In the 1970s and 1980s, prior to there being UpGarage, Autobacs and Yellow Hat shops all over Japan, individual tuning shops thrived. There used to be a lot more shops where you could buy used cars along with wheels, tires, steering wheels, body kits and other accessories. Sigma was one
Read More
Even 40 years later, Atsushi Muto ( 武藤厚司 ) and his legendary American Z is still talked about today. While it was covered heavily in magazines back then, there is very little information online about this iconic car. Originally Muto wasn’t planning on buying a Z. It wasn’t until he
Read More
The Lonesome Car-boy ( ロンサムカーボーイ ) line of component car audio was released in 1977 in Japan and would also make its release worldwide as Pioneer Component. This was the first component system released with other companies soon following. Sony had the “My Deen” component system, Kenwood had the “Trio”
Read More
If you have been following any kaido racer accounts on Instagram for more than a year, you have probably noticed an uptick of photos around late December or January. New Years (正月, shōgatsu) in Japan is viewed as one of the most important holidays. Similar to the west, the new
Read More
Now that Japan is open for tourist visas, many car enthusiasts are excited to either return to Japan or visit for the first time. Over the years there has been a lot of hype around visiting UpGarage and other parts stores. Looking back at my past trips, I would like
Read More
Recently discovered in Pennsylvania by the Instagram user @all_vehicle is not one, but two rotting Nissan Skyline C211. The first Skyline features Speed Star Racing MKII wheels, a Hakosuka Skyline wing, and an Okinawa Y plate. The second Skyline features a hood scoop, vented fenders, fiberglass body kit, a kamome
Read More
Japan has had a long history with marketing people for entertainment based on their image or personality in what is known as an “idol”. The idol industry first starting in the 1960s, but it became more prominent in the 70s with the help of television. It wasnt until the 1980s
Read More
The Honda Prelude isn’t a platform you would think could be a kaido racer, but in the 80s the Prelude was a base a few builders used. The second generation Honda Prelude was released in 1982. It came with an all new wedge shape design that was much more aerodynamic
Read More
It was the end of 2018, with celebrations for the 2019 New Year approaching. Hamamatsu Racing put on a touring event set outside the Tokyo area in Kanagawa prefecture. We first met up with a group at a parking area with a 7/11 close by. It was maybe 6 cars,
Read More
Meeting at Fuji International Speedway was an early tradition for kaido racers. This video was taken on October 24, 1982. Videos like this serve as a great reference for early kaido racer styling.
Read More