Car life - Japan

Traditional entities being Mitsubishi, Toyota, Sumitomo, etc. in all their shapes and sizes.

I should have been more specific earlier as my main qualms with Japan lie within the working environment, particularly the culture, although I do witness extracts of the below outside of work, even within my own (Japanese) family.

The biggest issue is working with Japanese clients and with some of my (now) peers at work. Passive aggression, particularly – as is well documented. It’s been an amusing ride, and I will be sticking with the company when I move back, which is better than can be said for some of my foreign peers:

Two developed quite severe depression (this is common), one of which made the mistake of acting Japanese, so was treated like one (a subservient low-ranking pile of crap), the other just couldn’t hack the hierarchy but moved back to an overseas branch – management tried pulling rank on him but he was overly aggressive about it. There was a guy before my time, a Japanese guy raised in the US. He transferred to the Japanese office, was treated like a born and bred Japanese and quit the organisation altogether. Two of my friends are enjoying it, although the difference with their roles is both are still contracted on the European side and their bosses are out west. There are many other gaijin at the workplace and this does not account for all of them, but I assure you all of them will have something to say about the culture.

As far as the racism is concerned: a friend of mine at a western hotel chain was approached by a Japanese customer who wanted to book an event but requested that no foreigners be on the service team. During COVID, a hotel in Tokyo requested foreigners do not share the lifts with Japanese customers, whilst a popular TV show proliferated the idea that speaking English is more likely to spread the disease. I too have been rejected from bars/restaurants based on ethnicity. Not racism, but my friend from the UK’s company held a meeting prior to his arrival to notify employees that a gay foreigner was about to join the workforce and to "not treat him any differently".

I’ve been lucky, and much to the dismay of my Japanese (now) peers, have become cosy with the boss, which really allows a lot of freedom. I have to constantly watch my back: overheard a colleague to my boss after a strategy meeting complaining “he (me) had no ideas” whilst under the impression I couldn’t understand; I confronted, now this guy doesn’t talk to me – way to go, toxic work environment.

You say that I expect Japan to accommodate me, and you’re right. Many companies (mine included) cannot hire an adequate workforce locally and are now forced to set their sights outwards - seeing as they refuse to mobilise their female population. But if they’re unable to adapt they will be unable to retain the workforce, then won’t be able to supply clients, won’t be able to grow profits, and what do you know, Japan remains in a period of stagnation.

My purpose in Japan was to spend time with my Japan-based family and to better my driving ability. So in that regard, both are checked off. It’s a phenomenal country to drive in, just make sure you know what your reason to be here is.

Japan is a strangely addictive country- I went for a year and came back 5 years later . . Pic of me in my rx7 savanna turbo somewhere near yokote city in Akita attached - circa 1998 I estimate

One for the badly modified cars thread

Interesting thread and read, keep it up!

It’s fair to say some of these Kaido Racers you see are somewhat home brew.

Excellent. Since Murray looks set never to produce the T.25 (which I'd buy in a heartbeat), part of me is tempted by the idea of importing one of these C+Pod EVs for use when I'm in London.

Today was the first cars and coffee type breakfast meet of the year. The weather was a rather chilly 8 degrees or so, but Awaji Island is a stunning part of the world to cruise around.

Some random pictures;

Great photos, thanks

Silvias like that were everywhere when I was in Japan in 2003-04, so lots of memories. I had one and it was jolly nearly a case of be careful you don't try and unlock the wrong car in the carpark levels of ubiquity. So many great memories, particularly of driving with friendly local hashiriya.

This weekend was the 2024 Osaka Auto Messe. I went last year for the first time, so wasn’t expecting a huge difference however was the perfect excuse to grab a coffee and go for a morning walk around.



First off at the Toyota stand to see the new GR Yaris dash in the flesh for the first time, going to be honest… still not convinced.



Next up, as an ex Autozam AZ-1 owner I was keen to see the Liberty Walk F40 version.



Another car I owned in the UK was the latest Jimny, and have to say the stars of the show have to be these. The Japanese are going all in with modification options for this platform, fancy making yours look like a Renaul 5? An Integrale? An American SUV? No problem.











Have a Polo but wish it didn’t look as modern?



As always a very enjoyable morning out, with a great variety off cars on display. Here’s a random selection to finish;

Have you got an Instagram I can contact you on? I’d love to ask a few questions if possible !

I’ve been wanting to move there for ages!

I am also feeling that I need to leave my comfort zone more and more

I’m a long time Tokyo resident, working for an international co and probably leading more of an expat style life than the OP - DM if you want to ask any questions.