What is wrong with people in Japan...

[dopefiend]

Worst car show ever.....I can't stop laughing...

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1364258

http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00194.JPG


Are they all like this over there? :eek:

[bousozoku]

It's just like the U.S.A. Some enhancements are better than others and tastes vary.

[dopefiend]

It's just like the U.S.A. Some enhancements are better than others and tastes vary.

I have never been to a car show that had $10 body kits, lol.

[reaper]

I guess it's all a matter of preference, but, my word, are some of theose ugly! :eek:

- reaper

[bousozoku]

I have never been to a car show that had $10 body kits, lol.

No, but you've probably been to plenty where someone paid $3000 and they looked like $10. :D

[dopefiend]

No, but you've probably been to plenty where someone paid $3000 and they looked like $10. :D

Just on the streets, never at a car show though :p

[bousozoku]

I love the people who will put thousands into a Civic or a Cavalier--what a waste of money.

Where did all of those people find the money to garage a car? It's really expensive to own any car in Japan. You even have to prove that you have space to park.

[virividox]

some of those look crazy!!!

[FightTheFuture]

sweet. that orange van is the best. it would look like a streak of orange down the highway when everyone is passing me up.

[Mav451]

I dunno, I was in Tokyo several months ago, and I've never seen ANY cars that look like this. I saw mostly Toyotas and VW's, and a TON of skylines (old and new models).

[James L]

People spending silly amounts of money to make their toys look stupid has nothing to do with country! Japanese, American, Canadian, German... whatever, there are idiots everywhere!

:p

[floatingspirit]

whatever, there are idiots everywhere!

:p

here! here! :p

Well put! :D Count me in!

[KC9AIC]

There are messed up cars anywhere you go. Here in Tokyo, I see a lot of minivans with loud engines and monstrously loud sound systems, with supposedly cool-looking body work. I assume that the owners think it's cool. I would much rather go for refined power (like the red Ferarri I saw a few hours ago), but when you don't have the money and want to be noticed, you have little choice but to trick out a cheap car.

[Chappers]

No the title of this thread makes it obvious that the Japanese have something wrong with them and thats final.
Dopefiend doesn't mention where he/she is from (I'm guessing American male) but...... get real Dopefiend.... look at the Pontiac Firebird or the Corvette - both of them were stupid, macho and ugly little boys toys, but definitely not Japanese.

I do love these pseudo racist threads - they really cheer up my day.

[Abstract]

Pseudo-racist? Not really. Just take it under the correct context (ie: relating the Japanese to their taste in car mods) like everyone else, then you'll be fine.

[medea]

that car show looked really fun to me, I'd probably enjoy it much more than the typical shows here. What's wrong with me?????

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

People spending silly amounts of money to make their toys look stupid has nothing to do with country! Japanese, American, Canadian, German... whatever, there are idiots everywhere!

:p

Couldn't have said it better myself... :D

[irmongoose]

Read: These are all mods done by the hooligans (bousouzoku). Of course they're out of their minds.



irmongoose

[dopefiend]

No the title of this thread makes it obvious that the Japanese have something wrong with them and thats final.
Dopefiend doesn't mention where he/she is from (I'm guessing American male) but...... get real Dopefiend.... look at the Pontiac Firebird or the Corvette - both of them were stupid, macho and ugly little boys toys, but definitely not Japanese.

I do love these pseudo racist threads - they really cheer up my day.

Is this a joke? A pseudo racist?

I think you need to get real.

The Potiac Firebird and Corvette are great cars(except for terrible interrior in the firebird), but what the hell does that have to do with this thread? Absolutely nothing! Shew fly!

[dopefiend]

that car show looked really fun to me, I'd probably enjoy it much more than the typical shows here. What's wrong with me?????

Nothing.

you probably like to laugh more than enjoy good cars :D

[Abstract]

I don't think the cars are THAT bad. Not laughable. ;)

Its a different culture. Everything that looks strange to you may be perfectly acceptable for them. Its like food, candies, and the like. Ever been to Australia and had Vegemite? Its disgusting, but people here seem to love it. Its like their peanut butter, except it tastes very salty. :o

I want to go to Japan just to go see quirky stuff. Ever watch that Extreme Challenge show? Man, that is crazy. Japan is made out to be so weird and quirky. I'm sure its not, but some of the Japanese shows I've read about are hilarious!

[sushi]

Where did all of those people find the money to garage a car? It's really expensive to own any car in Japan.
In the Shibuya area where my friend lives, a parking lot costs $1,000 for a normal sized car, and $600 for a mini car.

Sushi

[MongoTheGeek]

I found it interesting to see the Japanese take on lowriders and street rods.

[dopefiend]

I want to go to Japan just to go see quirky stuff. Ever watch that Extreme Challenge show? Man, that is crazy. Japan is made out to be so weird and quirky. I'm sure its not, but some of the Japanese shows I've read about are hilarious!

It comes on the SPIKE channel. I love it! It is pretty damn funny, hehe.

