Inside Japan's Car Culture: Custom Cars, Mods & the Art of Tuning

Japan is a powerhouse in the automotive industry. This global prominence has extended not only to commercial success but even resulted in creating Japan’s distinct car culture. From household car brands to major car events—Japan’s car culture has plenty to offer for car enthusiasts and even regular commuters.

In this article, we take an exciting ride into Japan’s culture–its history, notable cars, and other important information you should know. In particular, we highlight the innovation behind JDM cars. So, fasten your seatbelt. Hold on tight because you’re in for a ride.

History of Car Culture in Japan

Japan’s car culture has a rich history and culture. Over the years, car enthusiasts have looked up to Japan as a center for car innovation and creativity. All thanks to popular Japanese car brands like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda—the global economy was gifted with one of, if not the most, significant participants in the global automotive industry.

Also Read: Which Japanese Car Brand is the Best?

This success in Japan’s car culture is a result of many factors. For many scholars though, this worldwide prominence in the automotive industry lies in the Japanese spirit of relentless innovation.

How Toyota Changed The Way We Make Things. Video courtesy of Bloomberg Original’s Official YouTube Channel.

After World War 2, most car companies in Japan focused on using lean manufacturing techniques to produce efficient, reliable, and affordable cars. Moreover, quality control was a priority in the manufacturing process. Even the Japanese government had to step up with their policies in terms of vehicle production and maintenance!

Aside from setting high standards for car production, Japanese car companies continue to revolutionize the automotive industry. The creation of hybrid and electric cars are primary examples of such feat.

A 2023 Toyota Prius, a plug-in hybrid vehicle during an auto show in New York in April. Photo courtesy of The Japan Times.

All of that and many other variables contributed to what continues to be a unique Japanese car culture that we all get to witness until today.

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What is JDM?

One distinct by-product of Japan’s car culture is the JDM cars. The term, JDM car, which stands for Japanese Domestic Manufactured cars, is typically loosely used to refer to any car made by a Japanese car brand.

What is JDM? Video courtesy of Amateur Enthusiasm.

More often than not, the definition of what is a JDM car relies on someone’s imagination. However, speaking strictly from a more technical perspective, JDM cars are:

• Vehicles produced by Japanese car manufacturers to comply with Japanese government regulations;
• Exclusively created, sold, and used for the Japanese market;
• Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles and built on principles of typical Japanese driving preferences and dimensions.

Furthermore, the emergence of JDM cars and its ‘sub-culture’ happens to be a result of reasons like:

• Rapid production of domestic market-exclusive cars in the 1980s and 1990s
• Low-volume releases of JDM cars with no counterparts in different countries
• American car enthusiasts’ discovery and manual importation of JDM cars
• Rising demand for JDM cars that were even modified according to owners’ preferences (e.g. bosozoku cars and zokusha cars)

Beyond JDM cars’ literal and technical definition, the term ‘JDM cars’ has grown to encompass other JDM-inspired cars. Thus, terms like ‘Japanese modified cars’ and ‘Japan imported cars’ continue to be in the mix of conversations when one talks about Japan’s car culture. Nonetheless, there are some key differences that one can help discern when they have to purchase an authentic JDM car.

What is the difference between JDM and USDM?

There are several ways to distinguish JDM cars and USDM cars. Unfortunately, the confusion comes from a misunderstanding of the technical definitions of what exactly is a JDM car and what is not.

USDM or JDM Acura Integra Type R? Video courtesy of EATSLEEPRACE Official YouTube Channel.

Many people think that the basis for a vehicle being classified as ‘JDM’ is the manufacturer’s country of origin. However, that explanation is inaccurate. An example of this inaccurate assumption is “Your car is Honda, and Honda is a Japanese company. So your car must be JDM.”

The same thought applies to other U.S.A-related car brands. Not all Ford or Chevrolet cars are automatically labeled as USDM.

To spell out key differences between JDM and USDM, we’ve highlighted critical distinguishing factors in this simple table:

Note that the differences between JDM and USDM vehicles are comprehensive and even more technical than they appear on the surface. Moreover, there are strict regulations in the U.S.A., for instance, to import JDM cars. One should always consult the authorities and other trusted resources to verify features that suit your needs.

Top JDM Car Models

Certain JDM cars have become automotive and cultural icons. When someone mentions JDM or Japanese cars, certain car models have become synonymous with JDM. This list covers stock JDM car models and not the already modified ones. Additionally, we’ve included JDM cars that frequently appear in many trusted sources and those that have stood the test of time.

Toyota Supra MK4

An image of a white Toyota Supra MK4. Photo courtesy of SlashGear.

This JDM car model has always contended to be one of the best JDM cars of all time. Its MK4 version even rose to stardom when “The Fast and the Furious” movie franchise featured this vehicle. Car enthusiasts raved the Supra for its engine power (6-cylinder turbocharged power plant), aerodynamic body, and transmission features.

Honda NSX

A red 1992 Honda NSX. Photo courtesy of Hypebeast.

Performance plus usability—that’s the name of the game for Honda NSX. From 1990 to 2005, Honda NSX graced the streets of Tokyo as a reliable car not just for city driving. It’s even one of, if not, the most powerful car that Honda has ever built. Some of its beloved features include an aluminum chassis and body, an 8000 rpm (revolutions per minute) engine, titanium rods in its engine, and a lot more innovative features.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Black (Left) and Red (Right) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo JDM. Photo courtesy of HotCars.

Widely known as ‘Evo,’ the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a legendary car in its own right. This car model was Mitsubishi’s top response to the tight JDM competition in the four-door sedan. People most especially loved Lancer Evo V, VI, and VII’s iterations. While many praised this vehicle for its comfort in daily use, its highlight came in the world rally scene. Despite Mitsubishi ceasing to produce this car model, many JDM Evos still find their way around the globe.

