Why Does Japan Love Vans & Wagons? Ep.159
About this episode
Exploring the unique love for vans and wagons in Japan, Bobby and Aaron discuss how these vehicles dominate the streets over more traditional sports cars. They share personal anecdotes from their trips to Japan, highlighting the practicality and cultural significance of these vehicles. The episode delves into the modifications that Japanese enthusiasts make to their vans, turning them into luxurious spaces, and compares the van culture in Japan to the SUV trend in the U.S. The hosts also touch on the potential for these vehicles to gain popularity in the U.S. once they become importable.
In this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we dive into one of Japan’s most fascinating automotive subcultures — their love affair with vans and wagons. From the performance-packed Evo 9 Wagon to the ultra-luxurious Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, we explore why these practical rides have such a massive following in Japan.
We break down what makes JDM vans and wagons so special — the craftsmanship, comfort, styling, and over-the-top customization that turn everyday family cars into status symbols. Plus, we share which models we’d import in a heartbeat and how the van culture in Japan compares to what we see in the U.S.
🎙️ From track-ready wagons to VIP vans — discover why Japan does “family cars” better than anyone else.
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Honda NSX
"...you get off the plane in the Rita or Haneda, and you're like, ready to see some skylines and Supras and NSXs..."
The Honda NSX is a famous sports car from Japan, known for its great handling and speed. It's loved by many car fans for its design and performance.
The Honda NSX is a mid-engine sports car that was first introduced in the early 1990s, known for its performance and handling. It has a cult following and is celebrated for its engineering.
Nissan Skylines
"...you get off the plane in the Rita or Haneda, and you're like, ready to see some skylines..."
The Nissan Skyline is a popular car in Japan, especially known for its sporty versions. It's famous for its speed and technology, making it a favorite among car fans.
The Nissan Skyline is a series of cars produced by Nissan, known for its performance and technology, particularly in the GT-R variants. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts, especially in Japan.
Nissan 260 RS
"...let's just say Nissan creating the 260 RS."
The Nissan 260 RS is a special version of a Nissan car that is designed for better performance and racing. It's part of Nissan's lineup that appeals to people who love fast and sporty cars.
The Nissan 260 RS is a performance-oriented version of the Nissan Skyline, known for its sporty attributes and racing heritage. It represents Nissan's commitment to producing vehicles that cater to enthusiasts and performance drivers.
Toyota Vellfire
"Yeah, I think it was a Vellfire. Yeah, and so, yeah, and you know, like he said,"
The Toyota Vellfire is a fancy minivan that has a lot of space and nice features. It's popular in Japan and is often used by families or for driving people around in comfort.
The Toyota Vellfire is a luxury minivan known for its spacious interior and high-end features, primarily sold in Japan and some other markets. It is often used for family transport and as a premium vehicle for chauffeur services.
Yukon
"...whereas, like, again, a Yukon,..."
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has a lot of room for luggage. It's often used by families or for road trips.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capacity. It's popular among families and those needing extra cargo space.
Mitsubishi Delica
"Unless you got a Delica space gear. A Delica what? Space gear, it's all, those are the lifted. Oh, yeah, yeah, the off-road type."
The Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear is a type of van that can handle rough terrain and is often used for outdoor activities. It has a tall, boxy shape that makes it easy to get in and out of.
The Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear is a versatile van known for its off-road capabilities and spacious interior. It's popular in various markets for its unique design and functionality, especially among outdoor enthusiasts.
vanning
"[332.6s] vanning. [333.8s] So, you know, they took that and really ran with it."
Vanning is when people take vans and make them special by adding cool features and decorations inside. It's like turning a regular van into a fancy vehicle with things like leather seats and big TVs.
Vanning refers to the culture and practice of customizing vans, often to create unique and luxurious interiors. This trend is particularly popular in certain regions, where enthusiasts modify their vans with high-end features and personalized designs.
luxurious interiors
"[348.1s] Like, some of these vans, they open it up [350.9s] and it's like a Rolls Royce inside."
Luxurious interiors are fancy and comfortable designs inside a car or van. They often have nice materials like soft leather and cool gadgets to make the ride more enjoyable.
Luxurious interiors in vehicles refer to high-end features and materials used inside the cabin, such as premium leather, advanced technology, and custom designs that enhance comfort and aesthetics. These interiors are often found in high-end vehicles or custom builds.
Toyota HiAce
"...oh dude, fuckin' look at that high-ace."
The Toyota HiAce is a type of van that many people use for transporting goods or families. It's known for being dependable and spacious.
The Toyota HiAce is a popular van known for its reliability and versatility, often used for commercial purposes and as a family vehicle in various markets.
Nissan S13
"...where there's a S13 sitting there."