Actually, I would love to go to Japan too(though not for the cars :p ) They seem to be ahead of the US in technology by a few years. I'd pick me up a megapixal camera phone and a few other things :D

I don't think the cars are THAT bad. Not laughable.

http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00186.JPG

If that doesn't make you laugh, you have no sense of humor! :p

[dopefiend]

I found it interesting to see the Japanese take on lowriders and street rods.


I didn't even think they were into cars.

Thought they were more of a motorcycle/bike type of people considering space issues and stuff.

[Sun Baked]

It's no worse than what Rednecks do to their 4wd trucks, and the people that pay to see them drive around. ;)

[dopefiend]

It's no worse than what Rednecks do to their 4wd trucks, and the people that pay to see them drive around. ;)

Yea it is ;)

Those 4wd trucks actually have function. :cool:

Do you mean monster trucks though?

[Sun Baked]

Do you mean monster trucks though?Yes, more towards this end of insanity...

[dopefiend]

Yes, more towards this end of insanity...

Hmm, I guess you can look at those as just as crazy :p

But man, I loved those as a kid. :D

[Mr. Anderson]

what is that thing coming out of the front light of that one car? Is it another radiator?

Weird is right - but there's plenty of weirdness to spare in any country. :D

D

[sushi]

Worst car show ever.....I can't stop laughing...

Are they all like this over there? :eek:
Uh, this is not a car show.

This is merely a meeting of some gangster wannabees having some fun in their own particular way.

FWIW, the Tokyo Car show is awesome -- both the cars and the ladies that model them.

Sushi

[dopefiend]

what is that thing coming out of the front light of that one car? Is it another radiator?

oil cooler/intercooler

Maybe they are trying to give the image of a turbo inside or something :confused:

[sushi]

... whatever, there are idiots everywhere!
So true!

Sushi

[dopefiend]

Uh, this is not a car show.

This is merely a meeting of some gangster wannabees having some fun in their own particular way.


Well, the gangsters are "showing" off their cars, so its considered a car show ;)

but that explains these guys:

http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00126.JPG

:eek:

[sushi]

Pseudo-racist? Not really. Just take it under the correct context (ie: relating the Japanese to their taste in car mods) like everyone else, then you'll be fine.
If you think that the average Japanese person has these tastes in modifying their vehicles, then you are being gullible. This was not an official car show. It was merely the bosozoku doing their thing. That's all.

Sushi

[sushi]

Well, the gangsters are "showing" off their cars, so its considered a car show ;)

but that explains these guys:
Again, these are not gangsters by US definition.

They are gangster wannabees.

BTW, passed through that area during a couple shows. Fun to see the vehicles in real life.

And the stereos are very very noisy. They viibrate the hell out of the concrete. Can easily feel it quite a distance away.

Sushi

[krimson]

I kinda like the purple van :)

Anyways, just because you saw pictures of a car show for a specific sect of car lovers doesn't mean the entire country is like that, as the title suggests...

Imagine if I posted a bunch of lifted trucks with 5" exhausts, 37" Mudders 12" body lift, etc... and people around the world thought everyone in American was out destroying the environment, and had little peepee's to compensate for...

Or how bout posting a bunch of pictures like..

http://www.draglist.com/photoimages/POD-0602/The%20Malco%20Super%20Vett%20E-Gas%20Corvette%20at%20Capitol%20Raceway%201970.%20Photo%20by%20Bill%20Peters.jpg

http://www.draglist.com/photoimages/POD-0602/Jim%20Hughes%20Corvette%20is%20indeed%20one%20bad%20hombre.%20Photo%20by%20Paul%20Fink.jpg :D

[dopefiend]

Title was just an attention grabber ;)

[krimson]

That's false advertising! :p

[Chappers]

Title was just an attention grabber ;)

I don't want a war of words with you, but this justification of yourself means you probably realise that the title did have a small racial barb to it.

As as for the the cars I mentioned before - well in my opinion they are awful, but I don't start a thread asking what is wrong with Americans because they like them.

Maybe thats why you became so defensive

[bousozoku]

No the title of this thread makes it obvious that the Japanese have something wrong with them and thats final.
Dopefiend doesn't mention where he/she is from (I'm guessing American male) but...... get real Dopefiend.... look at the Pontiac Firebird or the Corvette - both of them were stupid, macho and ugly little boys toys, but definitely not Japanese.

I do love these pseudo racist threads - they really cheer up my day.

Even as a Japanese, I didn't take this thread as psuedo-racist--naive perhaps--but not racist in any context.

You're right about the Firebird and the Corvette, esp. as they got older and uglier.

[dopefiend]

You're right about the Firebird and the Corvette, esp. as they got older and uglier.

http://corvetteforum.com/events/albums/albup81/Cruise_In_005.sized.jpg

Hawtness :cool:

[craigdawg]

http://corvetteforum.com/events/albums/albup81/Cruise_In_005.sized.jpg

Hawtness :cool:

I suppose...the front looks like a cross between a Camaro (RIP) and a 360 Modena though.

