JAA
White 1968 Toyota 2000GT, front three-quarter view, at London Concours 2022.

Permanent collection / Hall 01

01 / 04 — Headlight

Engineeredin Japan.

Landmark machines, engineering, design and motorsport — tracing the Japanese car culture that travelled the world.

Scroll to drive through the eras

002 — Prologue

一台のクルマが、時代を変える。

One carcan definean era.

This archive collects cars born in Japan not as products, but as records of their time — from sports cars to sedans, kei cars, commercial vehicles and hybrids.

Years, chassis codes, engines, outputs — every figure shown is tied to a source; anything unverified is left out. Every photograph carries its own licence.

056 machines catalogued — the collection keeps growing

005 — In the collection

Hover to slow · click to open

White 1968 Toyota 2000GT, front three-quarter view, at London Concours 2022.

2000GT

MF10 · 1967 · Toyota

MrWalkr / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Amethyst Silver Metallic Toyota Sports 800 coupe, front three-quarter view.

Sports 800

UP15 · 1965 · Toyota

Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Blue first-generation Toyota Celica 1600ST (TA22), front three-quarter view.

Celica (first generation)

A20 · 1970 · Toyota

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 in panda livery driving on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno (AE86)

AE86 · 1983 · Toyota

SprinterTrueno1985 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver Toyota Supra (A80), rear three-quarter view, parked on a European city street at dusk.

Supra (A80)

JZA80 · 1993 · Toyota

Falcon® Photography from France / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Two-tone grey first-generation Toyota MR2 (AW11) 1.6 Twin Cam, front three-quarter view.

MR2 (first generation)

AW10 · 1984 · Toyota

Joost J. Bakker from IJmuiden / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black first-generation 1967 Toyota Century (G20) displayed in a museum.

Century (first generation)

VG20 · 1967 · Toyota

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black 1955 Toyopet Crown RS on display at the Toyota Automobile Museum, door open.

Toyopet Crown (first generation)

RS · 1955 · Toyota

先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Red 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 on a tree-lined road.

Land Cruiser 40 Series

J40 · 1960 · Toyota

Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Navy Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series (2015 re-release) in a showroom.

Land Cruiser 70 Series

J70 · 1984 · Toyota

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver first-generation Toyota Prius (NHW10, 1999) on display at the Motorcar Museum of Japan.

Prius (first generation)

NHW10 · 1997 · Toyota

先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black Lexus LFA, front view, in a collection garage.

LFA

LFA10 · 2010 · Lexus

Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black 1994 Lexus LS 400 (first generation, UCF10), rear three-quarter view at Montlhery.

LS 400 (first generation)

XF10 · 1989 · Lexus

crash71100 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Yellow Datsun 240Z (Nissan Fairlady Z S30) parked on a street under autumn leaves.

Fairlady Z (S30) / Datsun 240Z

S30 · 1969 · Nissan

Dllu / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver 1970 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R 'Hakosuka' (KPGC10) on museum display.

Skyline 2000GT-R (PGC10/KPGC10)

PGC10 · 1969 · Nissan

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Dark purple 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), rear three-quarter view showing the round tail lamps.

Skyline GT-R (R32)

BNR32 · 1989 · Nissan

Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Midnight Purple 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R33) on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

Skyline GT-R (R33)

BCNR33 · 1995 · Nissan

Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Bayside Blue Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) head-on at the 2026 Cleveland Auto Show.

Skyline GT-R (R34)

BNR34 · 1999 · Nissan

Erik Drost / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Dark blue Nissan GT-R (R35, 2011 facelift) with carbon bonnet, front three-quarter view.

GT-R (R35)

R35 · 2007 · Nissan

Pangalau / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black Nissan Silvia (S13), front three-quarter view on grass.

Silvia (S13)

S13 · 1988 · Nissan

TKOIII / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver 1996 Nissan 180SX, side/front view against a brick wall.

180SX

RS13 · 1989 · Nissan

Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black 1965 Nissan President (H150) in an underground car park.

President (first generation)

H150 · 1965 · Nissan

Jones028 from Hong Kong / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Blue first-generation Nissan Leaf (ZE0) hatchback, front three-quarter view.

Leaf (first generation)

ZE0 · 2010 · Nissan

EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Blue 1972 Nissan Patrol (60 series) soft-top on a dark display stand.

Patrol 60 Series

60 · 1960 · Nissan

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Red 1964 Honda S500 roadster on museum display (Toyota Automobile Museum).

S500

S500 (1963–1964) · 1963 · Honda

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Yellow 1966 Honda S800 with roof closed, in front of a dark traditional Japanese wooden building.

S800

S800 (1966–1970) · 1966 · Honda

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver 1969 Honda N360 Touring kei car, front three-quarter view.

N360

N360 (1967–1972) · 1967 · Honda

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Orange first-generation Honda Civic 1200RS (SB1), front three-quarter view.

Civic (first generation)

SB1 · 1972 · Honda

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black 1991 Acura/Honda NSX (NA1) with gold wheels on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

NSX (first generation)

NA1 · 1990 · Honda

Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

White Honda Integra Type R (DC2, 1996 spec) on a rural road beside rice paddies and mountains in Japan.

Integra Type R (DC2)

DC2 · 1995 · Honda

先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Red 2007 Honda S2000 roadster, top down, front three-quarter view on grass.

