Jalopnik: Japan

That's Not A Custom Exhaust, THIS Is A Custom Exhaust; Japanese Tuner Car Fun

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:40:00 EST

Oh land of the rising sun, you complete us. Whether it be dekotora, dekochari, custom flightless van, or cartoony car like the ones shown here, Japanese tuners make us laugh and cry, inspiring and frightening all while being endlessly amusing. How many aftermarket pharmaceuticals do you have to be on to come up with some of this stuff? We want more of this in the land of apple pie and baseball — think of how fun SEMA would be! Actually, we'd love to see some styles merged. Just imagine: Donkotora. Oh yes, this is a good idea. (Thanks Sasha!)
["ch.knuckles" flickr photostream, via Pink Tentacle]

Supra Mark III: Just Like The 2000GT, Only Better At Attracting Creepy Demon Boys

Murilee Martin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT

The empty eyes… the evil smile… what does that satanic kid have to do with the Supra? And why is Toyota apparently so proud that the new Supra is about 15 times the size of the 2000GT?

Mugen Kits Already Out For JDM Honda Odyssey

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

So the reveal on the new JDM-only Honda Odyssey happened earlier today, but already those pseudo in-house tuners at Mugen are dropping body kits for a speedier-looking minivan. Available in two flavors, the kits offer revised nose styling, side skirts, rear spoilers, an exhaust kit, new brake pads, apparently new floor mats and snazzier aluminum wheels. We think the US minivan market needs some of this action, don't you? We can just picture the second vannin' craze sweeping grocery store parking lots and day cares across the country.

[NihonCar]

All-New JDM-Only Honda Odyssey Revealed

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Honda has unveiled its latest JDM Odyssey and, as is the norm, it's lighter, more nimble and more fuel-efficient than what we get on our shores. Aside from the more pointed, purposeful bodywork, the JDM Odyssey gets a 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder under the hood with output ranging from 171 to 203 HP, depending on trim level. A four-wheel double-wishbone arrangement holds everything up, with AWD an available option, while inside the Odyssey takes cues from the Fit with its multitude of seat-folding, space-utilizing options. Sounds like just the sort of fuel-efficient people-hauler we could use here in the states right about now. Don't hold your breath.

[BurlappCars]

Sprinter Carib aka Tercel 4WD: Survives Even Canada!

Murilee Martin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT

In mid-80s Japan, when you wanted a macho off-road machine that could take on the bears of the Canadian Rockies, you headed straight to the Toyota Sprinter Carib, which we Norteamericanos knew as the Tercel 4WD wagon. I've had a few of these things, and they're great for your hoonage-on-the-fire-road sort of activities (though I'm not so sure how one would fare in a flee-the-zombies-in-the-woods adventure). Thanks to SwapMeat for the tip!

1980 Toyota Cresta: The Exclusive Car!

Murilee Martin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EDT

In 1980 Japan, it was possible to get synthesizer keyboards with far more futuristic "whistling echo laser" effects than those used anywhere else in the Free World. Naturally, the Cresta was the machine most deserving of those keyboards. Somewhat similar in appearance to its American cousin, the Cressida, the Cresta was basically a luxury-enhanced Corona Mark II. Nice car, but we'd rather have a Crown Super Saloon.

Like Diane Lane, The 1990 Hino Ranger Truck Was Big In Japan

Murilee Martin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Paul Newman really did race Nissans and had a longstanding relationship with the company. But how about Diane Lane, star of Ladies And Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains? In a real test of the whole concept of suspension-of-disbelief, we see Ms. Lane driving a Mondrian-style Hino Ranger delivery truck through a Japanese neighborhood populated by refugees from the suburbs of Des Moines. Was there a rush on Hinos after this ad came out?