Mazda RX-7

1994 Mazda RX-7 R2 (FD3S) in Vintage Red at the 2021 Lime Rock Historic Festival. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Mazda RX-7 is easily one of the most recognizable and beloved JDM cars of all time! One reason is that it’s been around the JDM car scene since 1978. Not to forget—it has also appeared in several computer games like ‘Need for Speed’ and ‘Gran Turismo.’ This rotary-powered sports car is known for its lightweight and sleek design. Though appearing ‘small,’ it’s turbocharged with a 13B-REW engine, making it extremely powerful but fuel efficient.

Nissan Skyline GT-R

Paul Walker with the blue Nissan Skyline in The Fast and Furious. Photo courtesy of Export from Japan.

It’s often a close competition when it comes to the best JDM car of all time. But in many lists (and ours), the Nissan Skyline GT-R comes on top for solid reasons. The Nissan Skyline has become many car enthusiasts’ favorite. It boasts a 6-speed manual transmission and 280-hp engine. Moreover, it’s a rare gem because only around 12,000 models were produced. And of course, this JDM car reached its peak because of its lead role in “The Fast and the Furious.”

Other noteworthy JDM cars include the Subaru WRX STI, Honda Civic Mugen, and Toyota Celica.

Custom Car and Car Modifications in Japan

“It's not about what you drive, it's about what drives you.” -Keiichi Tsuchiya, Drift King

In Japan, people see cars not only as a means of transportation. Japanese car customization is also an expression of one’s individuality, creativity, and spirit.

Japan Mobility Show: Redefining transportation. Video courtesy of Peter von Gomm JAPAN YouTube channel.

Keiichi Tsuchiya’s words summarize how JDM cars’ modifications reflect Japan’s deep-seated passion for automotive artistry. It’s no wonder why Japanese-modified cars capture people’s imagination. From intricate details in the decals to personalized license plates, every detail combined expresses the JDM car owner’s identity.

Here are some notable styling customizations that are often seen among Japanese modified cars:

• Customizing for Wide Body Kits: By extending the fenders, the overall stance of the JDM vehicle is significantly broadened. It allows for more space to add more customized features.
• Graphics, Vinyl, and Paint: Changing paint colors and adding an extra layer of designs are highly personalized car customization activities. That’s why some JDM cars easily stand out from the crowd of cars.
• Wheels and Tires: Modifying cars requires changing the obvious stock items, and the wheels and tires just have to move over in Japan’s car culture. Slim performance tires are often preferred; they’re offset with boldly colored wheels, too.
• Suspension: This is a common practice in Japanese car customization. It drastically lowers the car’s height, but at the same time helps for faster acceleration and makes the car more aerodynamic.
• Spoilers & Wings: These are often staples in car modifications. Car enthusiasts would often add massive and stylish spoilers. Roof wings and rear wings also add to the visual appeal. But more importantly, all these help to control airflow over the car.

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How has JDM and Car Modification Affected Subcultures in Japan

The concepts of JDM and Car Modification seem so closely intertwined that they have managed to create subcultures and other distinct activities. Moreover, the subcultures inspired by the automotive industry can have very little distinction and may be confusing.

Nonetheless, this still gives us the chance to explore some of the most remarkable subcultures and activities that are products of JDM and car modifications.

The Bosozoku Spirit in Cars

One of the most distinguished car/vehicle subcultures in Japan is Bosozoku (暴走族). Bosozoku roughly translates to ‘running wild tribes’ and traces its roots to the gangsters who rode outrageously designed motorbikes. Its origins unfortunately reflect violence against the state, the police, and the people. That’s because the Bosozoku spirit rebels against conformity.

In more recent times though, Bosozoku gangs organize nightly parades and showcase their clans and vehicles. Sometimes, these end up in deadly encounters.

Two Bosozoku cars in Japan. Photo courtesy of TopGear.

Because of the Bosozoku clans, we’ve also come to witness the emergence of modified cars that reflect their spirit. Bosozoku cars defy convention. They are characterized by extravagant modifications and exaggerated aesthetics. Some of its noticeable modifications are the extreme lowering of the cars, wild body shapes, and using exhaust styling of motorbikes.

Zokusha Subculture

Zokusha is another distinct dimension of Japan's car customization scene. It also traces its roots to the Bosozoku movement. What makes Zokusha cars distinct is that the term is usually applied to JDM cars that were customized according to ‘rules’ that were inspired by the classic race cars of the 1970s-1990s.

A classic Japanese Zokusha car cruising through the streets of Japan. Photo courtesy of JAPspirit on Twitter.

Wide fenders, deep-dish wheels, Zokusha muffler, and aggressive camber angles—these are some of the elements that create a Zokusha car’s rebellious look. Also, it must be slammed so close to the ground.

What’s clear is that Zokusha enthusiasts take pride in pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Such interest has inspired more car enthusiasts to also explore modifying their cars as a form of personal expression and artistry.

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Aside from the outlandish car customizations observed in Bosozoku and Zokusha cars, there are plenty of other remarkable activities that highlight Japan’s automotive industry. Car enthusiasts can also check out car meets, Daikoku PA, Touge Drifting, and car museums.

Conclusion

The Japanese car culture is distinct, colorful, and innovative. This global distinction in the automotive industry is highlighted in the manufacturing and distribution of Japanese Domestic (JDM) cars.

Moreover, the innovation behind JDM cars has also resulted in unique subcultures of extreme car modification as seen in Zokusha and Bosozoku cars. Japan’s relentless quest for standardized automotive efficiency and its extraordinary culture of car modification seem to be a paradoxical juxtaposition that ultimately creates the Japanese car culture that people love.