S2000

AP1 · 1999 · Honda

Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Yellow Honda Beat (PP1) kei roadster, rear three-quarter view against a white wall.

Beat

PP1 · 1991 · Honda

Guyon from Richmond, VA, United States of America / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

White Mazda Cosmo Sport on display at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima.

Cosmo Sport (110S)

L10A · 1967 · Mazda

Aos.1905 / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Green 1978 Mazda Savanna RX-7 (SA22C) on museum display.

RX-7 (first generation)

SA22C · 1978 · Mazda

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Teal Mazda RX-7 (FD) with carbon bonnet, head-on at the 2024 Cleveland Auto Show.

RX-7 (third generation)

FD3S · 1991 · Mazda

Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

British Racing Green 1996 Mazda MX-5 (NA) 1.8, front three-quarter view.

MX-5 (NA) / Eunos Roadster

NA · 1989 · Mazda

Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver 2008 Mazda RX-8, front three-quarter view on gravel.

RX-8

SE3P · 2003 · Mazda

Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Mazda 787B, 1991 Le Mans overall winner, on display at the Mazda Museum with its R26B rotary engine.

787B

787B Group C prototype (1991) · 1991 · Mazda

victor miyakawa / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

White 1970 Subaru 360, front three-quarter view on a show stand.

360

Subaru 360 (1958–1971) · 1958 · Subaru

This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov. Contact e-mail: yunakovgmail.com. Image can be used in accordance with the terms of the СС-BY-SA license. Other photos can be seen here. / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Red 1989 Subaru Legacy (first generation, BC) sedan, front three-quarter view.

Legacy (first generation)

BC · 1989 · Subaru

Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Blue 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi (GC8-based coupe), front three-quarter view.

Impreza WRX (first generation)

GC8 · 1992 · Subaru

MrWalkr / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, front three-quarter view on grass.

Lancer Evolution VI

CP9A · 1999 · Mitsubishi

Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black 1982 first-generation Mitsubishi Pajero short-wheelbase, side/front view.

Pajero (first generation)

L040 · 1982 · Mitsubishi

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Burgundy Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (GTO), front three-quarter view in a parking lot.

GTO (3000GT)

Z15A · 1990 · Mitsubishi

Jacob Frey 4A / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

White 1971 Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO-MR on display at the Toyota Automobile Museum.

Colt Galant GTO

A53C · 1970 · Mitsubishi

先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

White 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric kei car, front three-quarter view.

i-MiEV

i-MiEV (2009–2021) · 2009 · Mitsubishi

OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons

Yellow first-generation Suzuki Jimny (LJ10) on a dark display at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

Jimny LJ10

LJ10 · 1970 · Suzuki

Alexander Migl / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver Suzuki Cappuccino kei roadster, front view parked on a street.

Cappuccino

Cappuccino (1991–1998) · 1991 · Suzuki

Oleg Yunakov / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Black first-generation Daihatsu Copen (L880K) Active Top in a parking area in Japan.

Copen (first generation)

L880K · 2002 · Daihatsu

先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Silver 1979 Isuzu 117 Coupe XE, front three-quarter view.

117 Coupé

PA90 · 1968 · Isuzu

TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

007 — Timeline

Drive
through
the eras.

1950年代から、いまへ。そして未来へ。

ERA 07

2020s

Today — and Tomorrow

現在、そして未来

Enter →

Electrification, software and heritage: the archive continues to be written.

    0081960s / Origin

    The beginningof an icon.

    高速道路と、最初の名車たち。

    Motorisation began, and Japanese makers built their first cars that were meant to be talked about for how they drove.

    1. 1963

      Japan's first expressway, the Meishin Expressway, opened its first section near Osaka and Kyoto on 16 July 1963.

      Source: Meishin Expressway — Wikipedia (English)
    2. 1964

      In Japan, motorization progressed from shortly after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as affordable mass-market cars spread to ordinary households from the late 1960s into the 1970s.

      Source: モータリゼーション — ウィキペディア日本語版
    3. 1966

      The Toyota Corolla went on sale in 1966, the same year the Nissan (Datsun) Sunny was introduced.

      Source: トヨタ・カローラ — ウィキペディア日本語版
    4. 1969

      The Tomei Expressway opened its first sections in 1968 and was completed in 1969.

      Source: Tomei Expressway — Wikipedia (English)

    0091980s / Technology boom

    Thetechnologyboom.

    技術そのものが、主役になった。

    Turbocharging, four-wheel steering, electronically controlled AWD and variable valve timing — each dated from a cited source.

    1979

    The turbocharged 2.0-litre L20ET engine appeared in the Nissan Cedric and Gloria in 1979, the first turbocharged engine offered on the Japanese market.

    Nissan Cedric — Wikipedia (English)

    1987

    The third-generation Honda Prelude, released in Japan on 9 April 1987, offered a mechanical four-wheel steering system, described as the first of its kind in a mass-production passenger car.

    Honda Prelude — Wikipedia (English)
    Dark purple 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), rear three-quarter view showing the round tail lamps.

    010 — 1990s / Golden era

    The goldenera.

    黄金期、と呼ばれる十年。

    Skyline GT-R (R32) BNR32 — Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0

    “Golden era” is an editorial label, not an objective verdict. Under the manufacturers' voluntary 280 PS limit, makers competed on engineering and character — traced here car by car.