[Laslo Panaflex]

Wow, haven't laughed that hard since the fist time I went to this site:

http://www.engrish.com

Thanks.

[Mav451]

Wow, haven't laughed that hard since the fist time I went to this site:

http://www.engrish.com

Thanks.

The hilarious part is that, a few years ago, one of the editors in my high school was dismissed for printing several pages from this website. She was Chinese too -_-.

[sushi]

Nice cars! :D

[dopefiend]

Nice cars! :D

hehe,

[evoluzione]

wow, i'm quite amazed at how narrow minded a lot of you are.

some of you that are laughing at the japanese cars in this thread are defending some of the worst american cars ever churned out!


as for some of those japanese cars, they are quite simply awesome. works of art. very very original. i've seen much worse in the way of horrendous styling on the streets of nyc. those cars/trucks pictured remind me of a kind of mad max, meets american muscle, meets japanese fantasy (those gundam wing things). some of the styling is years ahead of america.

Mr A. yeah it's probably an intercooler for a turbo, and to whoever said it's made to look like there's one, well, there probably is.


oh, and of course japan is more technically advanced that america :rolleyes:

[dopefiend]

wow, i'm quite amazed at how narrow minded a lot of you are.

some of you that are laughing at the japanese cars in this thread are defending some of the worst american cars ever churned out!

Those cars are ragged out, ghetto ****. Its already been said they don't represent the majority of Japan's cars. The Corvette and Pontiac Firebird line are not the worst American cars turned out. You tell me another car that is/was produced that could run a low 13 in stock form back in 2002 for less than 25k. Also, a car that can out handle a gt3 Porsche at less than half the price is far from being a bad car ;) (The Corvette Z06)


as for some of those japanese cars, they are quite simply awesome.

No ones doubting that Japan has some good cars :rolleyes:

oh, and of course japan is more technically advanced that america :rolleyes:

In some areas. :rolleyes:

[Abstract]

Well we're judging purely from aesthetics (ie: the pictures!), so his Evoluzione's comments do stand.

And the girls in Sushi's links are hot. :eek:

[krimson]

Ugh, the Firebirds are aweful, no imagination or progression.
The older Vettes are great, they had their own personality. The C5's had nothing.. I felt it was rather bland and lifeless. C6 looks like a cheap Ferrari knock off.

It's sad that every car basically looks like someone elses design from 2 years ago...its a viscious cycle that needs to end. Someone needs to break out of the mold ... and hire more models like those Sushi posted...

er...

sorry... i meant, have some ground breaking new design.
Dangerous business proposal? probably... but that's what made classic Detroit cars go great.

[bousozoku]

Hawtness :cool:

Yeah, it's a rip off of the Honda NSX.

[dopefiend]

Yeah, it's a rip off of the Honda NSX.


Of course it is...

and an NSX is a rip off of some other car. :rolleyes:

Name one car and I can tell you where it got its design from. Big freaking deal.

[krimson]

Of course it is...

and an NSX is a rip off of some other car. :rolleyes:

Name one car and I can tell you where it got its design from. Big freaking deal.

Original VW Beetle. :)

[dopefiend]

Original VW Beetle. :)

Damn, got me :p

[wowser]

Those neon trucks looked awesome!! :p

[craigdawg]

Name one car and I can tell you where it got its design from. Big freaking deal.

Pontiac Aztek

[madoka]

Title was just an attention grabber ;)

Yeah, but as others have pointed it, it reflects poorly of you. At first I thought it was pretty asinine of you to think that ALL Japanese people were strange for pics of an obvious subculture. It's like saying all Americans are weird based on pics from a lowrider convention. Still I can't decide if you really are that naive or just don't get enough attention in your life. :D

[dopefiend]

Yeah, but as others have pointed it, it reflects poorly of you.

and I follow this with a ....so?

At first I thought it was pretty asinine of you to think that ALL Japanese people were strange for pics of an obvious subculture.

Thanks for your opinion , let me show you how much I care with this nice smilie :rolleyes:

It's like saying all Americans are weird based on pics from a lowrider convention.

True, except the fact that low riders actually look like they spent money on their rides.

Still I can't decide if you really are that naive or just don't get enough attention in your life. :D

Neither. Thanks for adding nothing productive to the thread :D

[dopefiend]

Pontiac Aztek

Its a combo of current minivan and sport-utility vehicles.

[plus_c]

Damn, got me :p

The original VW Beetle, as well as the Porsche 356, take their roots from this German "people's car" as seen here (http://www.ukcar.com/history/Volkswagen/).

[krimson]

^
cheater! :D

[plus_c]

Nah, I'm just a car nut and History Channel fan. I just wanted photographic evidence :D

[dopefiend]

The original VW Beetle, as well as the Porsche 356, take their roots from this German "people's car" as seen here (http://www.ukcar.com/history/Volkswagen/).

Thank ya :cool:

[plus_c]

Try this one, dopefiend:
What do the Ford Mustang and Dodge Caravan have in common?

[dopefiend]

Try this one, dopefiend:
What do the Ford Mustang and Dodge Caravan have in common?

