Japan’s Motorization Journey: 60 Years Since the Dawn of Mass Car Ownership
Toyota Corolla Sprinter (1968)
Chevrolet Nova (1984)
Toyota Corolla (2010)
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Japan’s “mass car ownership era,” which began in 1966. That year saw the introduction of iconic mass-market models such as the Corolla and the Sunny, catapulting the growth of private car ownership. This period is considered a historic turning point toward widespread motorization in Japan.
Our latest special exhibition showcases the transformation of automobiles from objects of adoration to indispensable parts of our lives. It also explores how mass-market cars evolved to meet social demands for greater environmental protection and safety, and how manufacturers responded to diverse customer needs by operating overseas and producing locally. Finally, the exhibition will examine a few mass-market car brands that have enjoyed lasting popularity and consider what types of cars will be in demand in the future.
The vehicles on display include those on loan from five Japanese auto manufacturers and the Motorcar Museum of Japan. Intense competition among Japanese domestic manufacturers, all of whom were determined to gain a competitive edge through innovative technology, was central to the country’s motorization. We hope that these distinctive vehicles will provide visitors with insight into their manufacturers’ growth and demonstrate how their success has expanded the automobile culture.
| Dates | Friday, 11 September 2026 –Sunday, 28 February 2027 |
| Venue | Cultural Gallery 2F Special Exhibition Room |
Displayed Vehicles (by theme)
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Corolla and the Sunny, around a dozen heritage cars will be on display to showcase the evolution of motorization in Japan.
| Theme | Vehicle |
| Before the Mass Car Ownership Era |
No vehicles from this period are on display. |
| Year One of the Mass Car Ownership Era |
Toyota Corolla Sprinter (1968) |
| Datsun Sunny 1000 Coupe (1968) | |
| Responding to Social Challenges |
Toyota Corolla (1974) * On display until November 29. |
| Honda Civic (1984) * On display from December 1. | |
| Chevrolet Nova (1984) | |
| Mitsubishi Mirage (1978) * On display until November 29. |
|
| Isuzu Gemini (1985) * On display from December 1. |
|
| Exploring New Horizons | Mazda Familia (1980) |
| Nissan Sunny (1988) | |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan (1990) * On display until November 29. |
|
| Toyota Corolla Sedan (1991) * On display from December 1. |
|
| Brands That Are Still Going Strong |
Honda Civic Coupe (1993) |
| Toyota Corolla (2010) |
Some vehicles will be replaced during the course of the exhibit.
Vehicle loaners (in alphabetical order)
Honda Collection Hall, Isuzu Motors Limited, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Motorcar Museum of Japan, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Special Display
| Dates | Thursday, 8 September–Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Venue | Automobile Gallery 1F Entrance |
| Displayed vehicle | Toyota Corolla 4 door Sedan Model TE71(1979) (Private Collection) |
Demo Runs
1. The Cars That Ignited Motorization
| Date and time | Saturday, 3 October 2026 11:00-11:30 / 14:00-14:30 |
| Vehicles | Toyota Corolla Model KE10(1966), Datsun Sunny 1000 Model B10(1966), Honda Civic Model SB1(1972), Toyota Carolla Levin TE27(1972) |
2. Legendary American Cars
| Date and time | Saturday, 12 December 2026 11:00-11:30 / 14:00-14:30 |
| Vehicles | Ford Mustang (1967), Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray (1973), De Lorean DMC12 (1981) |
3. “Boy Racer” Cars
| Date and time | Saturday, 9 January 2027 11:00-11:30 / 14:00-14:30 |
| Vehicles | Toyota MR2 Model AW11 (1984), Toyota Starlet Turbo S Model EP71 (1989), Nissan March Super Turbo Model EK10 (1990) |
* All demo runs will be held in Parking Lot P1.
* Subject to cancellation due to rain. Vehicles may change without notice.