    1. 1990

      Japan's automotive industry overtook the United States as the production leader during the 1980s and 1990s, producing up to 13 million vehicles per year.

      Source: Automotive industry in Japan — Wikipedia (English)
    2. 1991

      The Mazda 787B won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, the first Le Mans victory by a Japanese manufacturer.

      Source: Mazda 787B — Wikipedia (English)
    3. 1997

      The Toyota Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid car, went on sale in Japan in December 1997.

      Source: Toyota Prius — Wikipedia (English)
    4. 1998

      A new kei-car standard took effect in October 1998, and manufacturers introduced revised lineups simultaneously.

      Source: Kei car — Wikipedia (English)
    5. 1989

      After Nissan held its 1989 Fairlady Z (Z32), Skyline GT-R (BNR32) and Infiniti Q45 to 280 PS under administrative guidance, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association adopted 280 PS as the voluntary upper limit for domestic cars.

      Source: 自動車馬力規制 — ウィキペディア日本語版
    1. XF10

      Black 1994 Lexus LS 400 (first generation, UCF10), rear three-quarter view at Montlhery.

      LS 400 (first generation)

      1989–1994

    2. BNR32

      Dark purple 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), rear three-quarter view showing the round tail lamps.

      Skyline GT-R (R32)

      1989–1994

    3. RS13

      Silver 1996 Nissan 180SX, side/front view against a brick wall.

      180SX

      1989–1998

    4. NA

      British Racing Green 1996 Mazda MX-5 (NA) 1.8, front three-quarter view.

      MX-5 (NA) / Eunos Roadster

      1989–1997

    5. BC

      Red 1989 Subaru Legacy (first generation, BC) sedan, front three-quarter view.

      Legacy (first generation)

      1989–1994

    6. NA1

      Black 1991 Acura/Honda NSX (NA1) with gold wheels on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

      NSX (first generation)

      1990–2005

    7. Z15A

      Burgundy Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (GTO), front three-quarter view in a parking lot.

      GTO (3000GT)

      1990–2001

    8. PP1

      Yellow Honda Beat (PP1) kei roadster, rear three-quarter view against a white wall.

      Beat

      1991–1996

    9. FD3S

      Teal Mazda RX-7 (FD) with carbon bonnet, head-on at the 2024 Cleveland Auto Show.

      RX-7 (third generation)

      1991–2002

    10. 787B Group C prototype (1991)

      Mazda 787B, 1991 Le Mans overall winner, on display at the Mazda Museum with its R26B rotary engine.

      787B

      1991–

    11. Cappuccino (1991–1998)

      Silver Suzuki Cappuccino kei roadster, front view parked on a street.

      Cappuccino

      1991–1998

    12. GC8

      Blue 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi (GC8-based coupe), front three-quarter view.

      Impreza WRX (first generation)

      1992–2000

    13. CD9A

      Lancer Evolution (first generation)

      1992–1994

    14. JZA80

      Silver Toyota Supra (A80), rear three-quarter view, parked on a European city street at dusk.

      Supra (A80)

      1993–2002

    15. BCNR33

      Midnight Purple 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R33) on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

      Skyline GT-R (R33)

      1995–1998

    16. DC2

      White Honda Integra Type R (DC2, 1996 spec) on a rural road beside rice paddies and mountains in Japan.

      Integra Type R (DC2)

      1995–2001

    17. NHW10

      Silver first-generation Toyota Prius (NHW10, 1999) on display at the Motorcar Museum of Japan.

      Prius (first generation)

      1997–2003

    18. BNR34

      Bayside Blue Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) head-on at the 2026 Cleveland Auto Show.

      Skyline GT-R (R34)

      1999–2002

    19. AP1

      Red 2007 Honda S2000 roadster, top down, front three-quarter view on grass.

      S2000

      1999–2009

    20. CP9A

      Silver 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, front three-quarter view on grass.

      Lancer Evolution VI

      1999–2001

    Main straight and grandstands of Fuji Speedway with Mount Fuji in the background (22 April 2018).

    011 — Acceleration

    000

    Decorative readout — not vehicle performance data

    Motionbecomesmemory.

    走った記憶が、文化になる。

    Hiroki_Hieda / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Black 1991 Acura/Honda NSX (NA1) with gold wheels on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

    012Sports cars

    Builttoperform.

    走るために、つくられた。

    NSX (first generation) NA1 · 1990–2005Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0

    From 1960s lightweight coupés to a carbon-bodied V10 — sports cars across the decades, in order. Scroll sideways.

    All sports cars →
    1. 1963

      Red 1964 Honda S500 roadster on museum display (Toyota Automobile Museum).

      Honda

      S500

      S500 (1963–1964) · 1963–1964 · Sports car

    2. 1965

      Amethyst Silver Metallic Toyota Sports 800 coupe, front three-quarter view.

      Toyota

      Sports 800

      UP15 · 1965–1969 · Sports car

    3. 1966

      Yellow 1966 Honda S800 with roof closed, in front of a dark traditional Japanese wooden building.

      Honda

      S800

      S800 (1966–1970) · 1966–1970 · Sports car

    4. 1967

      White 1968 Toyota 2000GT, front three-quarter view, at London Concours 2022.

      Toyota

      2000GT

      MF10 · 1967–1970 · Sports car

    5. 1967

      White Mazda Cosmo Sport on display at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima.

