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 long tradition of making things. Today, October 20, is Long-Lasting Company Day, in which Japan celebrates shinise, or companies that have existed for 100 years or more. Japan has the most shinise of any country in the world, over 33,000 of them. And according to a study of companies older than 200 years, Japan leads the world with 15 percent of them. There are lots of Japanese goods other than cars to appreciate, whether it’s food, video games, carpentry, or any number of things.
What other forms of Japanese craftsmanship do you hold in high regard?
The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s the best tow vehicle?“.
The correct answer for best tow vehicle will depend on what it is you’re towing. For the absolute best option to move a car, Lavender Null‘s Isuzu cabover rollback tow truck seems like a solid option, if not overkill. Similarly, to haul a boat, Negishi no Keibajo‘s 1998 GMC 1-ton flatbed is the prime choice.
The next tier down includes a truck with a Cummins diesel, as suggested by Lavender Null and Taylor C. That was followed by any full-size Detroit pickup, as nominated by BlitzPig and JJ. Answers will vary by region as well, as we’ve seen some brave Europeans towing an entire double-axle trailer or caravan with a regular-ass car. Australia is closer to us in this regard, as ynori says it has to be at least a V8 4×4. However, streetspirit points out that even a unibody crossover like a ZJ Jeep Grand Cherokee may be good enough to tow a kei car or five. Last but not least, Jim Klein‘s sage advice says that the best rig is a truck belonging to friend who insists on doing it for you.
The winner this week was Marco Maestro, who named his 100-series Lexus LX470 equipped with Active Height Control, a pick seconded by DC:
I shall nominate my LX470. She’s an ‘07 with VVTi, so a tad more grunt than earlier years of the 100 series, and she has the AHC suspension, which self-levels once I hook up to the camper. I’ve towed a vintage 18’ camper from California to Maine and back three times, and she’s been rock solid. Not a ton of pulling power, so it’s slow and steady up over the Rockies, but the AHC in Buick-mode makes the drive cushy, comfy, and after 6-days at the helm, I don’t arrive feeling exhausted or worn out at all. She’s not exciting to drive in the least, but she’s big and heavy, which inspires confidence , she’s powerful enough, and supremely comfortable. An ideal recipe for miles of trouble-free and stress-less towing. I can also lower the AHC to drop the ball out of the hitch to disconnect. Pretty ideal overall.
Omedetou, your comment has earned you a set of decals from the JNC Shop!
