What's JDM? – The Timeless Allure of Japan's Rad Era Cars.
Toyota Sprinter Trueno (1986)
Nissan Skyline GT-R (1989)
εfini RX-7 (Mazda) (1991)
JDM stands for “Japan Domestic Market.” For many overseas enthusiasts of Japanese cars, particularly those in the U.S. and the U.K., the acronym has a special meaning, one that is synonymous with the culture of customizing Japanese export models to emulate JDM specifications or importing JDM cars from Japan.
In the 1980s and 1990s, a period known as the “Rad Era,” Japanese automakers challenged themselves to incorporate world-class technology into their vehicles, commercializing innovations such as electronic controls and high-performance engines. These technologies continue to have a significant impact on automobile development today. Cars from this era combined functional beauty with improved aerodynamics, visibility, and safety features. Even today, enthusiasts are fascinated by the cars’ simple yet distinctive styling. At that time, however, these innovative models were not as well received overseas as their European counterparts, much to the disappointment of Japanese automotive engineers.
Decades later, enthusiasts from around the world have rediscovered the technological sophistication, refined styling, and reliability of JDM cars, bringing them back into the spotlight.
Our special exhibition will showcase approximately 10 JDM cars from the Rad Era under three themes: “State-of-the-Art Technologies of the Time,” “Unique Designs,” and “Compact with High Performance.” Alongside cars from our collection, we are displaying vehicles on loan from seven Japanese automakers and the Motorcar Museum of Japan to fully demonstrate the appeal of JDM cars. Through this exhibition, we hope to help visitors appreciate the unique value of JDM cars and recognize their contribution to national and global culture.
| Date | Friday, 3 October–Sunday, 5 April 2026 |
| Venue | Cultural Gallery 2F Special Exhibition Room |
Displayed Vehicles (by theme)
| Theme | Vehicle | |
| 1 | State-of-the-Art Technologies of the Time | Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso (1984) * On display until January 12. |
| Toyota Sprinter Trueno (1986) | ||
| Nissan Skyline GT-R (1989) | ||
| εfini RX-7 (Mazda) (1991)* Not on display between January 6 and 13. | ||
| Subaru Impreza WRX STi (1994) | ||
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition (2000) | ||
| Honda Integra Type-R (1998) * On display until January 12. | ||
| Honda Civic Type-R (1997) * On display from January 14. | ||
| 2 | Unique Designs | Nissan PAO Canvas Top (1989) |
| Nissan Figaro (1991) * On display from January 14. | ||
| 3 | Compact with High Performance | Daihatsu Mira TR-XX (1987) * On display until January 12. |
| Suzuki Cervo Mode (1990) * On display until January 12. | ||
| Honda Beat (1991) * On display from January 14. | ||
| Autozam AZ-1 (Mazda) (1993) * On display from January 14. | ||
| Suzuki Cappuccino (1995) * On display from January 14. |
* Some vehicles will be replaced during the course of the exhibit. Please visit our website for more information.
List of vehicle loaners (in alphabetical order)
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Collection Hall, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Motorcar Museum of Japan, Nissan Motor Co., Subaru Corporation, Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation
Related event: “Classic Car Meeting: JDM Cars from the 1980s and 1990s”
| Date and time | Saturday, 29 November 2025, 10:00–16:00 ＜This event has ended.＞ |
| Venue | Parking lot P2 / Cultural Gallery 1F Hall |
| Outline | A gathering of owners and enthusiasts of JDM cars from the Rad Era |
Special Display: “JDM Cars That Competed in Rallies in the 1980s and 1990s”
| Dates | Tuesday, 9 September–Sunday, 27 November 2025 ＜This exhibition has ended.＞ |
| Venue | Automobile Gallery 1F Entrance |
| Displayed vehicles | Toyota Celica Model TA64 (1985) Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Model ST165 (1990) (These cars won the WRC Safari Rally.) |
Demo Runs：JDM cars from the 1980s and 1990s
| Date and time | Sunday, 23 November 2025, 11:00-11:30 / 14:00-14:30 ＜This event has ended.＞ |
| Venue | Parking lot P1 |
| Vehicles | The vehicles to be demonstrated are selected based on votes collected through a survey at the special exhibition! ①Toyota Corolla LEVIN Model AE86 (1983) ②Toyota Celica GT-Four Model ST205 (1994) * Subject to cancellation in the event of rain. Vehicles may be changed without notice. |