      Mazda

      Cosmo Sport (110S)

      L10A · 1967–1972 · Sports car

    6. 1969

      Yellow Datsun 240Z (Nissan Fairlady Z S30) parked on a street under autumn leaves.

      Nissan

      Fairlady Z (S30) / Datsun 240Z

      S30 · 1969–1978 · Sports car

    7. 1969

      Silver 1970 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R 'Hakosuka' (KPGC10) on museum display.

      Nissan

      Skyline 2000GT-R (PGC10/KPGC10)

      PGC10 · 1969–1972 · Sports car

    8. 1970

      Blue first-generation Toyota Celica 1600ST (TA22), front three-quarter view.

      Toyota

      Celica (first generation)

      A20 · 1970–1977 · Coupé

    9. 1970

      White 1971 Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO-MR on display at the Toyota Automobile Museum.

      Mitsubishi

      Colt Galant GTO

      A53C · 1970–1977 · Coupé

    10. 1978

      Green 1978 Mazda Savanna RX-7 (SA22C) on museum display.

      Mazda

      RX-7 (first generation)

      SA22C · 1978–1985 · Sports car

    11. 1983

      Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 in panda livery driving on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

      Toyota

      Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno (AE86)

      AE86 · 1983–1987 · Sports car

    12. 1984

      Two-tone grey first-generation Toyota MR2 (AW11) 1.6 Twin Cam, front three-quarter view.

      Toyota

      MR2 (first generation)

      AW10 · 1984–1989 · Sports car

    13. 1988

      Black Nissan Silvia (S13), front three-quarter view on grass.

      Nissan

      Silvia (S13)

      S13 · 1988–1993 · Sports car

    14. 1989

      Dark purple 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), rear three-quarter view showing the round tail lamps.

      Nissan

      Skyline GT-R (R32)

      BNR32 · 1989–1994 · Sports car

    15. 1989

      Silver 1996 Nissan 180SX, side/front view against a brick wall.

      Nissan

      180SX

      RS13 · 1989–1998 · Sports car

    16. 1989

      British Racing Green 1996 Mazda MX-5 (NA) 1.8, front three-quarter view.

      Mazda

      MX-5 (NA) / Eunos Roadster

      NA · 1989–1997 · Sports car

    17. 1990

      Black 1991 Acura/Honda NSX (NA1) with gold wheels on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

      Honda

      NSX (first generation)

      NA1 · 1990–2005 · Supercar

    18. 1990

      Burgundy Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (GTO), front three-quarter view in a parking lot.

      Mitsubishi

      GTO (3000GT)

      Z15A · 1990–2001 · Grand tourer

    19. 1991

      Yellow Honda Beat (PP1) kei roadster, rear three-quarter view against a white wall.

      Honda

      Beat

      PP1 · 1991–1996 · Kei car

    20. 1991

      Teal Mazda RX-7 (FD) with carbon bonnet, head-on at the 2024 Cleveland Auto Show.

      Mazda

      RX-7 (third generation)

      FD3S · 1991–2002 · Sports car

    21. 1991

      Silver Suzuki Cappuccino kei roadster, front view parked on a street.

      Suzuki

      Cappuccino

      Cappuccino (1991–1998) · 1991–1998 · Kei car

    22. 1992

      Blue 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi (GC8-based coupe), front three-quarter view.

      Subaru

      Impreza WRX (first generation)

      GC8 · 1992–2000 · Sedan

    23. 1992

      Mitsubishi

      Lancer Evolution (first generation)

      CD9A · 1992–1994 · Sedan

    24. 1993

      Silver Toyota Supra (A80), rear three-quarter view, parked on a European city street at dusk.

      Toyota

      Supra (A80)

      JZA80 · 1993–2002 · Sports car

    25. 1995

      Midnight Purple 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R33) on a dark show stand, Essen Motor Show 2022.

      Nissan

      Skyline GT-R (R33)

      BCNR33 · 1995–1998 · Sports car

    26. 1995

      White Honda Integra Type R (DC2, 1996 spec) on a rural road beside rice paddies and mountains in Japan.

      Honda

      Integra Type R (DC2)

      DC2 · 1995–2001 · Sports car

    27. 1999

      Bayside Blue Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) head-on at the 2026 Cleveland Auto Show.

      Nissan

      Skyline GT-R (R34)

      BNR34 · 1999–2002 · Sports car

    28. 1999

      Red 2007 Honda S2000 roadster, top down, front three-quarter view on grass.

      Honda

      S2000

      AP1 · 1999–2009 · Sports car

    29. 1999

      Silver 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, front three-quarter view on grass.

      Mitsubishi

      Lancer Evolution VI

      CP9A · 1999–2001 · Sedan

    30. 2002

      Black first-generation Daihatsu Copen (L880K) Active Top in a parking area in Japan.

      Daihatsu

      Copen (first generation)

      L880K · 2002–2012 · Kei car

    31. 2003

      Silver 2008 Mazda RX-8, front three-quarter view on gravel.

      Mazda

      RX-8

      SE3P · 2003–2012 · Sports car

    32. 2007

      Dark blue Nissan GT-R (R35, 2011 facelift) with carbon bonnet, front three-quarter view.

      Nissan

      GT-R (R35)

      R35 · 2007–2025 · Supercar

    33. 2010

      Black Lexus LFA, front view, in a collection garage.

      Lexus

      LFA

      LFA10 · 2010–2012 · Supercar

    013Sedans

    TheJapanesesedan.