Paul Newman Thinks The 1984 Nissan Skyline Is Terrific

Murilee Martin — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Paul Newman did a lot of ads for Nissan in addition to racing their cars, and the association went far beyond the usual "big in Japan" deal in which foreigners make major yen for appearing in car ads, then flee back home. Nissan even came out with a Paul Newman Version R30 Skyline, which is featured in one of the trio of '84 ads here.

1967 Mazda Cosmo 110S Doesn't Care How Many Pistons Your Car Has

Murilee Martin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:30:00 EDT

When's the last time you saw one of these? This damn-near-perfect first-year Mazda Cosmo didn't go out on the track, but it did grab more attention than most of the quadrillion-dollar Ferraris, just sitting there parked.

Eat Dust, Schmaltz With The 1990 Subaru Legacy

Murilee Martin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EDT

Here's a pair of Japanese-market ads for the same car, the first-gen Subaru Legacy. First we have an ad packed with screaming engines and spraying champagne, with Subaru doing some heavy boasting about three Legacies driving a collective 100,000 kilometers in 19 days at the FIA track in Arizona and competing in the '90 WRC. But what about car buyers who shudder in horror at the idea of driving fast? For them, we have an ad featuring a tear-drenched singer sobbing out a Rod Stewart song, as a Legacy cruises placidly past what appear to be settling ponds at a uranium mine.

The '82 Nissan Silvia RS Turns Salarymen Into Racing Hoons!

Murilee Martin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Sold as the Datsun 200SX in North America, the Nissan Silvia for '82 didn't get silly roller-coaster ads in its home market. No, Japanese car shoppers learned that the Silvia 240RS was pretty much the exact same thing as the Silvia race car! Special bonus points to Nissan for including the FJ20 reference in the ad.

9 Out Of 10 Japanese Robot Bulldogs Prefer The '84 Honda City Turbo

Murilee Martin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

It's rough and tough, it's turbocharged, and it gets a yen-pinching 17.6 kilometers per liter (about 41 MPG). Is it any wonder the enraged stainless-steel bulldog feels a deep kinship with the Honda City Turbo?

Toyopet Crown For 1963, Now With More Toyoglide!

Murilee Martin — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

We've always loved Toyota's name for their Powerglide-based automatic transmission, but "Toyopet" just doesn't sound like the kind of name you'd use when you're planning to dominate the automotive world a few decades hence. The Crown got a lot more luxurious later on, but even in '63 it had a certain boxy presence... and look, no clutch pedal!

Japanese Robots Ain't Superstitious: 1988 Honda Cyber Sports CR-X

Murilee Martin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

While the American version of the Honda CRX could circle the globe in five seconds flat, late-80s robots were tearing up their prefectures in the Cyber Sports CR-X. Featuring a "1500 Hyper 16 Valve" engine and "Extra Window," the Cyber-Sports CR-X presented a terrifyingly accurate vision of the future. Looks like Jeff Beck cashed in with Honda, since there's at least one other CRX ad using his song.

Sensitive Hippies In Japan Prefer The 1972 Nissan Skyline!

Murilee Martin — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:15:00 EDT

This is apparently one of the famous "Ken and Mary" Skyline ads, which were so popular in Japan that the car was actually known as the Kenmari. And hey, you can see why! Check out Mary's kinda-now-kinda-wow headband, which shows that she's tuned in. And Ken's hair... well, we can see where James May got the inspiration for his own look. We lust for that beautiful blue Nissan in a big way, though the sight of the automatic shifter comes as something of a disappointment.

Corvette S-Limited: When Did Pep Boys Turn Japanese?

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:40:00 EDT

For the very special price of $75,329 (¥7,980,000) GM's willing to give you what they're calling the Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited. Sure, it looks a lot like a regular 'Vette, but it's spec'd out with mesh inserts, a set of special wheels, a lip spoiler and with only 30 of them being offered (15 in black, 15 in white), it sounds like a sure winner to us. Heck, we're about to hop a flight over to Japan so we can get one right this instant. Can you tell how super awesome excited we are for the chance to buy a limited edition of the number one best super car from America? Well, that could be because we're actually not at all excited at the prospect of purchasing a special edition Corvette that looks like the only thing special about it is it's been given the Pep Boy "#4" kit.