2 vehicles I will never drive? :p

I don't know, hehe

Same platform? :confused:

[plus_c]

Good guesses, but not quite.
They're both brainchildren of Lee Iacocca - the Mustang during his tenure at Ford in the 60s, the Caravan at Chrysler in the early 80s.

This is what you get when you combine a passion for cars with a passion for weird trivia and a business degree, lol.

[dopefiend]

Good guesses, but not quite.
They're both brainchildren of Lee Iacocca - the Mustang during his tenure at Ford in the 60s, the Caravan at Chrysler in the early 80s.

This is what you get when you combine a passion for cars with a passion for weird trivia and a business degree, lol.

I'll remember this next time I have a discussion involving a mustang VS bow tie :p

[krimson]

Nah, I'm just a car nut and History Channel fan. I just wanted photographic evidence :D

Nah, that was for Dopefiend, you posted before I could. :)

[plus_c]

I'll remember this next time I have a discussion involving a mustang VS bow tie :p

lol, I'm going to assume that you're a Chevy fan then ;) I'm sort of partial to VW/Audi myself (my first car was an '87 Audi 5000 - you can't beat AWD, 10-speaker stereo, all power seating and windows and a great little torquey turbo'ed I-5 for $2000 :D)

[dopefiend]

lol, I'm going to assume that you're a Chevy fan then ;) I'm sort of partial to VW/Audi myself (my first car was an '87 Audi 5000 - you can't beat AWD, 10-speaker stereo, all power seating and windows and a great little torquey turbo'ed I-5 for $2000 :D)

Well, kind of. I wanted a z28 and a corvette since the age of 8. My dads first car was a 1967 straight 6 camaro, so chevy is kind of a family thing(although he is driving an f150 lightning currently :p )

I couldn't afford either in good condition for a first car, so I ended up with an awd 2nd gen eclipse :p

That audi sounds like it was a steal for $2000 :D

[plus_c]

Well, kind of. I wanted a z28 and a corvette since the age of 8. My dads first car was a 1967 straight 6 camaro, so chevy is kind of a family thing(although he is driving an f150 lightning currently :p )

I couldn't afford either in good condition for a first car, so I ended up with an awd 2nd gen eclipse :p

That audi sounds like it was a steal for $2000 :D

No shame in a 2nd-gen Eclipse - those are fun little cars to zip around in :)

And the Audi was a steal - until it broke the fuel pump twice, the HVAC...and oh, the vacuum leaks...:p German auto companies seemed to have the most incredible fascination with vacuum-driven everything back in the 80s.

[bousozoku]

Yeah, but as others have pointed it, it reflects poorly of you. At first I thought it was pretty asinine of you to think that ALL Japanese people were strange for pics of an obvious subculture. It's like saying all Americans are weird based on pics from a lowrider convention. Still I can't decide if you really are that naive or just don't get enough attention in your life. :D

He's from Texas. That should explain a lot. :D

[dopefiend]

He's from Texas. That should explain a lot. :D


Damn straight!

Don't like Texas, you can kiss my lone star ass :p :D

few of yall seem so anal... :rolleyes:

[sambo.]

what is with the bent-up exhaust pipes?
may aunt who lives in Tokyo rekons that the ultimate status symbol in Japan is an old car that costs a fortune to register because of emissions laws. something like a P-76 would be considered "lush".
there will always be people prepared to throw tons of cash at a crap car, i once saw a Hyundai Excel (AUD$15,000 drive-away) that the young (like 19) owner was proudly mouthing off about the $50,000- extra he had spent on engine work, body work, suspension etc. that was before the $35,000 custom stereo system he had added. it looked ghastly, sounded like "the chipmunks" on speed and had landed the driver in court with a charge sheet as long as your arm. most of the fines he copped (some $4,000 worth after upsetting some cops) were for "illegal mods" like, being too low to the ground etc.

why? why burn $80 odd grand hotting up a $15 grand car? why not save about $40,000 in the process and just buy a WRX to start with? i don't get it.

i'm not so keen on cars, but the 2004 Honda Fireblade and the new Ducati Testrastretta, now they are sex on wheels.......... :cool:

[5300cs]

No the title of this thread makes it obvious that the Japanese have something wrong with them....

Well of course there's something wrong with them, but you won't understand what until you start teaching English over here. (And even then there's no guarantee...)

bousouzoku are the motorcycle gangs that make noise at 3am, this looks more like a yankee car (though still could be bousouzoku. It would have some impossible to read kanji on it.)

[5300cs]

Sorry, took a better look at those pictures. Looks more like a bunch of enthusiasts getting together (gangs would probably wear white masks.) There are at least 5 different magazines about car mods like this over here.

That first car with the up-pointed pipes probably sounds nice...

[bousozoku]

Damn straight!

Don't like Texas, you can kiss my lone star ass :p :D

few of yall seem so anal... :rolleyes:

You certainly show it everywhere you post. :D

[sushi]

Sorry, took a better look at those pictures. Looks more like a bunch of enthusiasts getting together (gangs would probably wear white masks.)
It could be car enthusiasts.