    もうひとつの主役、セダンという文化。

    Japanese automotive history is not only sports cars. Official state cars, family saloons and rally-winning sedans all belong here.

    015Kei cars

    Small car,big idea.

    小さな規格が、大きな文化になった。

    The kei class is a vehicle category unique to Japan. Within fixed limits on size and displacement, it has produced sports cars, SUVs and working vehicles alike. The diagram traces the upper limits over time (sourced).

    1949 2.8×1m 150 cc1950 3×1.3m 300 cc1976 3.2×1.4m 550 cc1990 3.3×1.4m 660 cc1998 3.4×1.48m 660 cc
    Kei limits, length × width (height 2.0 m throughout). Source: 軽自動車 — ウィキペディア日本語版

    017Special engine stories

    Rotary. Boxer.VTEC. Turbo.

    四つの技術、四つの思想。

    01 / 04

    Rotary

    ロータリー

    Principle

    A triangular rotor turns inside an epitrochoid housing; each flank completes intake, compression, combustion and exhaust as it sweeps around — no pistons, no valves.

    On record

    1. 1967

      The Mazda Cosmo, produced from 1967, launched Mazda's Wankel rotary engine and was, along with the NSU Ro80, one of the first production cars with a two-rotor Wankel engine.

      Mazda Cosmo — Wikipedia (English)
    2. 1991

      The Mazda 787B No. 55, driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler and Bertrand Gachot, won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans; it was the first Le Mans win by a Japanese manufacturer and remains the only win by a car without a reciprocating engine.

      Mazda 787B — Wikipedia (English)
    Read more →

    02 / 04

    Boxer

    水平対向

    Principle

    Cylinders lie flat in two opposed banks, pistons moving towards and away from each other. The layout is low and short, keeping mass near the car's centre line.

    On record

    1. 1972

      Subaru released the four-wheel-drive Leone station wagon in September 1972.

      Subaru Leone — Wikipedia (English)
    2. 1995

      Subaru won the WRC manufacturers' championship in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and its drivers won the drivers' title in 1995 (Colin McRae), 2001 (Richard Burns) and 2003 (Petter Solberg).

      Subaru World Rally Team — Wikipedia (English)
    Read more →

    03 / 04

    VTEC

    可変バルブタイミング

    Principle

    Two sets of cam lobes per cylinder: mild profiles for low-speed tractability, then a hydraulic pin locks the rockers onto a high-lift profile as revs rise.

    On record

    1. 1989

      Honda's DOHC VTEC was introduced in Japan in the 1989 Honda Integra XSi with the B16A engine.

      VTEC — Wikipedia (English)
    Read more →

    04 / 04

    Turbo

    ターボチャージャー

    Principle

    Exhaust gas spins a turbine that drives a compressor on the same shaft, pushing more air into the cylinders than atmospheric pressure alone.

    On record

    1. 1979

      The turbocharged 2.0-litre L20ET engine appeared in the Nissan Cedric and Gloria in 1979, the first turbocharged engine offered on the Japanese market.

      Nissan Cedric — Wikipedia (English)
    Read more →

    018Japanese Domestic Market

    J.D.M.

    国内仕様という、ひとつの市場。

    JDM originally means the Japanese Domestic Market. It is not a synonym for every Japanese car, nor for a tuning style.

    The term 'Japanese domestic market' (JDM) refers to Japan's home market for vehicles and vehicle parts; it is also used, inaccurately, for Japanese-built cars sold abroad. [Japanese domestic market]

    This archive distinguishes domestic, North American and European specifications, and records names and specs per market rather than mixing them.

    One car, different names by market
    JDMExport namesSource
    Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)ExportDatsun 240Z / 260Z / 280ZWikipedia (English)
    Eunos Roadster / Mazda RoadsterMost marketsMazda MX-5United StatesMazda MX-5 MiataWikipedia (English)
    Honda NSXNorth AmericaAcura NSXWikipedia (English)
    Toyota CelsiorExportLexus LS 400 / LS 430Wikipedia (English)
    Mitsubishi PajeroNorth America, Spain, Latin AmericaMitsubishi MonteroUnited KingdomMitsubishi ShogunWikipedia (English)
    Nissan Silvia / 180SX (S13, S14)North AmericaNissan 240SXEuropeNissan 200SXWikipedia (English)
    Mitsubishi GTOGlobalMitsubishi 3000GTNorth AmericaDodge Stealth (1991-1996)Wikipedia (English)
    Subaru LegacyAustraliaSubaru LibertyWikipedia (English)
    Mazda Savanna RX-7 (later Efini RX-7)ExportMazda RX-7ウィキペディア日本語版
    Honda IntegraNorth AmericaAcura Integra (later Acura RSX)Wikipedia (English)
    Toyota Celica XXExportToyota Celica SupraWikipedia (English)
    Nissan Skyline (V35)North AmericaInfiniti G35Wikipedia (English)

    019Export

    From Japanto the world.

    日本から、世界の道へ。

    1. 1958

      Toyota showed the Toyopet Crown to U.S. dealers and media in August 1957; U.S. sales began on 10 July 1958, and 287 Crowns were sold by the end of that year.

      Source: Toyota Motor North America — Wikipedia (English)
    2. 1958

      From 1958 to 1986, Nissan's exported vehicles were identified by the Datsun brand; Nissan phased out the Datsun name in March 1986.

