Category Archives: Question of the Week
QotW: What other forms of Japanese craftsmanship do you hold in high regard?
We suspect that one of the reasons you are here on a site about Japanese cars is because you appreciate how finely crafted they are. Attention to detail, thoughtful designs and innovations, and long-lasting quality are all hallmarks of Japan’s … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the best tow vehicle?
We hope your cars are always running under their own power, but once in a while you’ll need to haul it. Whether it’s trailering a race car to a track, taking a classic car to a show, or bringing home … Continue reading
QotW: What are your gasoline filling routines?
Today, October 6, is Oil Day in Japan, marking an occasion for average citizens to think about the many petroleum-based products used in every day life. The date was chosen because the numbers 1, 0, and 6 can be rearranged … Continue reading
QotW: Which JNC looks most proper in red?
The color red is most closely associated with Ferraris, Alfas, and other Italian cars. Former head of GM Performance John Heinricy once said, “All Corvettes are red, the rest are mistakes,” and they even titled a book based on that … Continue reading
QotW: What would you do without a car?
Today, Septemeber 22, is Car Free Day in many cities around the world, including nine in Japan. It asks citizens to refrain from driving in urban centers to consider what life might be like without the traffic and environmental impacts … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the best Japanese car for a midlife crisis?
Years ago you gave up the sport compact with the cold air intake and blue HIDs. There was a kid on the way and you needed the cash for a minivan. In a blink decades passed. You no longer need … Continue reading
QotW: What automotive scenario would you conjure up on the holodeck?
Today, September 8, is Star Trek Day, the date that the original series hit US airwaves in 1966. As much as we dig the scifi series, one thing it lacked was any automotive content whatsoever. Even when the characters entered … Continue reading
QotW: If you could buy any new JNC from 1975, what would it be?
You’ve run out of fuel on a lonely road in the middle of nowhere. It’s getting dark. There’s no cell service. In the distance, you see a dim light emanating from an old gas station. You walk toward it, hoping … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
17 Comments
QotW: What have you sacrificed for your car?
Today, August 25, is Instant Ramen Day, honoring the day in 1958 when the flash-fried noodles first hit the shelves. The original instant ramen was developed by Nissin Foods, but soon after NissAn also released a ramen. In this 1963 … Continue reading
QotW: Which beloved nameplate will be revived next?
The reborn Acura RSX gave Honda heads a collective “ick” when it was announced last week. Automakers must perform a difficult balancing act when they resuscitate a cherished model name. One wrong move and legions of loyal fans who loved … Continue reading
QotW: What’s an automotive bonding activity you can do with kids?
Today, August 11, is National Sons and Daughters Day. I’ve played Hot Wheels with my son as soon as he was able, but now he’s aging out of them and getting serious about Pokémon cards. Still, I’ve found ways to … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
7 Comments
QotW: What’s your favorite piece of infrastructure?
Today, August 4, is Bridge Day, a pun on the words eight (ha) and four (shi), which form hashi, or “bridge” in Japanese. It was first held in Nobeoka City, Kyushu Prefecture, known for its many bridges and is now … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
13 Comments
QotW: Daily, Garage, or Sell — Transformers, Go-Bots, or MASK
Welcome to another edition of Daily, Garage, or Sell, JNC‘s version of FMK. We’ve asked the question of 90s roadsters, flagship sedans, 80s drifters and more, but this time we’re turning our attention to 80s toys with their own cartoon … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
3 Comments
QotW: What’s the most scenic place you’ve driven to?
Today, July 21, marks two important days of commemoration in Japan. The first is Natural Parks Day, remembering the day in 1957 when the Natural Parks Act was passed in order to protect and promote Japan’s national parks. The second … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite JNC for open air driving?
It’s summer and time for open top cruising. Japanese mrques haven’t traditionally been known for convertibles, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t good options for being at one with the elements. Let’s include T-tops, targas, canvas tops, and other assorted … Continue reading
QotW: Which Japanese car needs to be preserved for posterity?
Today, July 7, Sevens Day, but also World Heritage Day in Japan. On this day 21 years ago the sacred pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountain Range was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail traces a path from … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
11 Comments
QotW: What’s your craziest car parking story?
Parking is one of those unfortunate tasks that accompanies the fun of driving. Whether it’s circling for open spaces, dealing with ornery/incompetent drivers, paying exorbitant prices, of fending off door dings, parking is fraught with peril. Yet we have no … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the greatest Japanese luxury sedan?
If you’ve ever flown on a Japanese airline or shopped at a Japanese department store you know that Japan does luxury better than almost any country on Earth. That’s why it’s a bit odd that Japanese luxury cars faced such … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the most Gen X car?
Today, June 16, is National Gen X Day, celebrating those born between 1965 and 1980. I was born in the inaugural year of the Celica Liftback but I don’t think I’m biased when I say it’s the best generation. Our … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite radio control car?
We suspect that there’s a pretty large overlap between fans of old Japanese cars and radio control cars. After all, many of the best RC cars come from Japan, from iconic Tamiyas to new school HPIs, highly detailed Kyoshos to … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
8 Comments
