Fifty years ago, no one could have predicted that a small island in the Pacific would, in a few short decades, dominate the automotive industry. Japan now makes more cars than both Germany, where the horseless carriage was invented, and America, where mass production of the automobile began. Moreover, Japan even outsells American cars on their home turf, which happens to be the largest car market in the world.
Japan has gained a reputation for producing the most efficient, economical and reliable vehicles money can buy. Brands such as Toyota and Honda have become household names, synonymous with quality.
Japanese cars, on the other hand, are commonly thought of as A-to-B modes of transportation, meant to be used and sent to the crusher when finished. This view is largely due to their perceived lack of prestige, a trait that depends on things like racing pedigree and heritage. And while Japanese autos do possess these qualities, even the most fanatical car nuts are usually unaware of them.
After all, Japanese cars were nowhere to be seen as Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz fought for supremacy in grueling motor-sports contests throughout postwar Europe. Back then, very few were aware that, a continent away, Toyotas and Nissans were battling just as hard in Honshu’s mountains or at Fuji Speedway.
In 2005, this movement reached a new level when the Japanese Classic Car Show was held in Long Beach, California. The JCCS was the first event of its kind, a celebration of Japanese cars 20 years or older. The organizers, Koji and Terry Yamaguchi, are Japanese expats who have been living in California for eight years. As enthusiasts who grew up surrounded by the cars honored in their show, they weren’t burdened by American collectors’ bias against these vehicles. Though small compared with gatherings of American or European auto fans, the JCCS quickly developed a loyal following, and has increased in size each subsequent year.
The show managed to bring together various car clubs dedicated to specific models under the banner of “Japanese Classics.” This drew much-needed media attention to the scene, and as a result the rich histories of these cars are beginning to see the light of day in the English- speaking world.
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