The Nissan S13 is a model of sports car that is often used in racing and drifting. It's lightweight and has a strong following among car enthusiasts.
The Nissan S13 refers to a generation of the Nissan Silvia and 240SX sports cars, known for their lightweight design and popularity in drifting and motorsports.
body kit
"...you would see the ones with the body kit, and the slammed-on wheels, and the whole thing."
A body kit is a set of parts added to a car to change how it looks and make it more stylish. It can include things like new bumpers and side panels.
A body kit is a collection of exterior modifications designed to enhance the appearance and aerodynamics of a vehicle. These kits often include components like bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers.
T37s
"...and you could tell. But then you would see the ones with the body kit, and the slammed-on wheels, and the whole thing. T37s on it, yeah."
T37s are a type of wheel made by a brand called Volk Racing. They're popular because they're light and help cars perform better.
T37s refer to a specific model of wheels made by the brand Volk Racing. They are known for their lightweight design and are popular in the automotive enthusiast community, especially for performance-oriented vehicles.
2JZ
"...with a K-Genit, a 2JZ, wing on the back, slammed on some aero,..."
The 2JZ is a powerful engine made by Toyota, often used in sports cars. It's famous for being very strong and can be modified to produce a lot of horsepower.
The 2JZ is a 3.0-liter inline-six engine produced by Toyota, known for its robustness and tuning potential. It gained fame in the Toyota Supra, particularly in the MK4 generation, and is popular among car enthusiasts for high-performance builds.
overlanding
"...but then you see other ones that are kind of jacked up and more overlanding-type builds."
Overlanding is a way of traveling where you go to remote places, usually in a vehicle built for off-road driving. It's about exploring and camping in nature, often for long periods.
Overlanding is a form of self-reliant adventure travel that typically involves off-road vehicles and long-distance journeys to remote destinations. It emphasizes exploration and camping, often requiring vehicles to be equipped for rugged terrain and extended trips.
Suzuki Jimny
"I think they had a Jimny, that's the one I was looking at. It was decked out completely, dude, like everything was modified on it, like everything was touched."
The Suzuki Jimny is a small, tough SUV that can handle rough terrains. People like to modify it to make it look unique or improve its performance.
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive boxy design. It's popular among enthusiasts for its ruggedness and customization potential.
RB26
"Right, that makes sense. RB26, obviously the Stadia RSV4, is that, yeah."
The RB26 is a powerful engine made by Nissan that many car fans love because it can be modified to produce even more power. It's often found in high-performance cars like the Nissan Skyline.
The RB26 is a 2.6-liter inline-six engine produced by Nissan, known for its performance and used in models like the Nissan Skyline GT-R. It's famous for its tuning potential and has become a favorite among car enthusiasts and tuners.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
"The Evo, the Evo had a wagon. The Evo wagon."
The Evo is a sporty car made by Mitsubishi that is famous for its performance and ability to handle well in various driving conditions.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly referred to as the Evo, is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer. It is known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive system, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Nissan Avenir
"There was an SR20 in a wagon. I believe it was the Avenir wagon."
The Avenir is a type of wagon made by Nissan that is designed for carrying passengers and cargo, making it a versatile vehicle.
The Nissan Avenir is a compact station wagon that was produced in the 1990s. It was known for its practicality and was available with various engine options, including the SR20.
SR20
"There was an SR20 in a wagon. I believe it was the Avenir wagon."
The SR20 is an engine made by Nissan that is known for being powerful and efficient, often found in their cars.
The SR20 is a series of inline-four engines produced by Nissan. It is known for its performance and has been used in various Nissan models, including the Avenir.
Subaru WRX
"there's one for you. WRX wagon."
The WRX is a sporty car made by Subaru that is famous for its speed and ability to drive well in all kinds of weather.
The Subaru WRX is a high-performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine. It has a strong motorsport heritage, especially in rally racing.
Subaru Legacy GTB
"Yeah, the Legacy GTB twin turbo boxer wagon."
The Legacy GTB is a sporty wagon made by Subaru that has a powerful engine and is great for driving fast while still being useful for everyday tasks.
The Subaru Legacy GTB is a performance-oriented version of the Subaru Legacy, featuring a twin-turbocharged boxer engine and all-wheel drive. It is popular among enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and performance.
Mitsubishi Legnum VR4
"That's another one, like. STI Forester, the Legnum VR4."
The Legnum VR4 is a fast wagon made by Mitsubishi that has a strong engine and can handle well, making it fun to drive.
The Mitsubishi Legnum VR4 is a performance wagon that features a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It is known for its sporty handling and practicality, making it a unique offering in the wagon segment.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
"...with the performance of that car. Perfect example, Evo 9 wagon, right?"