We mean, why should we be getting excited over a Z06 for the same price or a 2009 Corvette ZR1 for 133% the price when we could get an S-Limited? Who seriously asks — man, why can't we get more mesh inserts from GM? [GM Japan Product Site]

1969 Honda 1300

Murilee Martin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The Coupe 9 version of the Honda 1300 now resides in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage (as well as in Junkman's garage), but the standard 1300 sedan was a pretty interesting car as well. You got an air-cooled engine with four carbs and dry-sump oil system sending 100 horses to the front wheels and styling that must have made Soichiro proud (though maybe he wasn't so proud of this headache-inducing TV ad).

You Want A Tiny, Weird Japanese Truck? No Problem!

Murilee Martin — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Kei cars are pretty cool, but what about Kei trucks? Have you envied the Japanese their ability to buy pocket-size 4x4 trucks that can go anywhere and carry decent loads while doing so? If you're willing to sacrifice street legality and stick to off-road use, it turns out you can buy late-model kei trucks for non-insane prices right here in North America. We're totally lusting after that VW Transporter-style Suzuki Carry. Thanks to Teargas for the tip! [Gung Ho Trucks]

Project Car Hell, Co-Prosperity Sphere Edition: Nissan Fairlady Or Mazda Luce?

Murilee Martin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:20:00 EDT

The low-miles AMC beat the NASA-built Fairmont in the Electrocutioner Edition Choose Your Eternity poll, though the Fairmont did make a respectable showing. Today we're jumping back into a pool of flaming gasoline, because there's no telling how much longer the smell of incompletely burned hydrocarbons will hover around our garages. After seeing a Datsun 610 in the junkyard and then the '78 Toyota brochures over at Japanese Nostalgic Car (thanks, SOS10), we decided to find a couple of Japanese cars built before they'd discovered focus groups (and airtight quality control) over there.

Datsun 280Zs are a dime a (rusty) dozen, but you don't see many mid-70s Fairladies in North America; it seems that those willing to go through the hassle of importing a classic JDM Nissan tend to go for the earlier models. Right-hand-drive, weird badges, and the utter impossibility of passing any sort of emissions test- sign us up! They're tough to find over here, but if you've got $1,200 burning a hole in your wallet you can buy this '75 Nissan Fairlady. Yes, just barely over a grand! You won't be able to just fire it right up, though; as the seller says: "It has been stored and has not been ran for a few years now and is looking a bit rough." See those tiny, blurry photos? Looks like a challenge, but it gets even better- those shots "were taken prior to storing so it looks a lot dirtier and rougher now." Using one of the Hell Project seller's favorite gambits, the Fairlady's owner wants you to know that this inexpensive- and totally easy- project has a "potential value of $40-$50k restored." Wow! It's like getting free money!

The early Mazda rotary wagons are pretty rare, but you can still find them. How about the early piston-engined Mazdas, though? When was the last time you saw a Mazda 1500 wagon? SoNaive found this '71 Mazda 1500 station wagon in Vancouver, for just $1,300 Canadian dollars. This was the "big" Mazda of its time, and featured styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro (the seller points out that "you may notice it looks like an alfa from the front," which may or may not be a very persuasive selling point in a wagon). The original 1500 engine is long gone, but not to worry- the seller "shoe-horned an '83 2.3 liter 200sx engine and 5spd transmission into place," which should work great as long as the shoe-horning was done with care. What could go wrong?

1987 Citroën BX Goes Through, Not Over, Japanese Mountains

Murilee Martin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:20:00 EDT

We've got a shipping container with a vaguely familiar actress at the wheel of a Citroën BX in Japan. The container opens, the car smashes through a gate, and then it plows through a sand dune. We'd expect it to emerge with all the paint sanded off, but instead it emerges unscathed, heading directly for the ocean. Citroëns in Japan- what could go wrong?

