Eng 
日本語 
Remember the aesthetic and feel Initial D gave us? The late-night glow, iconic sound design, and tuned AE86, aka Hachiroku (八六) ignited a passion for fans worldwide. It captured the essence of a subculture in Japan: dedication to perfection and the adrenaline rush of pushing your car to the limits. Luckily this wasn’t just fantasy; it was a glimpse into reality – the underground car scene in Japan. Here customized cars and passionate individuals meet at hidden locations to showcase their work and converse with like-minded people.
Coto Academy is a Japanese language school located in Tokyo and Yokohama. With its small class sizes and flexible course schedule, we ensure the students find their community here in Japan and learn practical and useful daily-life Japanese by focusing on conversational practice.
A Quick Jump To…
The JDM Scene
To be part of the JDM scene, you must look beyond shiny dealerships and polished cars. First, JDM stands for “Japanese Domestic Market,” but it is so much more than just cars sold in Japan. It’s a scene full of people who love customizing their cars uniquely and showing them off to other enthusiasts. These cars are often lowered close to the ground, with flashy paint jobs and engines that sound like they could take off.
But in the end, this is not what it’s all about. JDM is about the hard work and creativity that it takes to create these one-of-a-kind cars. It’s a place where people who love cars can connect, share their passion, and talk about the (sometimes crazy) things they’ve done to their cars.
How to get in
Finding a way into this scene can be very hard, though. These meet-ups thrive on a certain level of secrecy, creating a sense of exclusivity for those already a part of the group. But don’t worry; we’ve got some tips to navigate the world of Japan’s JDM underground scene and experience the thrill firsthand.
The Secrecy Advantage
It’s important to remember that underground JDM meets are not inherently illegal. They’re simply gatherings that take place outside of the typical, organized car show setting. This secrecy helps them maintain a unique atmosphere and sense of community. However, these meet-ups often operate on a “members only” mentality to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, relying on word-of-mouth recommendations or private chats to spread the news.
Unlocking the Doors
Mastering a few key phrases can be your golden ticket.
Start by learning カーミーティングがありますか Kāmītinguga arimasu ka – “Are there any car meets happening?” This simple question, with a smile and genuine interest, could unlock doors you never knew existed. Social media can also be a valuable tool. Follow local car clubs on platforms like Instagram or search for terms like 車 kuruma – “car” and 集まり atsumari – “gathering” to see what pops up.
Famous Spots
Although most meetup spots are a secret, a few famous ones have become somewhat of an open secret. The Daikoku Parking Area in Yokohama is a well-known hangout for car enthusiasts. The best time to go there is usually during the summer at night. The UDX carpark in Akihabara is a large parking garage that often has interesting cars parked there, attracting car enthusiasts who want to check them out. But remember, these places might not offer the same authentic experience as smaller ones.
At a meetup
Let’s imagine we were able to attend one of these secret meetups. Like any social gathering, there are unspoken rules that everyone should follow to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Admire, don’t touch
These cars took blood, sweat, and tears to build, so admire them from afar. A simple すげぇ Sugee! – “Wow” to show your enthusiasm is enough. You could also use phrases like:
- オーバーフェンダーがかっこいいですね Ōbāfendā ga kakkoii desu ne! – This compliments the owner’s “over fenders,” a popular wide-body modification.
- ホイールセットがバッチシ決まってますね Horīrusetto ga bacchi shi kimeteimasu ne! – This praises their “wheelset,” a key element of any JDM build.
- エンジンルームを見せて頂けませんか Enjin rūmu wo misete itadakemasen ka? – This politely asks if you can see the owner’s “engine room,” which is a huge honor at a JDM meet. Use this sparingly and only if the owner seems very welcoming!
Be mindful of noise
These meets often occur in public spaces, so be mindful of noise levels. Revving your engine excessively or playing loud music can disrupt nearby residents and attract unwanted attention.
Embrace the learning
These meets are a treasure trove of JDM knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn about the different styles and modifications. You might even hear some new terms being thrown around!