BTW, As a general rule, Bousouzoku don't wear masks.

Even the occasional oyabun I've seen doesn't wear any time of mask or covering. (yep, seen them as well since I spend a lot of time on the road).

Sushi

[sushi]

bousouzoku are the motorcycle gangs that make noise at 3am,
Bousouzoku also drive cars, not just motorcycles.

Sushi

[sushi]

may aunt who lives in Tokyo rekons that the ultimate status symbol in Japan is an old car that costs a fortune to register because of emissions laws.
About 10 years ago, the average car's value after it was 10 years old was basically zero. The cars value would be the JCI insurance left on it.

Today, with the economy being as it is, the used car market has grown up a bit. Ten year old cars now have a little value.

For example, today I was looking at a Nissan Laurel that was 11 years old. When it was new, it costs around 26 grand. Today it was on sale for about 3 grand. If this was ten years ago, the car would be worthless except for the JCI. So times are changing in the used car market.

In your post you mentioned wondering why someone would spend 80 grand on a car fixing it up. Well, why would someone spend 1,000 per month for parking, plus the annual costs of ownership for a car? Yet folks do it all of the time in the Tokyo area.

...so I guess you would have to have an expensive car to justify the parking costs! :D

What do I know, I've lived here for over 15 years and still don't have a clue! But I've pealed the onion about three times and working on my 4th, so I am doing well in that regard. :D

Sushi

[bousozoku]

...
In your post you mentioned wondering why someone would spend 80 grand on a car fixing it up. Well, why would someone spend 1,000 per month for parking, plus the annual costs of ownership for a car? Yet folks do it all of the time in the Tokyo area.

...so I guess you would have to have an expensive car to justify the parking costs! :D
...
Sushi

A number of my friends and other friends' fathers had cars when I visited in 1985. Many of them owned property so they could store a car. However, it just doesn't seem practical to put money into a car when there is no special need. Public transportation is so good around Tokyo, so why bother with the expense of parking, insurance, and government inspections?

[sushi]

A number of my friends and other friends' fathers had cars when I visited in 1985. Many of them owned property so they could store a car. However, it just doesn't seem practical to put money into a car when there is no special need. Public transportation is so good around Tokyo, so why bother with the expense of parking, insurance, and government inspections?
True, public transportation is very good, in and around Tokyo.

However, as you go away from Tokyo to places such as ski areas, Izu, Atami, Chiba, Matsumoto, Sendai, Five Lakes area, etc., the need for a car becomes greater and is a nice convenience to have.

In reference to the question, do you need a car if you live in Tokyo? I would definitely say no. That is for sure. But it is convenient to have a car for the weekends and such.

Reference parking rates. A new apartment building that we were looking at in the Shibaura area had parking for about 30% of the tenants/owners. So based on their market research, about 3 out of 10 have cars. So definitely, according to their research, the majority who live in Tokyo do not own a car. The cost of a monthly parking spot is about $360 per month. Cheap! To get a spot, they do a one time drawing. Once you get a spot its yours until you want to give it up...and as long as you pay for it! ;D

In some places, it's crazy how the parking costs have gone up recently. A friend of mine who lives in Shibuya saw his parking costs for a mini car go from $300 to $600 per month.

Someone mentioned the need to own land to own a car. AFAIK, you do not need to own land to own a car. Just prove that you have a place to store your car. I lady friend of mine wanted to get a new VW Bug. She got one, then felt she was lucky to find a parking place by Noborito that cost here only $400 per month. I think from her apartment in Tokyo to her parking was about 50 minutes door to door. It was worth it to her to have her play thing on the weekend.

Sushi

[bousozoku]

My car payment was about what that parking spot was. :D That was just for a 550cc car?

I can imagine having to pay for a spot for a Bluebird or Skyline or similar car to park it. It would be more than my house payment. :eek: I really hated the costs of having a car in Philadelphia in the U.S.A. and could get around reasonably well without it but long trips were a pain.

I still can't imagine putting thousands of dollars into car customisations just to polish it and drive it to a car park to have it ogled. That would be the time to buy one of each iPod Mini to carry on the train. :D

[sushi]

I can imagine having to pay for a spot for a Bluebird or Skyline or similar car to park it.
At my friend's place in Shibuya, while mini cars were $300 and are now $600. Regular cars were $500 and are now $1,000 per month.


It would be more than my house payment.
Interesting that you mention this. While home values are high, and they usually go down rather than up, the interest rates are very low.


I still can't imagine putting thousands of dollars into car customisations just to polish it and drive it to a car park to have it ogled.
While I would never do it, I have been here long enough to understand. Amazes me that I do understand. When I put my American mind on, it makes no sense at all. But to the Japanese, it does.


That would be the time to buy one of each iPod Mini to carry on the train. :D
I am looking forward to seeing the mini iPod. I could have ordered one from the States, but decided to see them in person first before buying. Besides my 1st Gen 10GB iPod is still going strong. Who knows, I may just wait until the 2nd Gen Mini comes out.

