As a member of Gen Z, I’m a young ‘un who has found comfort in never owning a home because I spend too much money on my avocado toast instead of saving every single dime for a downpayment on a house. In addition to the frivolous spending on carbs smeared with the guts of Central American fruits, I like to treat myself to the odd vacation from time to time.
Last time around, I found myself in Colombia, a country where you’re just as likely to find good food and drink as you are a wide variety of cars. This time, however, I went to a place everyone knows to be a mecca of all things automobile, and it did not disappoint. I skipped the avocado toast enough times to save up for a ticket to Japan just so that I could ooh and aah at the rides that litter the country’s prefectures – and now it’s time for me to share them with YOU!
The surplus of cool cars in Japan was overwhelming, so this is by no means a comprehensive look at every car, truck, and conveyance that spun my head during my travels. Here are the standouts from my dive into the world of combustion and propulsion in the Land of the Rising Sun. さあ行こう (Sāikō)!
Let’s Talk Formula 1
Now I didn’t lead with the fact that I went to the Formula 1 race while there, which would normally be sacrilegious for a motorsports fan like me. However, those of you who watched teh race know there was aggressively little to talk about, so let’s just move on from it and look at their machines for a second!
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari SF-25
As a Hamilton fan, I’ve been pretty bummed watching the beginning of his season after his world shattering move to Ferrari. The winningest team in the sport with the most successful driver of all time makes for a whole lot of hype, and the Prancing Horses knew it, which is exactly why they dropped this badass video that’s making both the pit crew and fans look like deities themselves. But, in typical Ferrari fashion, the season is going as well as The Void flying around Manhattan (watch Thunderbolts* if you haven’t yet), and it’s laden with horrible team communications and strategy calls. On top of that, Hamilton just hasn’t gotten to grips with the car, making for a very disappointed Griffin staring at a pretty, yet abysmal, car.
Mercedes F1 W16
Alpine A525 and Aston Martin AMR25
Ya know how a race car’s whole thing is going fast? Yeah, well this was the first time I looked at a car on track and saw a clear difference in performance. Sure, they’re still pretty damn fast in the grand scheme of things, but here’s another way I can definitively, qualitatively, conclude they’re so much slower than everyone else: I have more tack sharp photos of them than any other car on the grid. If that doesn’t tell you something, I don’t know what else could.
We’re near the end of the F1 talk stay with me!
The 1967 Honda RA300, 1991 McLaren Honda MP4/6, and 2018 Red Bull Toro Rosso-Honda STR13
Seeing how far the tech has come in these cars always amazes me. The RA300 and cars of those earlier generations were hardly more than bath tubs strapped to an engine, and this particular old as dirt Honda had a screaming V12 on its ass end.
As for the McLaren, it’s obviously in the age of aerodynamics, having multiple aero elements in its front wing and showing clear ancestry to the cars of today with the front wing endplates and the side pods feeding air into the radiators; but damn is it nothing compared to a modern day car.
I can’t lie; it was pretty cool seeing these dudes (above) in person, and there was a moment I was looking at them and thinking “damn … these guys are missing the parts of their brain that feel fear.”
Cars around the Suzuka Grand Prix
The next-generation Prelude was on display at the Honda booth, and it’s not bad! I’ll be the first to admit I don’t personally care much about the Prelude, as the original was a bit before my time of car consciousness, but I certainly see the vision behind a practical and attainable sports car in line with the MX-5s and GR86s of the world. But also C6 Corvette does the same, so consider that!
This Honda Stepwgn is far from the last van you’re gonna see on this list, as I’ve become a #VANTRUTHER and Japan offers so many good looking ones, but this one caught my eye thanks to the wheels. Why not do a little modification to really make it yours?
Suzuki Every or Nissan Clipper?
Doing an image search on that grill to find out what exactly this is narrowed it down to two options: the Nissan Clipper and Suzuki Every. I’m not sure which it is for certain, but what I do know is that it’s clearly a modified kei van. [Editor’s Note: It’s worth noting that it’s clearly modified to look like a Citroën HY van, too! – JT]
Twin NSXs
The NSX’s reputation precedes it, so I won’t attempt to retell it’s stories better than we already have. What I will say is seeing two of them in their natural habitat, driven by two older gentlemen who I’d like to imagine were the original owners, brought a smile to my face. God, it’s so cool they made Japan a real place.