      Source: Datsun — Wikipedia (English)
    3. 1970

      Honda began selling passenger cars in North America in 1970 with the N600 sedan, through 32 dealers in the western United States.

      Source: American Honda Motor Company — Wikipedia (English)
    4. 1982

      In 1982 Honda began producing Accord sedans in Marysville, Ohio, becoming the first Japanese automaker to build cars in the United States.

      Source: American Honda Motor Company — Wikipedia (English)
    5. 1986

      Honda launched the Acura brand on 27 March 1986; it is described as the first Japanese luxury car brand.

      Source: Acura — Wikipedia (English)
    6. 1989

      Toyota's Lexus brand was launched with the LS in 1989; Lexus did not exist as a brand in Japan until 2005.

      Source: Lexus — Wikipedia (English)
    7. 1989

      Nissan's Infiniti brand began on 8 November 1989, initially in North America.

      Source: Infiniti — Wikipedia (English)

    020Motorsport

    Bornto compete.

    競うために、生まれた。

    Every win, title, driver and year is cited. Road-car specifications and competition-car specifications are kept separate.

    Endurance

    1. The NSX GT1 and GT2 cars raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans were built from factory NSX-R shells.

      Honda NSX (first generation)
    2. 1966

      Won the inaugural Suzuka 1000 km in 1966.

      Toyota 2000GT
    3. 1967

      Won the 24 Hours of Fuji and the Fuji 1000 km in 1967.

      Toyota 2000GT
    4. 1968

      In 1968 Mazda entered the Cosmo in the 84-hour Marathon de la Route at the Nürburgring, with engines limited to 130 PS for durability; it was the Cosmo's only racing outing.

      Mazda Cosmo
    5. 1991

      The Mazda 787B No. 55, driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler and Bertrand Gachot, won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans; it was the first Le Mans win by a Japanese manufacturer and remains the only win by a car without a reciprocating engine.

      Mazda 787B
    6. 1991

      Took the overall win at the 1991 Spa 24 Hours.

      Nissan Skyline GT-R
    7. 1991

      A 787B driven by Johnny Herbert, Volker Weidler and Bertrand Gachot won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans.

      Mazda 787B
    8. 2008

      Gazoo Racing entered LF-As in the 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2008 and 2009; in 2009 car No. 14 finished 4th in the SP8 class.

      Lexus LFA
    9. 2018

      Toyota won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times in a row from 2018 to 2020 with the TS050 Hybrid, and again in 2021 and 2022 with the GR010 Hybrid.

      Toyota GR010 Hybrid
    10. 2018

      It was the first Le Mans win by a Japanese manufacturer (the only one until Toyota in 2018) and remains the only win by a car without a reciprocating engine.

      Mazda 787B

    Rally

    1. Mitsubishi's Dakar record with the Pajero totals 12 overall car-class wins and 150 stage wins.

      Mitsubishi Pajero
    2. 1973

      A Datsun 240Z driven by Shekhar Mehta won the 21st East African Safari Rally in 1973.

      Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)
    3. 1973

      Shekhar Mehta won the 1973 East African Safari Rally (WRC) in a Datsun 240Z.

      Nissan S30
    4. 1983

      Mitsubishi's Dakar Rally record, begun with a Pajero class win in 1983 and ending with its final wins in 2007, totals 12 overall wins in the cars category.

      Mitsubishi Pajero
    5. 1983

      Andrew Cowan won his class in a Pajero at the 1983 Paris–Alger–Dakar, beginning the Pajero's Dakar Rally record.

      Mitsubishi Pajero
    6. 1990

      Carlos Sainz won the 1990 World Rally Championship drivers' title in a Toyota Celica, Toyota's first world championship title, and won again in 1992.

      Toyota in motorsport
    7. 1993

      In 1993 Juha Kankkunen won the WRC drivers' title and Toyota won the manufacturers' championship, the first Japanese manufacturer to do so; Toyota repeated the manufacturers' title in 1994 with Didier Auriol as drivers' champion.

      Toyota in motorsport
    8. 1993

      Colin McRae scored Subaru's first overall WRC win in a Group A Legacy at the 1993 Rally New Zealand.

      Subaru Impreza
    9. 1994

      Carlos Sainz gave the Impreza its first WRC win at the 1994 Acropolis Rally.

      Subaru Impreza
    10. 1995

      Subaru won the WRC manufacturers' championship in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and its drivers won the drivers' title in 1995 (Colin McRae), 2001 (Richard Burns) and 2003 (Petter Solberg).

      Subaru World Rally Team
    11. 1995

      The Impreza won Subaru three consecutive WRC constructors' titles (1995–1997) and the 1995 drivers' title for Colin McRae.

      Subaru Impreza
    12. 1996

      Tommi Mäkinen won four consecutive WRC drivers' titles from 1996 to 1999 in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Mitsubishi won the manufacturers' title in 1998.

      Tommi Mäkinen
    13. 1999

      Toyota won the WRC manufacturers' title in 1999, its final season before withdrawing from the series.

      Toyota in motorsport
    14. 2018

      After returning to the WRC in 2017, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT won the manufacturers' title in 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; its drivers' champions were Ott Tänak (2019), Sébastien Ogier (2020, 2021) and Kalle Rovanperä (2022, 2023).

      Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT

    Touring car

    1. 1985

      Kaoru Hoshino won the 1985 Division 1 class championship of the All Japan Touring Car Championship in a Corolla Levin.

      Toyota AE86
    2. 1986

      Chris Hodgetts won the British Touring Car Championship in 1986 and 1987 driving an AE86.

      Toyota AE86
    3. 1986

      In 1986 the AE86 won the European Touring Car Championship manufacturers' title with 267 points.

      Toyota AE86
    4. 1990

      Won all 29 Japanese Touring Car Championship races it entered, taking the series title every year from 1990 to 1993 (Group A).

      Nissan Skyline GT-R
    5. 1991

      Won the Bathurst 1000 in 1991 and 1992.

      Nissan Skyline GT-R
    6. 1993

      Group A Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) cars won the Japanese Touring Car Championship four years in a row and recorded 29 consecutive Group A wins.

      Nissan Skyline GT-R

    Formula

    1. 1965

      Honda won its first Formula One race at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix, with Richie Ginther driving the RA272 and leading every lap.

      Honda RA272
    2. 1966

      Finished third in the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji.

      Toyota 2000GT
    3. 1972

      Kiyoshi Misaki took a class win at the 1972 Macau Grand Prix in a 1600GT.

      トヨタ・セリカ

    GT

    1. A limited NSX-R GT road version was approved to support homologation of the NSX race car in the JGTC/Super GT series.

      Honda NSX (first generation)
    2. 1970

      John Morton won the SCCA C Production national title in 1970 and 1971 in a Brock Racing Enterprises 240Z.

      Nissan S30
    3. 1989

      Mazda's 1989 GTUs limited edition commemorated the RX-7's eight straight IMSA GTU class wins from 1980 to 1987.

      Mazda RX-7
    4. 2008

      The GT-R won the GT500 class of the 2008 Super GT season.

      Nissan Skyline GT-R

    Circuit & hillclimb

    1. 1968

      At the 1968 12 Hours of Suzuka, the No. 25 S800 of Racing Service Center finished 3rd overall and 1st in the GT-1 class.

      Honda S800
    2. 1972

      The Skyline 2000 GT-R (PGC10/KPGC10) reached its 50th overall race win in March 1972; the frequently cited '49 consecutive wins' figure is disputed among sources.

      日産・スカイラインGT-R
    3. 1991

      The 787B debuted at the 1991 430 km of Suzuka.

      Mazda 787B
    4. 1996

      Akira Kameyama won the Open Class for production cars at the 1996 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in an R33.

      Nissan Skyline GT-R
    5. 2008

      An LF-A prototype won the SP8 class at a Nürburgring 4-hour VLN race on 10 May 2008, finishing 77th overall.

      Lexus LFA

    021Design

    Automotivedesign.

    性能の前に、かたちがある。

    1. Silhouette

      The line a car draws against the sky — read first, remembered longest.

    2. Proportion

      Wheelbase, overhangs and the position of the cabin set a car's character before any detail.

    3. Lighting

      Headlamps and tail lamps are a car's face and signature at night.

    4. Interior

      Seat, wheel and instruments — the space where the driver meets the machine.

    5. Instruments

      Needles, numerals and, later, screens: how a car speaks to its driver.

    6. Material

      Steel, aluminium, carbon fibre — each era's materials leave their mark on form.

    7. Aerodynamics

      Air is the invisible designer of every fast shape.

    FILMSCinema

    Onfilm.

    動いてこそ、クルマ。

    Films from official channels, quoted through YouTube's embed player. Nothing connects to YouTube until you press play.

    HeritageOfficial channel

    トヨタ 2000GT(前編)

    A commentary on the Toyota 2000GT and the era it was born in, featuring the open-top Bond car from You Only Live Twice.

    Source: GAZOO · YouTube

    HeritageOfficial channel

    【歴史】初代 #スカイライン GT-R(PGC10型)ヘリテージ映像

    Archive heritage footage of the first-generation Skyline GT-R (PGC10), shown by Nissan for the GT-R's 50th anniversary.

    Source: 日産自動車株式会社 · YouTube

    MotorsportOfficial channel

    [MS HISTORY] R32GT-R is back to circuit (1990)

    Nissan motorsport history footage of the R32 Skyline GT-R racing version's 1990 shakedown as the GT-R returned to the circuit.

    Source: 日産自動車株式会社 · YouTube

    All films →

    022 — Feature story

    360ccから始まった、小さなクルマの大きな物語。

    Created in 1949, the kei standard changed its limits step by step while bringing first cars to Japanese households. A story of the rules — and of the machines they produced.

    Read the story →
    Autumn view over the Irohazaka hairpin mountain road near Nikko, Tochigi.

    024 — Engines · Interiors · Wheels · Motorsport · Details

    Nissan S20 straight-six engine in the bay of a red 1971 Skyline 2000GT-R (KPGC10).

    S20 ENGINE

    DETAIL · 先従隗始

    先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Mazda 787B, 1991 Le Mans overall winner, on display at the Mazda Museum with its R26B rotary engine.

    MAZDA 787B

    MOTORSPORT · victor miyakawa

    victor miyakawa / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Mazda 787B in Renown livery (No. 55) at an exhibition stand in the UK.

    MAZDA 787B

    MOTORSPORT · Andrew Basterfield

    Andrew Basterfield / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Subaru Impreza WRC in blue/yellow livery at speed at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018.