Sushi

[bousozoku]

I suppose that I just don't understand the necessity for new, new new! :D

I love Japan but look for the long term, not a constant newness. I guess that's why I still have all of my old computers. I also have a conservative streak when it comes to the looks of my cars but not the performance. I suppose I'm just not a hooligan. :D

[Sun Baked]

I suppose that I just don't understand the necessity for new, new new! :D

I love Japan but look for the long term, not a constant newness. I guess that's why I still have all of my old computers. I also have a conservative streak when it comes to the looks of my cars but not the performance. I suppose I'm just not a hooligan. :DNow you're starting to sound like your Oviedo neighbor Ric Woodruff. :eek:

[bousozoku]

Now you're starting to sound like your Oviedo neighbor Ric Woodruff. :eek:

I have a neighbour? I didn't know that. :eek: I don't agree with too many Oviedo area (or Orlando area) people on much of anything. I just happen to live in the same general area, but outside the town.

[imac_japan]

Jeez, if you want to find out what Japan is really like come for a visit or live here...Don't believe what you hear from the media...

Japan is not what you expect !! All the stereotypes that you hear are wrong...its much more than "yakuza" or "samurai"...

[dopefiend]

Japan is not what you expect !! All the stereotypes that you hear are wrong...

You mean you all aren't 4'10 and all good at math?!?!? :eek: :p

[imac_japan]

It could be car enthusiasts.

BTW, As a general rule, Bousouzoku don't wear masks.

Even the occasional oyabun I've seen doesn't wear any time of mask or covering. (yep, seen them as well since I spend a lot of time on the road).

Sushi

Japanese guys love cars !! especially American made ones...They see America as a god - it has to do with the war and the occuption afterwards.
America is king - big, fast cars...

Bousouzoku usually ride motorcycles where I live (Osaka) and it they are just gang members. Yankees are guys who love America and drive fast cars and wear American goods

[dopefiend]

Bousouzoku usually ride motorcycles where I live (Osaka)

I bet yall get some of the greatest model bikes considering they are made there. :cool:

<---avid bike rider(2003 Yamaha r6)

[sushi]

Jeez, if you want to find out what Japan is really like come for a visit or live here...Don't believe what you hear from the media...
You can say that about any place.

The media makes what they want out of a place.

Japan is not what you expect !! All the stereotypes that you hear are wrong...its much more than "yakuza" or "samurai"...
That's assuming that someone expects yakuza or samurai type experience! Of course an educated person would assume that there is more than yakuza and samurai. That is like saying that America is full of cowboys.

What is true about every culture, is the impression that you come away with is dependent upon whom you interact with and what you see on a daily basis.

Sushi

[sushi]

Japanese guys love cars !! especially American made ones...They see America as a god - it has to do with the war and the occuption afterwards.
America is king - big, fast cars...

Bousouzoku usually ride motorcycles where I live (Osaka) and it they are just gang members. Yankees are guys who love America and drive fast cars and wear American goods
I would suggest to you that not all Japanese are car fanatics. Many don't even own cars and commute by train/bus/bike/walk/etc. Others just buy what is cheap to get around.

As far as the America being viewed as a god, I would suggest that you need to get out more!

BTW, a friend of mine was on MacArthur's Honor Guard during occupational Japan. Actually, I know quite a few folks from that period. All are getting up in the years these days.

Reference gang members conveyance, what you say is generally true, but it varies from place to place. Not all Bousouzoku folks ride bikes.

Sushi

[sushi]

You mean you all aren't 4'10 and all good at math?!?!? :eek: :p
Ha Ha. Good one!

You know there was a lady were I used to work. She was 6' and had legs that went all the way up! Very nice. Although I never discussed math with her...so don't know about that! :D

Sushi

[krimson]

You mean you all aren't 4'10 and all good at math?!?!? :eek: :p


Hey, my gf is 4' 10" :mad: terrible at math though.

[sushi]

I suppose that I just don't understand the necessity for new, new new! :D
When I first came over here in '89, that was the way it was. It was very rare to find a Japanese person who would buy a used anything.

Today, the situation is so much different. Even used cars are now having value after 10 years. Before, they were considered worthless after 10 years.

The economy has changed things as of late.

For example, looked at a place built during the bubble economy. Original cost was $650,000. Less than 10 years later, the same place could be had for $80,000. Unbelievable.

I love Japan but look for the long term, not a constant newness. I guess that's why I still have all of my old computers.
I hear ya! I am the same way.

For example, I just tossed my 840av. It finally died. Motherboard and powersupply problems. It lasted over 10 years.

I still have my HP-71 system. Haven't used it in a while, but it still works. Got it in 1985.

Now my PB170 is acting up. Boots part way, then re-boots, then re-boots, etc. Bummer. Got to get it fixed.

The bad thing is that I am running out of space to store my old stuff. So some of it will have to go.

Sushi

[dopefiend]

Hey, my gf is 4' 10" :mad: terrible at math though.

The short ones are the best ones ;) :cool:

[dopefiend]

Ha Ha. Good one!

