Author Archives: Dan Hsu
Happy Sanitora Day from JNC
Fun fact: Did you know that there are some Sunny Trucks that did not have Hakosuka front ends? It’s true, and they actually look quite good that way. It’s okay not to follow trends on Instagram, people. So today, on … Continue reading
Honda debuts electric bike versions of iconic Cub, Dax and Ruckus
We’ve spilled much digital ink here at JNC singing the praises of Honda bikes. Now three of the most popular designs from the company’s two-wheeled history have been transformed into electric bicycles for a new generation of riders in the … Continue reading
Posted in Motorcycles
Tagged Cub e, dax, Dax e, honda, motorcycles, Ruckus, super cub, Zoomer e
2 Comments
Happy Kenmeri Day from JNC
As cool as GT-R clones may be, there’s something pure and simple about a four-banger Kenmeri. Despite two fewer cylinders the Skyline GL evokes no less nostalgia than the flared S20 street machines. In fact these are technically more nostalgic, … Continue reading
Happy New Year from JNC
This year definitely didn’t end the way we had hoped, but 2022 is officially over. Here is a Nissan Prince dealership postcard from 1969 wishing customers a Happy New Year. Here’s to new beginnings and new journeys for 2023. May … Continue reading
Happy Holidays from JNC
Wherever you are, we sincerely hope that all our readers have a happy and healthy holiday season. Stay safe, enjoy cars, and may Japanese Santa Claus bring you everything your hearts desire.
Posted in Holidays
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Retro motorcycles keep winning the Japan Bike of the Year award
The Honda Dax 125 has won Japan’s Bike of the Year for 2022. The mini-bike, which is short for Dachshund, was released back in March and inspired by the original Honda Dax from 1969. Notably, years before the Motocompo, it … Continue reading
Suzuki’s decision to crush its MotoGP bikes explains a lot
Earlier this month Suzuki won the Valencia Grand Prix, the last MotoGP race of 2022, but it was a bittersweet victory. With this win, Suzuki is closing the books on its decades-long participation in MotoGP, the premier motorcycle racing series … Continue reading
Happy Halloween from JNC
Have a wonderfully spooky day today, and may our vintage Japanese cars outlast us all. Happy Halloween from JNC!
Matchbox X JNC Mazda MX-5 Miata ND
We’re honored to share another great piece by our friends at Matchbox. It’s the latest car to feature the JNC inkan, and in fact it’s the newest car by year, make and model to feature our logo. It works out … Continue reading
In its 26th year, Toyotafest is still going strong — a brief history of TORC, the Toyota Owners and Restorers Club
We’ve been attending Toyotafest every year since JNC started in 2006, and it’s consistently one of our favorite events. Last year was the 25th Toyotafest, which means the show itself is now old enough to wear historic plates, buy collector … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged 4runner, a20, a60, a70, A80, ae86, aw11, cabe toyota, celica, corolla, corona, e20, e70, fj40, fj60, GR86, hilux, J70, kp61, L10, land cruiser, lexus, lexus is, Lexus LS, mr2, N60, RAV4, scion, sports 800, st185, st205, starlet, stout, supra, sw20, t40, tacoma, tercel, toyota, toyotafest, W30, xb
7 Comments
When the Kawasaki Z1 smashed the 24-hour world speed record
Today is National Bike Day in Japan. While the occasion has an emphasis on motorcycle safety, we’re going to focus on achievements. The game-changing Kawasaki Z1 turns 50 this year, and it came right out of the gates with a … Continue reading
Celebrate 50 years of the Kawasaki Z1 with this incredible Swiss motorcycle museum
This year marks the 50th anniversary of one history’s most important motorcycles, the Kawasaki Z1. To celebrate the occasion, and to promote the retro Z900RS inspired by the Z1, the company held a little event at its Swiss importer’s headquarters. … Continue reading
Happy 720 Day from JNC
As you go forth and enjoy your summer vacations, please remember that gigantic mobile homes are excessive. Our ancestors made do with campers like this Datsun pickup, and they did it with style. Happy 720 Day from JNC!
Happy Sevens Day from JNC
Not many cars can come out of the gates winning their class at the 24 Hours of Daytona, but that’s exactly what the Mazda RX-7 did. New for 1978, the immediately won the 1979 Daytona enduro’s GTU class and even … Continue reading
Happy MS75 Day from JNC
With Toyota possibly introducing a weird four-door “coupe” for the next Crown, we thought it was a good time to celebrate the other oddball in the lineage. Today, 7/5, seems a good a day as any to honor the MS75, … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays
2 Comments
Happy 620 Day from JNC
The Datsun 620’s simple yet stylish lines are timeless. Somehow Nissan designers managed to create a truck that looked good without a bunch of unnecessary flourishes or overly ornate grilles. The only embellishment, if it could be called that, was … Continue reading
Posted in News
2 Comments
Happy 610 Day from JNC
What deep sea creature does the 1973-76 Nissan Bluebird U remind you of? The 6-cylinder variant of the 610-generation Bluebird needed an elongated front end to accommodate the straight-six, so Nissan gave the nose a whole new design. That included … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays
2 Comments
Happy 520 Day from JNC
What you’re looking at is one of the rarest Nissan compact trucks ever sold. The Datsun 520 debuted in May 1965 with a two-headlight design beneath its sculpted fenders and hood. This generation was facelifted to a flat hood, quad … Continue reading
Happy 510 Day from JNC
A few years ago Nissan had a little display at its Yokohama headquarters building, one that featured a 1969 510 Bluebird sedan. It was part of an exhibit called “Game Changers” and it’s hard to disagree. Let’s all take a … Continue reading
Honda Super Cub honored by Japan’s Post Office
Spend any amount of time in Japan and you’ll eventually come across a red Honda Super Cub laden with bags zooming down a narrow street. These are the delivery bikes of Japan Post, the nation’s mail delivery service. Japan Post … Continue reading