Mazda Hydrogen Van Approved For Testing Despite Lack Of Wings And Fluorescent Dragons

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EDT

After successfully building a Hydrogen RX-8, Mazda has moved on to converting their Premacy van to run on the futuristic fuel. Powered by a newer version of their hydrogen rotary engine, the new vehicle gets a 40% increase in power, an increased range and now approval to test on public streets in Japan. Though we like the idea of hydrogen-fueled, rotary-powered van, we're a little disappointed that it didn't get the full dekotora treatment. A lip spoiler extending eight feet out in front of the van would clearly capture the public's imagination. Press release below the jump.

Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid Gains Government Approval to Begin Public Road Testing in Japan
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation today received permission from Japan's Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) to test the Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid minivan on public roads. Mazda's newest hydrogen rotary engine vehicle features a hybrid system that increases the vehicle's power by 40 percent and doubles the hydrogen fuel range to 200 kilometers. Mazda aims to complete the road trials and start commercial leasing in Japan during fiscal year 2008. The Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid is the world's first hydrogen hybrid car with a dual-fuel system that enables the car to run on either hydrogen or gasoline.

Separately, Mazda has also announced that it will display and demonstrate its hydrogen rotary vehicles at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July 2008. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will debut alongside the previously released RX-8 Hydrogen RE at the summit's Environmental Showcase.

Akihiro Kashiwagi, Mazda's program manager in charge of hydrogen RE development, said, "We are committed to improving the performance of our hydrogen rotary engine vehicles to help promote a more eco-friendly place for the automobile in society. Getting permission from the transportation authorities in Japan to begin public road testing the Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid in time for the Hokkaido Toyako Summit is extremely significant, because the eyes of the world will be focused on Japan's environmental technologies. Going forward, we will continue to advance our development program and strive to start commercial leasing during this fiscal year."

The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid incorporates the acclaimed dual-fuel system*2 from the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, which became the world's first commercially available hydrogen rotary engine vehicle in 2006. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid also features a hybrid system that combines an electric motor with Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine to realize significantly enhanced performance. Mazda's other environmental technologies showcased on the vehicle include "Mazda Biotechmaterials." Used for some of the vehicle's interior plastic parts and seat covers, these plant-derived materials contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.

Under its Sustainable Zoom-Zoom environmental plan, Mazda is dedicated to pursuing harmony between driving pleasure and environmental and safety features, while working toward an advanced Zoom-Zoom future by developing vehicles that "look inviting to drive, are fun to drive, and make you want to drive again."

[Source Mazda]

Forget That Crass Mitsubishi Debonair In The 1971 Toyota Crown

Murilee Martin — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The old Toyota Crown was all about the luxury, and it's pretty clear from this classic ad who the Crown's target market was back in 1971 Japan: stoic businessmen who wished to take their giggly young mistresses to the beach. We're disappointed that the Crown in this ad lacks the Super Saloon's curtains and trunk-mounted Cool Box, but you can see that it wafts along in utter silence. Well, except for the caterwauling of the schmaltzy singer.

Official Car Pundit Drinking Game: Early In The Morning Edition

Ray Wert — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:25:08 EDT

I'll be on NPR's The Bryant Park Project tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM talking about whether Japanese automakers create more environmentally friendly cars than American automakers. My answer will be a resounding no. Feel free to play along with some early morning shots of mimosa and some new rules in the comments below. If all of this sounds unfamiliar to you, read through this for the gist of it. [Bryant Park Project]

Are American Cars Getting Better Or Are Japanese Cars Getting Worse?