You know there was a lady were I used to work. She was 6' and had legs that went all the way up! Very nice. Although I never discussed math with her...so don't know about that! :D

Sushi

Bet that would be an interesting tree to climb :p

[sushi]

Bet that would be an interesting tree to climb :p
I'm not telling! :eek: :D

Sushi

[rt_brained]

Now everyone understands why so much of American culture is sucked up by people all over the world and NOT vice versa?

[bousozoku]

I would suggest to you that not all Japanese are car fanatics. Many don't even own cars and commute by train/bus/bike/walk/etc. Others just buy what is cheap to get around.

As far as the America being viewed as a god, I would suggest that you need to get out more!

BTW, a friend of mine was on MacArthur's Honor Guard during occupational Japan. Actually, I know quite a few folks from that period. All are getting up in the years these days.

Reference gang members conveyance, what you say is generally true, but it varies from place to place. Not all Bousouzoku folks ride bikes.

Sushi

It would be appropriate to say that those who are car enthusiasts often are interested in cars from the U.S.A., especially the Ford Mustang. However, BMW models are highly praised too and Austin Minis (esp. Cooper variations) are prized.

It would be unusual for bousozoku to not have bikes. You just can't make that special noise with a car (or a train) in the middle of the night. :D Then again, habits for some groups go beyond mere noise-making too.

[imac_japan]

You mean you all aren't 4'10 and all good at math?!?!? :eek: :p

Ha Ha Ha --- good point !! well, sorry the math part of it is true !!

[imac_japan]

I would suggest to you that not all Japanese are car fanatics. Many don't even own cars and commute by train/bus/bike/walk/etc. Others just buy what is cheap to get around.

As far as the America being viewed as a god, I would suggest that you need to get out more!

BTW, a friend of mine was on MacArthur's Honor Guard during occupational Japan. Actually, I know quite a few folks from that period. All are getting up in the years these days.

Reference gang members conveyance, what you say is generally true, but it varies from place to place. Not all Bousouzoku folks ride bikes.

Sushi

I think that you ate too much bad sushi !!! of course not all japanese like cars and don't have one ! but the ones that do love fast cars - younger people love american made ones. IM sorry about you friend but Im talking about Japanese people !

[sushi]

It would be appropriate to say that those who are car enthusiasts often are interested in cars from the U.S.A., especially the Ford Mustang. However, BMW models are highly praised too and Austin Minis (esp. Cooper variations) are prized.
Agreed.

Reference BMWs and Mercedes. I see many Japanese who purchase models with the steering wheel on the left side vice the right side.

This makes no sense to me. Why you would want to drive a car with the steering wheel on the wrong side? My guess is that they want to stick out more.

It would be unusual for bousozoku to not have bikes. You just can't make that special noise with a car (or a train) in the middle of the night. :D Then again, habits for some groups go beyond mere noise-making too.
Yeah, they like to make the noise with their bikes.

FWIW, they also can do the same with cars. Very loud. Different sound, but still an engine reving type sound in the middle of the night.

I do agree that motorcycles are the preferred conveyance for the bousouzuko.

Maybe I should say it like this. Not all ride bikes all of the time. They do use cars.

How's that?!

Sushi

[sushi]

I think that you ate too much bad sushi !!!
Never can happen! :D

of course not all japanese like cars and don't have one !
Missread your comment.

but the ones that do love fast cars - younger people love american made ones.
Disagree.

It depends on location. Osaka is different from Tokyo, Saporo, Sendei, etc.

Many young folks aren't the least interested in American things. Others are. Depends on the fad, the place, etc.

That was why I made the comment that you need to get out more.

If you are merely making an observation limited to Osaka, then fine. But if you are talking about Japan and Okinawa as a whole, then it is a different situation.

IM sorry about you friend but Im talking about Japanese people !
I realize that you were talking about Japanese people. Duh!

BTW, no reason to be sorry for my friend. It was quite an honor for him.

The reason that I mention the story is your comment about Americans being Gods.

Today that is not true like it was a long time ago. My friends who have been here since occupational Japan have seen the change. It is very interesting and enlightening when discussing the old times with them.

Simply put, today the Japanese as a whole do not regard Americans as Gods or Godlike.

Again, get out and see more of Japan. You might just be surprised! :D

Sushi

[bousozoku]

...
Yeah, they like to make the noise with their bikes.

FWIW, they also can do the same with cars. Very loud. Different sound, but still an engine reving type sound in the middle of the night.

I do agree that motorcycles are the preferred conveyance for the bousouzuko.

Maybe I should say it like this. Not all ride bikes all of the time. They do use cars.

How's that?!

Sushi

That bousozoku to you, not bousouzuko--some wild child thingee. :D

During tai fun season, motorcycles are very difficult to ride and even cars don't work so well sometimes. Thank goodness for elevated trains.

I was thinking that the only car that really makes a distinctive noise is one that has a rotary engine. With a straight through muffler, it can be jet engine-like. The 1974-1977 Mazda Savanna (RX-3) used to be pretty popular because of the power and weight and it was much cheaper than the Savanna RX-7.