Ass-end of an FD Mazda RX7
It felt like catching a glimpse of a wild beast in its natural environment when I saw this beauty hidden in lands far away (it was across the street). My only complaint is that I wasn’t able to get closer to this JDM icon, but I’m confident that the Baby Got Brap.
Whatever these things are from Moto Fighter
One fun thing about the circuit is that it’s basically an amusement park too! Rides litter the grounds, so why not show off a couple grown men racing on tiny motorcycles that likely topped out at five miles per hitting the hairpin on the Moto Fighter track.
The Tokyo Tapes
Toyota Alphard and Voxy
If you asked the Griffin of 20 years ago if he’d grow to appreciate the looks and offerings of a van, he’d say “who are you? Also no, euthanize older Griffin; that’s ridiculous.” Well, get the euthanasia cocktail and load me up like the rabid neighborhood dog because it’s van time, baby!!!
I won’t lie: I didn’t know the Alphard existed until two years ago when it was added to Gran Turismo 7, but after chuckling at its inclusion and buying one of my own, I fell in love with its simulated driving mechanics. Seeing so many of them on the streets of every city I went to made me realize just how good looking they are, too, and I gotta say I’m a fan. Next goal is satiating my desperate desire to ride in one. Stupendous.
Kato CR-130RV
Because why not shout out the different construction doohickeys, too? We love all things movement based here and I will not back down! [Editor’s Note: Is it just me, or is this thing wearing Thomas the Tank Engine livery? – JT]
The Suzuki Jimny Jimnies
Yanno what’s cool?! Off-roading. Yanno what’s even cooler? The idea of off-roading in a car the size of a shoe box. If that’s something that appeals to you as well, look no further than the Suzuki Jimny.
I saw almost exclusively older models like these, which were largely third generation outings that would’ve been in production between *checks notes* 1998 and 2018! How the hell was this generation in production long enough to almost be able to legally drink in the states? Insane.
If you’re curious about it’s powerplant offerings: at its most conservative, it has a 658 cc I3 petrol engine, and at its largest, it is rocking a turbo 1,461 cc I4 diesel engine. I love it.
First Generation Daihatsu Terios Kid
This one isn’t all that up my alley, but I do have an affinity for a hood mounted mirror. Yes, I’m aware this one technically has the mirror mounted to the front fender, but the novelty is there nevertheless! And full disclosure: I’m not positive this is the kei car variant, but considering it was teeny tiny, I’m gonna assume that’s indeed the case.
Chevrolet C8 Corvette, Ferrari SF90, and Ferrari Portofino
I don’t know about you, but I can’t really say anything bad about these cars. Sure, one might be more my style than another, but they’re still, by all metrics, good cars with pretty good styling. The C8 has a beautiful flat-plane crank that makes some divine (or maybe hellish?) sounding vrooms, and Ferrari is, well Ferrari. Their SF90 (second pictured) offered a combined 986 horsepower in its twin-turbo V8, and the black Portofino bestowed you with around 600 horses in the grand tourer.
They’re certainly cool cars overall, butttt they also stuck out like a sore thumb. Not bad, just not quite the vibe.
Toyota Crown Majesta
This has the same energy as the Alphard to me. The luxury side of Toyota is so fascinating to me considering the history of Toyota in America and their creation of Lexus. Seeing the proper Toyota brand with luxury offerings is so baffling to my feeble patriot brain but I love it. The Majesta is their nicer version of the already nice Crown and can be optioned with either a 2.5 L I4 enginge or a 3.5 L V6, making a combined 217 hp and 338 hp when accounting for its hybrid powertrain too.
And just look at its interior!
MG MGB Mk1
I didn’t even know MG existed until about two years ago when I saw one parked outside my friend’s apartment in Culver City. [Editor’s Note: What? I feel so old. – JT] We were having a game day amongst friends. I brought the seltzers, they brought the mimosas. We were wearing our short pink shorts. I remember that spring morning well…
Shoot sorry, got caught reminiscing and showing vulnerability mid-blog. That’s my bad, won’t happen again. Anyways, MGs are fun looking British machines, and this MGB commanded all my attention when I saw it on the streets of Komae. The fact that it’s rocking Jimmie Johnson’s 48 brought a smile to the face of baby Griffin and his NASCAR loving self.
