There's currently a boom in old cars, known as "kikaga" (classic cars). Cars that were once practically free are now selling for hundreds of thousands of yen, and rare models are often traded for tens of millions of yen. This trend is happening all over the world, with air-cooled Porsche 911s, vintage European cars, and even old American cars being traded for astonishing prices. Until recently, when most people heard the term "Japanese cars," they would have thought of cars that were "high-performance, cheap, durable, fuel-efficient, and well-run."
Of course, that perception still exists today, but for some car enthusiasts, Japanese cars are no longer just that. Jun Imai, who is well-versed in the Japanese car scene in America and is one of the people who sparked this boom, currently runs the brand KAIDO HOUSE in Los Angeles. He previously served as director of the world-famous miniature car brand HOT WHEELS.
"My love for cars was influenced by my father. He had a first-generation Honda Integra and various other cars, and he was always tinkering with them. I helped my father with maintenance from a young age. I also loved assembling plastic car models and toy cars. Instead of other kids playing with GI Joe figures, I was crazy about toy cars. The first toy car I ever bought was a Dixie Challenger made by Hot Wheels, which my mother bought for me at a local supermarket. I still remember it and love it so much."
Jun loved cars and miniature cars, and after studying automotive design, his first choice was HOT WHEELS.
Jun's beloved Datsun 510 Wagon. This die-cast miniature car is based on the actual car. 
The display at KAIDO HOUSE features a selection of products that have been produced to date.
Both the real car and the miniature car are Japanese cars.
After leaving HOT WHEELS where he had worked for 14 years, he started KAIDO HOUSE full-time, producing die-cast miniature cars, apparel, and original products in collaboration with Nissan's racing division, NISMO.
A miniature R33 DAI model car released by KAIDO HOUSE. 
The brand name is said to come from the Japanese word "kaido" (highway).
"I started this brand because I wanted to offer both real cars, which I've loved since I was a child, and toy cars, without any distinction between them. When it comes to die-cast miniature cars, I create products with attention to detail that HOT WHEELS couldn't produce. The green 1971 Datsun 510 wagon I prepared for this shoot was one I painted in my garage at home. I've customized it many times over the 15 years I've owned it. I've lived my car life with this 510. I've also already purchased a Skyline GT-X, a 260Z, an R33 GT-R, and two R34 GT-Rs in Japan, and I plan to import one of them to the US in May."
An R33 GT-R imported privately from Japan. 
Tail lenses made to match the body color.
In the United States, there is a law known as the "25-year rule," which means that only cars that are more than 25 years old from the date of new manufacture can be imported into the United States by individuals. This year, the R34 Skyline GT-R, which has attracted a lot of attention in the United States, celebrates its 25th anniversary, causing a stir among Japanese car enthusiasts. As a result, the vehicle he purchased will finally be able to arrive in the United States in May 2024.
"I think what really sparked this boom in Japanese cars was the movie The Fast & Furious, which came out in 2001. We were exactly the right generation, and the car culture that emerged from it connected car enthusiasts together. For example, if you happen to be driving the same model of car on the street, you're already friends at that point. Japanese cars were all the rage at the time, and I think they were embraced by many people as a major link between car enthusiasts and car culture."
Dai Yoshihara, who is currently active as a racer in California and is a close friend of Jun's, also came along with his beloved car.
The main car at KAIDO HOUSE is the Datsun 510 Wagon, known in Japan as the Bluebird Wagon. 
S13 controlled by Dai.
Admiration for Japanese cars leads to enthusiasm
"The first American version of the popular Japanese drift competition, D1, was held in 2003. That was the reason I moved my base of operations to Los Angeles. Up until then, drifting had barely been recognized in America. But cars that spew smoke and race around corners in spectacular fashion were quickly embraced by locals and became popular. From then on, FR cars and Japanese cars that could drift started to attract attention. The Skyline GT-R in particular became popular because it wasn't sold in America. It was all about wishing for something that didn't exist. I think it's the same as when we Japanese were fascinated by American cars with big V8 engines." (Dai)
and Chris, Jun's friend and agency partner.
"Japanese cars are popular, especially among young people, because they're cheap and don't break down. This is especially true for cars from the era before they were computer-controlled like we have today. You can maintain and tinker with them yourself. There are also plenty of custom parts available, and even something as simple as a bumper has a wide variety of aftermarket parts, so you can customize it to your liking. You won't find such a wide selection of parts with any other car. And just like the car itself, Japanese brand parts are also popular. Many people use Japanese brands for custom parts, and are particular about staying true to their roots. As cars get older, many parts are no longer sold, so people are desperately searching for them, using Japanese auction sites and various other methods. Driving is fun, but many people enjoy customizing their car to their ideal shape. That's the kind of car life they enjoy."
Americans are eagerly awaiting 25-year-old Japanese cars. Even here in Japan, we would like to rediscover the appeal of these cars, which are considered "outdated."
