It was announced on September 5 in Japan that Champ Road, the last bosozoku tuning magazine, is suspending publication. The so-called “Bad Boy Bible” has been in print for 29 years, showcasing the bikes, cars, and fashion of Japan’s rebel youth. The November 2016 issue, to be released September 26, will be its last. Continue reading
In 1990 Nissan debuted the Z32 with what was likely one of the most expensive car commercials ever commissioned at the time. They hired the most famous Hollywood sci-fi director in the world, Ridley Scott (of Blade Runner, Alien, and Black Rain fame), aired it only once (during the Super Bowl, no less), and pulled it from the airwaves. Now, the very car that starred in “Dream” can be yours, uncovered almost exactly as it was in the ad some 26 years after the broadcast. Continue reading
In an already packed calendar, a new event has appeared on the Japanese auto show roster. Recently, Tokyo hosted the inaugural Automobile Council, an affair whose stated goal was “Encouraging car culture to blossom in Japan.” That’s a noble aim if there ever was one, especially with the participation of major automakers. Continue reading
It’s Labor Day here in the US, so as you’re enjoying a day off from your real job why not tell us about your other job, the one in the garage? Sure, Japanese cars are famously easy to work on and extremely logical in layout, but once in a while, there’s still a confounding, daunting task that requires blood, sweat and knuckle skin.
What’s the hardest repair job you’ve done on a JNC?
What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your most prized JNC part?” Continue reading
Skyline vs Rotary. It’s one of the oldest rivalries in Japanese motorsports, ever since Mazda snatched the Skyline’s widely expected 50th touring car victory in 1972. The folks at Best Motoring have recreated the battle, with tributes to the works Hakosuka GT-R and Savanna RX-3. Continue reading
After a strong showing in 2015, Nissan will be back at the Japanese Classic Car Show this year in a big way. First off, they’ll be showing what is arguably the crowning jewel of its American collection, the BRE Datsun 510 raced by John Morton to clinch the 1971-72 Trans-Am 2.5 Challenge. Continue reading
The newest addition to Mazda USA’s ever-growing Heritage Collection debuted recently at the 2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. In a nod to both Mazda’s racing legacy and its “Driving Matters” slogan, the newly restored #202 767B — clad in the iconic orange-and-green Renown CHARGE livery — greeted the world by racing around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the biggest vintage racing gathering in the US. We were on location to soak in the sight and sound of it and its stablemates. Continue reading
Is your desktop a little dull? Perhaps you need a car-shaped mouse so you can make “vroom-vroom” noises as you move your cursor across the screen. Camshop is a Japanese company that makes computer peripherals that look like real cars. Continue reading
Racing is an extraordinary human endeavor. It encompasses brains and brawn, heroics at the individual and team levels, with huge amounts of synergy and coordination. And the machines are both technologically advanced and visually magnificent, catapulting us beyond our natural human abilities. For spectators, racing is an awe-inspiring assault on all senses. No wonder countless enthusiasts trace the seed of their passion to motorsport. The story here is one such example, in which 45 years separate the seed and the glorious fruit. Continue reading
If you have an old Japanese car, it’s not difficult to find yourself with a garage full of old Japanese parts, too. Even weird stuff like a 350mm Hitman steering wheel.
What’s your most prized JNC part?
What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s the best Japanese car name?” Continue reading
Wow. Such design. So convertible. Much JDM. Many happy.
2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Mazda’s historic win at the world’s most celebrated endurance race: Le Mans. Yet Mazda’s interest and involvement in endurance racing stretches way back, beginning with its Cosmo Sport at the 1968 Marathon de la Route. Following that excellent showing—4th place finish after 84 hours at the Nürburgring in its debut race—Mazda continued in endurance racing but with a new car: the R100, a.k.a. Familia Rotary Coupé. Continue reading
“Mad about Honda” is the way one UK man describes his love for the early Civics, so much so that he’s built an entire community around the preservation of early UK-market examples. Continue reading
In a heartwarming story of generosity, heroism, and what love for a car can accomplish, a Miata seemingly ruined in the recent Louisiana flood will be brought back to life by enthusiasts. Continue reading
We at JNC are once again extremely proud to share with you the latest Hot Wheels car to wear the JNC inkan. The Nissan Fairlady 2000 will be showing up in stores soon as a 2017 release, part of the “Legends of Speed” mainline series. Continue reading
In the US, Toyota gives us two doofus brothers dreaming about racing Monaco in a pair of Camrys and Prius getaway vehicles. They are the worst commercials ever. Toyota Latin America, on the other hand, features a trio of rather comely women in a FJ40 Land Cruiser touring Colombia and a pair of mustachioed 70s dudes in a TE27 Corolla. Continue reading
Typhoon Mindulle is hammering Tokyo right now with epic rains. A tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Tokyo saw some epic flooding this morning. The storm is headed towards Tohoku next. Looks like I won’t be driving my Skyline for a while.
Yes, we all know about the Suzuki Every Joy Pop and the Hino Dolphin Dump, but we’re not talking about “oh look how weird and crazy those Japanese are” type car names today. We’re talking cool names that instantly evokes a tree-lined mountain road or sea breezes wafting through open windows. Something you’d be proud to have on your trunklid.
What’s the best Japanese car name?
What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “Which JNC was the one that got away?” Continue reading
When it’s done, this might just be the best restored Honda N600 on planet Earth. But then again, it’s a special car, the first Honda ever built for US import. Our friend Tim Mings — who we believe is planning a full transition into the character that gave him his nickname Merciless Mings, fu manchu and all — is in charge of the restoration, and in the latest installment the humble Honda undergoes a down-to-bare-metal stripping usually reserved for Pebble Beach show cars. Continue reading
Last week the Japanese rock band Unicorn released their thirteenth album, and lo and behold, there’s a Mazda Cosmo Sport on the cover. It’s not clear why the band has taken a liking to the classic rotary sports car, but it features very prominently on their artwork and marketing. Continue reading