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:55:00 EDT

There's some debate as to whether selling cars is a zero sum game, but there's generally a certain quantity of people looking for mid-sized cars, sports cars, compact cars, et cetera. With that as a given, relative rankings become important as people look to buy new cars. Lately, America has been doing better when compared to what seemed like a Japanese juggernaut. Just today J.D. Power & Assoc. announced the initial quality results and two American cars, the 2008 Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion, were in the top three.

This follows Consumer Reports noting Ford improving and Toyota declining in reliability, and we'll have more news today about American companies catching up with the Japanese.

So this leads to the obvious question: who is moving? Are American cars merely catching up with the Japanese? Are the Japanese getting worse? Are both getting better but American cars are getting better faster? Or is it just that our expectations for American cars are a little low? [Photo: StangBangers]

Robotic Teddy Bear Navigation System Points, Nags, Thrills Japanese

Travis Hudson — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:40:00 EDT

iXs Research Corporation has unveiled a truly creepy GPS navigation system. Rather than having a standard LCD display screen/audio output that shows and tells directions, the system consists of a one-foot-tall teddy bear that not only speaks directions, but also points in the general vicinity in which you need to go. The fun doesn't stop there, either: Little Master Ruxpin also includes an alcohol detection sensor. If the teddy catches a whiff of your three-martini lunch, that's grounds for incessant nagging, plush-toy style. Finally, expect a loud "Watch out!" upon quickly braking or accelerating.

Fujitsu actually owns the much fought-for (!) patent on doll-based car navigation systems, but granted iXs Research Corp. permission to use the idea for a teddy bear. Not surprisingly, iXs is based in Japan — about the only country in the world where a back-seat-driving, teetotalling, pointing, navigation teddy bear might actually be considered a good idea . [Pink Tentacle] (Generic image via Getty)

Curtains And A Refrigerator: 1972 Toyota Crown Super Saloon

Murilee Martin — Wed, 28 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

We used to dream about bringing over a full-zoot Mitsubishi Debonair from Japan, but that was before we met this '72 Toyota Crown Super Saloon in the flesh at the Motoring J Style show last Saturday. The window curtains and super-luxurious interior are impressive enough, but then you open the trunk and find a factory-installed refrigerator! Imagine being the owner of a chain of mob-connected Tokyo strip clubs back in '72, being driven around in your Super Saloon while your kneecap-breaking heavies follow in a Corona Mark II! The owner of this Crown brought it over from Japan a couple years ago, and we're already pestering the Gawker Overlords to buy us one as our Official Jalopnik Staff car (sure, the Overlords ignored our entreaties when we demanded the '38 Peugeot 302, but we're not giving up!)

Bluebirds, Fairladies, Colts, And Crowns At The Motoring J Style Show

Murilee Martin — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:00:00 EDT

It does our hearts good to see Japanese cars from the days before most of the weirdness got focus-grouped out of Nippon's automakers. That's why I was eager to head over to Vallejo for the Motoring J Style show on Saturday and check out what DSwig and his crew had put together this year. The unseasonable rain made life miserable for the drift guys, but it was good news for me- cloudy skies make for easy car photography. We'll be taking a closer look at a few of these cars later in the week, but for now let's get an overview of some vintage and not-so-vintage Japanese iron.

Japan Thief Uses Ingenious GPS Plan To Steal Cars

Travis Hudson — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:40:00 EDT

You know, we should not be condoning stealing cars, but the route Mitsuhisa Kobayashi used to nab eight different cars was a pretty smart one. A fact that is already telling of his character, Kobayashi has two ex-wives—both of which he instructed to rent cars. He then made copies of the keys and planted GPS tracking devices, similar to this one, on the car. The ex-wives returned the cars and Kobayashi simply waited for them to be rented again and got away with the vehicles. His reasoning behind stealing the vehicles was pretty simple, as well:

I wanted to drive my favorite cars. I sold the other five cars on the Internet.