Mansory Porsche Panamera 4s
Jason recently wrote a masterful, blistering hit piece on Mansory’s latest take on the Cybertruck, and it catapulted me into clickholes at speeds never seen before. To call their modded cars “unique” would be the tamest understatement I think one could possibly muster, but I truly found this particular take on the Panamera to be pretty tame by Mansory standards! And with that being said: still don’t really care for it.
Toyota Probox
Found just outside of the famous Shibuya Crossing, this lil guy is a shortened version of the Toyota Succeed, and its Wikipedia entry is ready to trigger Torch. Why? Because they list its body style as a “station wagon/van.” Somebody break out the chart and lets get to the bottom of whether this is a wagon or van!!!
The Mooneyes Collection
Now this is just a preview of something else I’m gonna be writing about for y’all, so stay tuned…
Oh My Gosh I Saw These In Osaka
Toyota Century
Well well well, would you look at that! It’s the Japanese attempt at making a Rolls-Royce. Who invited you?! You can’t sit with us!
Honestly, I have no clue why I’m using the word “attempt” because Centurys are so damn pretty and masterfully crafted; I’ve been obsessed with them for years. The cars are practically reserved exclusively for CEOs and politicians, and, supposedly, only four people in the world are ready for the task of painting one.
Nissan Figaro
LOOK AT THIS LIL THING GO! Yee-haw baby lets ride!!!
This Motorcycle Man
I know not what he rides; I only know the sounds he makes as he slams the rev limiter of his motorcycle.
I knew a tiny bit about Bosozoku before going to Japan, but it wasn’t until writing this that I realized this gent was one of them; that I had a brief encounter with the ruffians. For those that don’t know: Bosozoku is a term to describe the biker gangs who modded the hell out of their bikes and love to rev them through the streets of their cities. Had I known that’s what I was looking at, I would’ve tried exploring it further, but alas! Yet another excuse to go back I guess.
The Kobe Kollection (and some Nishinomiya)
Mitsubishi Delica Overlander
GORGEOUS! You mean to tell me you have a sick looking van sitting there, modded to hell and back to become a rugged overlander? Yeah, I’m in love.
This is a post-facelift fifth gen model, and it was offered with three sizes of I4 engines and a diesel I4, and it was offered with all-wheel drive. With the right combinations of engines and the AWD, I’m sure this thing is actually quite capable on the few dirt roads you’ll fine outside the megalopoli of Japan.
Mitsubishi Pajero Mini
Ignoring the already iconic legacy of the big daddy Pajero Evolution and its efforts in Dakar, we have the mini version of it here! I love this for all the same reasons I love the Jimny, and the sole reason I love the Terios: small off-roader and a hood mounted mirror. Gimme dat!!! Certified rad.
Jaguar XKR
Gotta say, this might’ve easily been the most surprising thing I saw in Japan. After my eyes finished popping out of my head like a cartoon character, I immediately asked myself “what the hell are you doing here? This is the Land of the Rising Sun, not the empire where the sun never sets. Disgusting.”
1960s Ford Mustang
Scratch that. THIS is the most surprising thing I saw during my time there. Somebody had to love this beauty to bring it all this way to the outskirts of Nishinomiya, and I love them for making that effort. Simply lovely.
Screw the car, look at this gizmo to keep your car from getting stolen
Don’t quote me on this, but I feel like this could easily be one of the simplest but most effective forms of anti-theft I’ve ever seen. Why don’t we put these everywhere?!
The Grand Gondala
Is the gondola worth talking about? Not really. Is the view from it and the final destination worth talking about? Indubitably! We rode this bad boy up Mount Rokkō to get to the Kobe Herb Garden, where we made like bloodhounds sniffing the shotgun blast of scents in the museum. Compliment that with a beautiful hike down the mountain and we had a day to remember.
Honda N-One
I dig the N-One and the many kei cars that take a similar shape, simply because it reminds me a lot of a smaller Scion xB, which was my first car as a kid. The dimensions and overall architecture is very much in line with the Scion, as if you just clicked the corner of a photo on a word document and shrank it down a lil bit!
I gotta say though, I saw a much cooler one at a private garage one day…
More of that at a later date.