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX is a sporty car that was designed for high performance, especially in racing. The wagon version offers more space for carrying things, making it a practical choice for families who still want a fun driving experience.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, often referred to as Evo 9, is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer, known for its rally heritage and turbocharged engine. It combines sporty performance with practicality, especially in wagon form, which provides additional cargo space.
Subaru Forester STI
"...or the Forester STI wagon here? We got one of those for a couple years, I believe, didn't we? I feel like the Forester, yeah. Because I remember it had like the huge hood scoop..."
The Subaru Forester STI is a sportier version of the regular Forester, designed for better performance and handling. It has a more powerful engine and special features that make it more fun to drive.
The Subaru Forester STI is a performance-oriented version of the standard Forester, featuring enhancements such as a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. The 'STI' designation stands for Subaru Tecnica International, which is Subaru's performance division.
Subaru
"...unless the company is super dedicated to that brand. Like for example, Subaru with STI, they are super, super dedicated"
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes vehicles known for their all-wheel drive and sporty models like the WRX and STI.
Subaru is a Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and performance-oriented models, particularly the Subaru WRX and STI.
Subaru WRX STI
"...Like for example, Subaru with STI, they are super, super dedicated"
The Subaru WRX STI is a sporty version of the Subaru WRX that is designed for high performance, especially in racing and rallying, featuring a powerful engine and all-wheel drive.
The Subaru WRX STI is a high-performance variant of the Subaru WRX, known for its rally heritage, turbocharged engine, and all-wheel-drive system, making it popular among enthusiasts.
Subaru Levorg STI
"But there's also a Lavorg STI. There's STIs on it."
The Subaru Levorg STI is a sporty wagon that combines the features of a family car with the performance of a sports car. It’s great for people who need space but still want to drive fast.
The Subaru Levorg STI is a sport wagon variant of the Levorg model, featuring performance enhancements similar to the WRX STI. It's designed for those who want practicality without sacrificing performance.
Nissan GT-R
"GTR discontinued, Evo discontinued, you know?"
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that many people love for its speed and technology. It's often seen in racing and has a big fan base.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful engine. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is popular among car enthusiasts.
Subaru STI
"But Subaru has like held on to STI regardless of how much of the market it actually is for them."
The Subaru STI is a high-performance version of the Subaru Impreza. It's known for being fast and having great handling, especially in bad weather.
The Subaru STI is the performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. It has a strong following among performance car enthusiasts and is often used in motorsports.
all-wheel drive
"Because they're all will drive and represent certain things."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of a car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Nismo
"And it's like now you have like Autech and Nismo and STI and Raleigh Art creating these wagons, dude."
Nismo is a part of Nissan that makes faster and sportier versions of their cars. They add special features to improve speed and handling.
Nismo is Nissan's performance division, responsible for developing high-performance versions of Nissan vehicles. They focus on enhancing the performance, handling, and aesthetics of cars like the Nissan GT-R and 370Z.
Dodge Charger Hellcat
"Oh, one of them hell scats. One of those hell scat charges."
The Dodge Charger Hellcat is a fast car with a really strong engine. It's made for people who love speed and performance, and it's one of the most powerful versions of the Charger.
The Dodge Charger Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Charger, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine and aggressive styling. It's designed for speed and performance, making it a popular choice among muscle car enthusiasts.
Toyota Alphard
"...I mean, I don't know. Do you think that once the Alphard, the Hiace, Elgrand, all of these different craz..."
The Toyota Alphard is a big, comfortable van that's great for families or people who need to transport others. It has lots of space inside and comes with nice features, making it a popular choice for those who want something more luxurious than a regular van.
The Toyota Alphard is a luxury MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that is popular in Japan and other markets for its spacious interior and high-end features. It is often used for family transport and as a chauffeur vehicle due to its comfort and versatility. The Alphard is significant in discussions about family vehicles and luxury transport options.
Nissan Skyline GT-R
"...there's only so many 32 GTR Supra's RX-7's over there left that aren't destroyed."
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a powerful sports car famous for its speed and performance. It's very popular among car enthusiasts and collectors.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a high-performance version of the Skyline range, known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. It has become a highly sought-after collector's item, especially the R32 and R34 generations.
Mazda Rx7S
"because there's only so many 32 GTR Supra's RX-7's over there left that aren't destroyed. So like, they either get a pivot or,"
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine, which is different from most cars. It's loved by many for being fun to drive and having a cool look, but there aren't many left that are in good shape, making them hard to find.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its unique rotary engine, which provides a high power-to-weight ratio and exceptional handling. It gained a cult following due to its performance and distinctive design, making it a significant model in automotive history. Discussions around the RX-7 often focus on its rarity and the challenges of finding well-preserved examples today.
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