    RALLY

    MOTORSPORT · Neil

    Neil / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Subaru Impreza WRC (Safari Rally spec, No. 3) displayed on stands.

    RALLY

    MOTORSPORT · Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England

    Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Petter Solberg's Subaru Impreza WRC airborne on the Sapporo super special stage, Rally Japan 2008.

    RALLY

    MOTORSPORT · Kirche

    Kirche / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution rally car on a gravel forest stage (SS21 Koyka), Rally Japan 2008.

    RALLY

    MOTORSPORT · Kirche

    Kirche / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    1985 Paris-Dakar Rally-winning Mitsubishi Pajero in a dark museum display.

    MITSUBISHI PAJERO 1ST GEN

    MOTORSPORT · TTTNIS

    TTTNIS / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Mazda 13B Wankel rotary engine (1984) with exposed rotor, displayed at the Deutsches Museum, Munich.

    ROTARY ENGINE

    DETAIL · Wikisympathisant

    Wikisympathisant / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Nissan RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-six with red cam covers in a 1992 Tommykaira R (R32).

    RB26DETT ENGINE

    DETAIL · Mr.choppers

    Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Toyota 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine in a 1995 Supra RZ-S (JZA80).

    2JZ ENGINE

    DETAIL · guyoniii

    guyoniii / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Honda B16B VTEC engine with red cam cover in a Civic Type R (EK9).

    VTEC ENGINE

    DETAIL · Guyon from Richmond, VA, United States of America

    Guyon from Richmond, VA, United States of America / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Subaru EJ20 boxer racing engine for the BRZ GT300, displayed at Tokyo Auto Salon 2017.

    BOXER ENGINE

    DETAIL · Morio

    Morio / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Close-up of the oval headlamp of a 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport (L10A).

    HEADLIGHT

    DETAIL · Tokumeigakarinoaoshima

    Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Round twin tail lamps and GT-R badge of a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32).

    TAILLIGHT

    DETAIL · R30

    R30 / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Shallow depth-of-field close-up of the lit round tail lamp and GT-R badge of a Bayside Blue Skyline GT-R V-spec II (R34) at night.

    TAILLIGHT

    DETAIL · David Kernan

    David Kernan / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Three-piece SSR centre-lock wheel on the 1994 Hasemi Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) JGTC GT1 race car.

    WHEEL

    DETAIL · Prova MO

    Prova MO / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Nissan GT-R (R35) wheel with orange Brembo brake caliper and drilled disc.

    WHEEL

    DETAIL · Shane K from Mississauga, Canada

    Shane K from Mississauga, Canada / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Instrument cluster of a 1995 Toyota Supra RZ-S (A80): speedometer, tachometer and gauges.

    GAUGES

    DETAIL · guyoniii

    guyoniii / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Instrument panel and steering wheel of a Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) Spirit R.

    GAUGES

    DETAIL · 名古屋太郎

    名古屋太郎 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Wood-rim steering wheel and dashboard of a Datsun 240Z seen through the open window.

    INTERIOR

    DETAIL · dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada

    dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Cockpit of a Honda S800: wood-rim steering wheel and round gauges.

    INTERIOR

    DETAIL · Lothar Spurzem

    Lothar Spurzem / CC BY-SA 2.0 de / Wikimedia Commons

    Main straight and grandstands of Fuji Speedway with Mount Fuji in the background (22 April 2018).

    CIRCUIT

    ATMOSPHERE · Hiroki_Hieda

    Hiroki_Hieda / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Main grandstand building of Suzuka Circuit, Mie Prefecture.

    CIRCUIT

    ATMOSPHERE · gundam2345

    gundam2345 / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Autumn view over the Irohazaka hairpin mountain road near Nikko, Tochigi.

    ROAD

    ATMOSPHERE · Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan

    Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Long-exposure light trails on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line expressway at night (Umihotaru PA).

    ROAD

    ATMOSPHERE · aotaro

    aotaro / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Toyota GR010 Hybrid No. 7 (Conway/Kobayashi/Lopez) through the Esses at the 2022 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    ENDURANCE

    MOTORSPORT · Martin Lee from London, UK

    Martin Lee from London, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Chrome 'Celica' script and emblem on the green bodywork of a 1974 Toyota Celica.

    BADGE

    DETAIL · dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada

    dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Chrome 'Toyopet Crown' script on the black bodywork of a 1955 Toyopet Crown RS.

    BADGE

    DETAIL · 先従隗始

    先従隗始 / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Toyota booth at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, Tokyo Big Sight, with visitors.

    MOTOR SHOW

    ATMOSPHERE · Ryosuke Yagi

    Ryosuke Yagi / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Portrait close-up of the headlamp and front fender of a white Lexus LFA.

    HEADLIGHT

    DETAIL · Calreyn88

    Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Portrait close-up of the round rear lamps, chrome bumper and script of a white Toyota 2000GT on a lawn.

    TAILLIGHT

    DETAIL · Calreyn88

    Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    Portrait close-up of the tail lamp, spoiler and 'Cappuccino' script of a 1993 Suzuki Cappuccino.

    TAILLIGHT

    DETAIL · Calreyn88

    Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

    ToyotaNissanHondaMazdaSubaruMitsubishiSuzukiLexusDaihatsuIsuzu
    GT-RNSXRX-7SupraFairlady ZLand CruiserJimnyCivicRoadsterCentury