With copycat criminals running rampant, it may be time for car rental agencies to invest in a little protection. [Daily Yomiuri Online] (Image via Getty)

Crazy Japanese Interchanges Look Crazier From Underneath

Travis Hudson — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Google Earth does a mighty fine job showing the essence of crazy interchanges, but if you really want to know how ridiculous interchanges can be, check out the underneath view. These interchanges don't come from China, but rather the neighbor of Japan. Ken Ohyama is the man that has captured some of Japan's most efficient traffic clusterfucks. Not only do you get to see the underside of these engineering marvels, but Ohyama is pretty damn good photographer, as well. Check out the gallery below with some of his select works or follow the link to see the entire Flickr set.
[Flickr Photoset via Pink Tentacle]

Our Thirst For Vintage Japanese Iron To Be Slaked At Motoring J Style Show

Murilee Martin — Wed, 21 May 2008 07:00:00 EDT

We've been running into the Motoring J Style guys at the last few 24 Hours of LeMons races (their MR2 finished 3rd out of 90 at the most recent event), and they've got us all fired up about checking out some serious Japanese machinery at their big show in Vallejo this Saturday (as an added bonus, they've invited all 24 Hours of Lemons racers to bring their cars to the show). I'll be heading out to the show with Black Metal V8olvo teammate WhatWouldJesseDo in his '66 Datsun, and we hope to see the Jalopnik readership represented there. [Motoring J Style]

What's Up With The Japanese Scooter Tuner Crowd?

Travis Hudson — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:20:00 EDT

Japan rightly sits near the top of the world's strange automotive trend setters. What is cool in the United States now is so two years ago for our pals over in the land of the rising sun, so it pains us to speculate that overly gaudy tuner scooters will be the next big trend over here. Hell, people are already installing media centers in them. Our Japanese-savvy friends over at Pink Tentacle have rounded up some of the more unusual looking tuner-scooters from Japan and we're more confused than titillated. A low rider scooter? That's just asking for trouble. [Pink Tentacle]

Ferrari F355 Becomes A Spider, Driver Manages Not To Lose His Head

Ray Wert — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:20:00 EDT

Japan's Shizuoka province has a brand new way to spider your Ferrari F355. Leave your Sawzall at home, folks. Instead, slide it sideways under a highway restraining barrier. Just don't forget to duck. Seriously — how did the driver and passenger escape this wreck with their heads, shoulders, knees and toes all still attached? (Hat tip to Mark and Rahat!) [JapanToday]

Forget The Spoiler: Your Van Needs Bat Wings!

Murilee Martin — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EDT

Yet more proof that nobody can outdo the Japanese when it comes to wild-ass vehicle modifications comes courtesy of this photo sent to us by reader Nathan. You got your Dekotoras, and now you got the BatVan! That means it's time for some Melt-Banana, so make the jump and crank up your speakers.

[Flickr]

Hoon Of The Day: Japanese Car Soccer

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:15:00 EDT

Japan is just the gift that keeps on giving, from kei cars to lovable but bizarre concepts like the the Toyota i-Real, but it's the extracurriculars which make for today's auto amusement. Sure drifting Previas are sexy, but car soccer is a ballet of crushing metal and gigantic balls. How does it work? Take all the rules of regular soccer and play the game with cars. We'll admit the judges seem pretty lax on handing out penalties, and it looks more like a sneaky way to have a demolition derby, but it does look like a lot of laughs. We took the liberty to clip out a section of footage from a game and the whole game is available below — if you're into that kind of thing.

First Half (~8 minutes)

Second Half (~7 minutes)

[Youtube Part 1 and Youtube Part 2, via About Cars]

Corollas For Victory!

Murilee Martin — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Here's another in a long line of jittery Japanese-market car ads, this one showing how a pack of tie-wearing Toyota shoprats can whomp together an '84 Corolla for fashion-deranged monogloved chopsocky experts and fedora-wearing, flask-in-bottom-drawer newsies alike, all thanks to the mighty powers of the Munificent Plutonium Wrench.

