In the early 1990s, Jr. Young Auto had a column that highlighted young couples’ love for each other. The column featured photos of the gifts they gave each other, primarily plush versions of their vehicles. They called this hokapure. So far I have seen hokapure written in three different ways.
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Part Swaps: Mercedes Benz Grille
Kaido racers are no strangers to repurposing parts from other cars for their own. The most common examples of this are likely OEM vents, tail lights, and headlights. That said, I’d like to highlight the Mercedes Benz grille swap which became popularized first through an aftermarket FRP part and then
Read MoreWhat Are the Antennas on Kaido Racers?
If you have looked at enough photos of “haiso” (high society) styled kaido racers, chances are you have noticed antennas mounted either to the rear end or the roof. First assumption is for a radio or even a television, but that isnt always the case. CB (Citizen Band) radios peaked
Read MoreGetting to Know Kaido Racer Publications
While tools such as social media are great for seeing photos of kaido racers new and old, this may leave you wanting more. Whether it’s wanting to focus on a specific period, finer details, or finding “deep cuts”, going straight to the source remains one the best options, but where
Read MoreMusic for Kaido Racers — Part 2
Continuing from the previous article about music that you might hear around kaido racers, we continue with more artists of the 80s-90s. Mind you that this isn’t all of the artists and also that many people who are into kaido racers listen to other music besides Japanese artists. In fact,
Read MoreNissan S130, Imai Kasei, and the C3 Corvette?
In the late 80’s and early 90’s kaido racers really started to resemble what Westerners use the blanket (incorrect) term of bosozoku for. Cars sporting a plethora of fiberglass, both custom-made and “off the shelf”, to create borderline unidentifiable cars were at their peak around this time (exemplified with Chibaragi
Read MoreKoenig Specials Inspired Kaido Racers
In the 1980s European tuning shops started to get popular. In Germany alone, there was RUF, Brabus, Gemball, but what was probably the craziest tuner was Koenig Specials. Willy König purchased a Ferrari 365 BB in 1974 and wasn’t happy with the performance of it. He had the 365 sent off
Read MoreWhat is the Deal with Miki House?
Many people online have been asking: What is Miki House? In Japan, motorcycles and cars with the “Miki House” stickers are often associated with bosozoku bikes and kaido racers. However, Miki House is just a children’s clothing brand. What is the significance behind this? Let’s briefly introduce Miki House first.
Read MoreAll About Fiberglass – Commonly Used Aero for Kaido Racers
If you are planning on building a kaido racer, chances are you will probably need some sort of fiberglass parts to complete the look. Even simple cars can benefit from smaller fiberglass goodies like an ita panel or chin spoiler. More extreme builds will use multiple different types in creative
Read MoreMusic for Kaido Racers — Part 1
Around 6 years ago I was trying to do some research on what would be “period correct” music for a kaido racer. I tried googling things, but I wasn’t even sure where to start. I fell into the “city pop” YouTube pipeline that many of us have gotten into, but
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