Author Archives: Ben Hsu
A retired Isuzu BXD30 bus seeks crowdfunded restoration
For 55 years, a 1966 Isuzu BXD30 “bonnet” bus faithfully served the Iya Valley area of Tokushima Prefecture. The green and blue coach was a regular sight among locals as it snaked through the scenic mountain roads loaded with tourists. … Continue reading
QotW: What is the ultimate Japanese car?
On May 23, 2002 Honda launched the NSX-R. It was the ultimate manifestation of Japan’s ultimate car at the time. It offered true racing technology in a production road car — carbon fiber body panels, flow-through aero creating negative lift … Continue reading
A 105-year-old electric car was restored in Japan on this day, Electric Car Day
Electric cars are all the rage today, but are by no means a new phenomenon. Electric Car Day in Japan was started by Yuasa, the Kyoto-based battery company. In the US, you might be familiar with Yuasa batteries if you … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays
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Nissan builds a Datsun 240Z Safari Rally tribute out of a Juke
Last June, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Datsun 240Z’s victory at the 1971 Safari Rally, Nissan Europe imagined a Juke homage to the original. Despite convincing Photoshop renders, the car was not actually built. However, due to “overwhelmingly … Continue reading
R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R stars in Khalid’s latest music video
Singer Khalid’s latest single, “Skyline” sounds just like the kind of hit that was tailor made to qualify for “song of the summer” status. It’s probably going to get a lot of radio play in the next few months. Turns … Continue reading
Nissan restores the Zexel R32 Skyline GT-R that won the 24 Hours of Spa
In 1991, while the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R was busy at home winning every single race in the All-Japan Touring Car Championships in a four-year span, it also took the time to win the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Built to … Continue reading
Jay Leno reunites with a Datsun Roadster, accompanied by a modern twist
The Datsun 1600 roadster is significant for Jay Leno because it was the first sports car he ever owned. In the latest episode on his YouTube channel, Leno is reunited with a Datsun roadster with a bit of a modern … Continue reading
Are you ready for Toyotafest 2022?
The largest Toyota/Lexus/Scion car show in North America is almost here. All-Toyotafest is put on by the Toyota Owners and Restorers Club (TORC) and will once again be held in Long Beach, California. Now in it’s 26th year — we … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the one tool you can’t live without?
Today, May 9, is Tool Day in Japan. It’s a relatively new holiday, founded only in 2021 by KTC, Japan’s number one tool company. The purpose of Tool Day, according to KTC, its to spread knowledge about tools, their correct … Continue reading
VIDEO: The Toyota Cressida was a magic carpet luxury subcompact
A lot has changed since the 1982 Toyota Cressida debuted. It’s a shocking amount, to be honest. Forty years ago Motorweek test drove the then-new second-generation Cressida, and we learned a lot from the review. For example, they state that … Continue reading
Kunimitsu Takahashi posthumously awarded Order of the Rising Sun for his contributions to motorsports
The Japanese government has posthumously awarded the Order of the Rising Sun to Kunimitsu Takahashi. The revered motorcycle rider and race car driver passed away March 16 at the age of 82. The Order of the Rising Sun is the … Continue reading
As part of Star Wars ad campaign, C-3PO and R2-D2 once helped sell Mitsubishi cars in Japan
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away a couple of droids landed on a remote, unremarkable planet of mostly water. Its primitive inhabitants had yet to discover interstellar travel, but for some reason these advanced droids got … Continue reading
The history of Japanese Rally Cars at the Toyota Automobile Museum
The Toyota Automobile Museum recently ended a special exhibit about the history of Japanese cars in rallying. As those who’ve visited the TAM will know, despite the name, the institution welcomes all marques. As such, the exhibit assembled cars from … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged daihatsu, datsun, mazda, mitsubishi, nissan, suzuki, toyota, Toyota Automobile Museum, wrc
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Datsun ends production as Nissan’s Ghosn era continues to unravel
The vestiges of Carlos Ghosn’s reign at Nissan continue to crumble. This week, it was reported that the former CEO’s revival of Datsun branded cars has ceased production after falling far short of sales expectations. The news comes hot on … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the best road trip car for the whole family?
When car enthusiasts talk about the best drivers’ cars, it’s usually selfish. Taking off for a long drive in the Z is fantastic when you’re young and free, but once the kiddos come along you’ll something bigger. By all means, … Continue reading
The 1991 Nissan FEV was an electric concept that should be built today
Every Earth Day we at JNC highlight a car engineered with conservation in mind. This year, we go back to the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show, when Nissan unveiled their first “modern” electric vehicle. Whereas previous EVs had been tiny city … Continue reading