Still, it's faster to walk across Tokyo than to drive across it. :D It might not be that much faster, but before 22:00, I wouldn't bet on driving somewhere to keep an appointment.

I don't know about eating too much sushi but you can definitely eat too much tako yaki.

[sushi]

That bousozoku to you, not bousouzuko--some wild child thingee. :D
Damn! Hate those typos. The boss was watching so I had to write my response quickly. Didn't have time to proofread.

Then again, maybe is was some sort of Freudian slip. Oh Oh! :p


During tai fun season, motorcycles are very difficult to ride and even cars don't work so well sometimes. Thank goodness for elevated trains.
Hell, walking even sux during typhoon season.

Or are we talking about Bangkok here?! Now that is a fun place! :D :D :D


I was thinking that the only car that really makes a distinctive noise is one that has a rotary engine. With a straight through muffler, it can be jet engine-like. The 1974-1977 Mazda Savanna (RX-3) used to be pretty popular because of the power and weight and it was much cheaper than the Savanna RX-7.
To be honest, I am not sure what kind of car they drive. It was night. They tend to be decked out a bit.

Now since I am used to it, I just try to ignore the sound.

Next time I will have to pay more attention. Although, as of late, I haven't heard them like I used to (motorcycles or cars). The police have been cracking down on them a bit. So maybe it is working and they have moved to other areas.


Still, it's faster to walk across Tokyo than to drive across it. :D It might not be that much faster, but before 22:00, I wouldn't bet on driving somewhere to keep an appointment.
That is almost true for anywhere in the Kanto Plain! Kamakura is really bad during the surfing/summer season.

I like cruising past 2300 until early morning when there is relatively little traffic compared to the daytime.

Work wise I have to drive during the day. It can really be a slow grind in some places.


I don't know about eating too much sushi but you can definitely eat too much tako yaki.
Especially the street side vendor type. Some of it can be rather nasty.

But I admit, I really do like Taco Balls! :D

Fried ika is good as well.

Raw Tako is fantastic when you can get it in season. Normally it is already boiled when you have it served as sashimi or sushi.

BTW, if you want really good sushi, it isn't in Osaka, Tokyo, or Okinawa. The really good sushi is in Hokkaido. We are talking fresh!

Dang. Now I am getting hungry again!

Sushi

[sushi]

BTW, if you want really good sushi, it isn't in Osaka, Tokyo, or Okinawa. The really good sushi is in Hokkaido. We are talking fresh!
I forgot to add, Northern Honshu up near Amori and Misawa you can get great Sushi as well.

While the Japanese have perfected freezing, fresh is still better.

Sushi

[krimson]

mMmMmmmm... fresh sushi... damnit, it's 7am, and you're making me crave raw fish. :mad: baka. :mad:

[sushi]

mMmMmmmm... fresh sushi... damnit, it's 7am, and you're making me crave raw fish. :mad: baka. :mad:
Sorry! :D

Sushi

[sushi]

Sorry! :D

Sushi
Dang, this has backfired on me! Now I am hungry for some crab claws.

Shoot! :mad:

BTW, sorry for the blurry pics. They were from a video. As you can see, they are fairly big. In this case, served tempera style with a light, delicate and flavorable batter.

EDIT: Dang. Dang. Dang. Now I am really really hungry! :eek:

Sushi

[SiliconAddict]

My top favs:

http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00131.JPG

Obviously a decepticon in its vehicle mode.

http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00140.JPG

I'm guessing instead of NOS this minivan uses sound waves to propel it forward. Either that or its intended to take out tailgaters.


http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00155.JPG

You can always judge a guys dick length by his tailpipe so do women drive these cars? ;)


http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00166.JPG

Dude! I didn't know the aliens from Close Encounters of the Third Kind drove semis!!!


http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00132.JPG

Obviously sponsored by Snuggles the Fabric softening Bear.


http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00186.JPG

Nothing saids performance like taking out one of your headlights and snaking a tube though the hole.


http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00110.JPG

This guy takes speed holes to a whole new level.


http://www.youatemybreakfast.com/images/japan/bosozoku/DSC00127.JPG

Auughhhh. See that label on the back of that minivan? It reads DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE MINIVAN. Prolonged exposure may cause cancer.

[krimson]

You know what they're missing..?

http://www.madmadscientist.com/galleries/bman2001/bmanOther/images/catbus.jpg

[dopefiend]

Nice SiliconAddict :p

[sushi]

I'm guessing instead of NOS this minivan uses sound waves to propel it forward. Either that or its intended to take out tailgaters.
I've seen this one in person.

I would say that it has enough power to propel itself. :D

Another cool speaker one that I saw, had one huge speaker aimed towards the ground plus a bunch of other speakers. When I say huge, it was mounted horizontally in a pickup type vehicle and it covered the whole bed. It made the ground vibrate immensely.

Sushi

[sushi]

My top favs: <snip>
BTW, nice job!

Enjoyed the humor! :D

Sushi