Scion xB
Speak of the devil and it doth appear! Here’s a perfectly preserved, unremarkable Scion xB in the flesh!
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Okay yeah this was dope. I would be so incredibly surprised if this shared any direct lineage to the original Subbie rally cars of old, but it was so well done that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it anyways. Just don’t look at the other side of it.
Moon Eyes Toyota Prius
Screw it. Why not lower the Prius and slap on some Mooneyes gear? Don’t sleep on the duckbill either.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
If this car was a baby, I’d be furiously trying to pinch its cheeks. Look how frickin’ cute the damn thing is! It’s an EV kei car rocking 63 hp and 133 lbf⋅ft of torque in its little body. What’s that? Kelley’s very own Blue Book has given it 2.4 out of 5. Maybe I should’ve said it’s crap instead of cute.
In Conclusion
Uhhh…yeah I saw some cars and they were cool! I hope y’all enjoyed, and as a going away gift, here’s a photo of some of the cooler fans at the Suzuka race. Alright bye!
Man, I wish this site would allow pics in the comments so I could post a killer pic I took of a young Japanese dude driving an early 70’s Camaro in Tokyo. It was fantastic.
Send it my way! would love to see it.
The little van made to look like a Citroën could be a Suzuki or Nissan or Mitsubishi under there plus an outside chance of a Mazda since Suzuki is the OEM for a lot of Kei cars and trucks. Cosmetic kits are very popular like the VW bus cosplay for Subaru Sambars or the old Dream Factory Blow kits to make a Suzuki Wagon R look like a,69 Suburban
The Toyota Probox is actually a Renoca Euro Box – front end styling that apes a base Mk3 Golf and steel hubcaps – too cool!
good eye!
I was over the moon then i got to ride in a Alphard used as a Taxi/Hire car on Cyprus last summer. I was an import with the Japanese language infotainment and all but my non car interessted friends couldn’t be bothered 🙁 .
it’s okay, Jespser. I’ll share the Alphard love with you
I saw so many Figaros on my one trip to Duncan Imports that I don’t think I would even turn my head for one now, no matter where I was.
The fleet of Toyota Centuries, though, meeeeyow. Curtains+wool-and-doilied-seats+v12 = Boing-oing-oing-oing-oing!
Got to ride in a few Alphards when I was in Japan 2 years ago. They are the best way to ride in a car.
One of the best cars I saw in Japan was an absolutely mint early ’90s Buick Century wagon. I believe it was medium garnet red metallic paint, grey interior. Gorgeous paint and not a spot of rust on her. Funny how an GM A-body, the cockroach of the American Highway, managed to make its way over the Pacific. It was left-hand drive too, somebody imported it.
It has yellow plates; doesn’t that mean it’s a Kei car?
Learn something new every day! Another commenter said the same thing. Guess knowing about the plates is better than saying “it’s small so it’s kei”
So odd to see Moon Eyes in Japan… they started near me in So Cal. The little shop is still there.
No double entendres intended.
Easy way of telling whether it’s a keicar or not – if it has yellow license plates it’s kei, or yellow numbers if it has black commercial plates.
I’m gonna go back with this knowledge in my back pocket as I go carspotting again.
Those things under the car aren’t really for anti-theft, they’re so you don’t leave the parking lot without paying. When you park in a spot, it raises up. Then when you come back to your car and pay for your parking time at the kiosk, it lowers back down and you can leave.
This. I’m sure it can also help for anti theft, but if a thief wants it they’ll just power their way over the bump, condition be damned.
Interesting! That makes a lot more sense in hindsight; thanks for learning me something today!
Yes…Spread the Cult of the Van far and wide.
The Mustang is a ’66 with perhaps a ’65 gas cap but the resolution of the photo isn’t quite good enough to state that last part with certainty. My parents had a ’65 with a ’66 gas cap so I suppose this might explain where the original cap went.
Not that one.
Was just going to comment the same, that’s a base stingray, so normal old pushrod cross-plane crank 6.2L.
We were too lazy to walk down the Herb Garden (to be fair, we’d spent a lot of time in line at Himeji because it was Golden Week, and Kobe was a side trip). Any trip to Japan is fun for all the vehicle spotting. I make it a point to wake up early and walk around the neighborhood since most houses have carports instead of closed garages.