Japanese Game Show Tests Tight-Parking Skills

Travis Hudson — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:15:00 EDT

Everybody has one of those of friends—you know, the person that seems to think he or she can park their El Suburbamino in places where the sun don't shine. Of course, as with many things, the Japanese have taken this mundane ritual and transformed it into an art form, complete with the obligatory game show. Contestants have to back a car into spot that allows only one centimeter of clearance on each side. One centimeter! Yeah, that would be tricky. I believe in my parking skills, but not enough to challenge the Japanese. [Core77]

Japan Tells Its Elderly To Give Up

Travis Hudson — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:30:00 EDT

In a move that most drivers would deem as excellent, the Japan police will begin encouraging drivers 65 and older to hand in their keys, permanently. The police will be teaming up with local businesses to attempt to get the elderly to surrender their driving privileges. No surprise, but the move has come as result of accidents in 2007—100,000 of which involved elderly drivers. However, instead of asking nicely for the keys, bribery is being used to influence the older drivers.

The cooperating businesses will be offering incentives like high interest rates on savings, discounted meals and more. Yes, because getting an even higher interest rate on savings and an even cheaper early-bird special is just what would influence the elderly to give up driving. [Motorcycle News]

Dekotora Driving Game Revealed For Nintendo Wii, Our Minds Officially Blown

Matt Hardigree — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST

Take our love for driving sims like the Gran Turismo series and combine it with our fixation with dekotora trucks and you get what we consider to be the most Jalopnik game of all time: Zenkoku Dekotora Matsuri. From what we can tell from the trailer, Japanese Elvis wants you to buy, customize and drive around in your own awesome dekotora. The driving dynamics don't seem to be outstanding, but the customization setup appears to go beyond merely choosing parts and colors. In the true dekotora tradition, users can use their own Wii painting skills to create an airbrushed dragon masterpiece.

We're not sure what the ultimate goal of the game is, but we're guessing it involves building the baddest dekotora and taking pictures of it around the city. Sounds like heaven to us. (Hat tip to PitchPitch!) [Wiiz.fr, GameTrailers.com]

Gearhead Chocolates Convey True Meaning Of Love

Travis Hudson — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:15:00 EST

Now that you got that pesky dinner taken care of, how about the after dinner chocolates? Nothing says "I love you just a little bit less than my current project car" than a nice set of gearhead chocolates.

Oddly enough, the chocolates look very, very lifelike. I could easily mistake these for some very-rusted over tools and get to work, but these are meant for eating, not working. Included are wrenches, pliers, bolts, nuts and more. The downside is that they are made by the Japanese company Trantz, so first off, who knows how you can get the. And secondly, who knows if these tools are really chocolate. [Frantz]
(Thanks, Sean K)

Cubepage? Cubamino? Cubechero? You decide!

Murilee Martin — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Ben Hsu over at Japanese Nostalgic Car Magazine has become our pusherman for the weird Japanese stuff we're hooked on around here. Today he's sent in a photo of some Nissan Cubes with truck beds, which one can buy in Japan at Autobacs. According to Señor Hsu: "These were custom built by Autobacs, a Japanese big box retailer where, if you had enough cashish, you could turn your bone stock clapped-out 1989 Nissan 240SX into a full blown D1GP drift machine without ever leaving the store. One-stop shopping at its finest. They also build their own original sports car chassis, the Autobacs Garaiya." The question here is: What do we call a Cube with truck bed? There's a tenuous case for "Cubepage," because Nissan connects to Renault which connects to AMC which connects to Chrysler... but is three degrees of separation close enough?

To get us in the right mood for this, we need to purge our minds of the plain-white-rice image of relentless corporate dullness with which Toyota has saddled Japan (because, in fact, nobody does weirdness as well as the Japanese). Since you probably don't have time to read some Dazai right now, we're providing some Melt-Banana. OK, now the poll!