part of the gallery will display classic and race cars alongside new models. It will be about four times the … Continue reading

Posted in datsun, japan, nissan | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Friday Video: Wheeler Dealers Flip Toyota MR2

Wheeler Dealers – S02E01 S02E02 – Toyota MR2 Part Over at Streetfire someone has uploaded episodes of Wheeler Dealers, a great UK show “keeping modern and iconic classics on the road.” The premise is this: each week the hosts find a … Continue reading

Posted in mazda, toyota | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Kidney, Anyone? 6900-Mile Honda CR-X HF

The debate about 1984’s most significant debut may not be resolved yet but no one can deny the impact of the first-gen Honda CR-X. Launched in ’84, it was a nimble two-door based on the Civic platform. Its versatility would … Continue reading

Posted in for sale, honda | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

JNC Tip: Never Pull on Heater Core Hoses

Last month we found ourselves at the boneyard because of a stupid mistake I declined to mention. I guess it’s about time I swallow my pride. See that pipe above? It was once part of the heater core but in … Continue reading

Posted in how to, jnc | Tagged , | 13 Comments