drifting
These girls literally drive away ogres during Japan’s annual Setsubun bean-throwing festival.
Because sometimes you want to add some fun to bathtime, and also the chance of crushing your loins.
While the Hakone Turnpike is usually enjoyed by slow-driving families catching a glimpse of the natural beauty of the area’s mountainous landscape, some Japanese drifting enthusiasts last month turned a portion of the public toll road into a white-knuckle race to the top.
Shutting down the two-lane road, the drivers zoomed through the windy (and thankfully empty) roads, reaching speeds that would land normal citizens a pretty hefty fine. It may not be the first time a high-performance car has been seen on Japanese roads, but it’s pretty amazing that the Ministry of Transportation would approve this flashy display of speed, horsepower and roaring engines.
Motorsports have been around for as long as people have had vehicles. If it’s got an engine and wheels, we guarantee someone somewhere will try to race it. And there aren’t many counties that love their motorsports as much as Japan–especially the mystical, magical art of drifting!
While other places may have longer or faster races, Japan is definitely one of the best places in the world to catch cars sliding through corners almost as if they were on an ice rink. And, while a talented driver could probably get nearly any car to drift, racers often use cars modified for maximum drifting, including things like negative camber, a type of wheel alignment. But one Celica owned by Japanese motor-enthusiast Kawashima has been capturing people’s attention both in Japan and overseas thanks its mind-bending, extreme wheel alignment.
Kei Cars are a Japanese category of vehicles that are too weak to be considered actual cars, but too powerful to be considered go-carts. They are distinguished by their cool yellow license plates (as opposed to a white one for cars with regular-sized engines and larger dimensions) and are loved by those looking for a cheap mode of transportation. Thanks to some clever modifications by extreme driving enthusiasts in Japan, what used to be a measly 660cc engine putt-putt car has been transformed into a lean, mean, drifting machine.





Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Tokyo street sweets: The must-snack treats of Nakano’s Refutei
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Maximum matcha! Tokyo sweet shop sells the strongest green tea chocolates physically possible
Dodge the biggest problem of giving yourself a kanji name with these for-foreigner personal seals
Starbucks x Peanuts collaboration brings Joe Kind Snoopy to Japan with exclusive drinks and goods
Studio Ghibli’s Mother’s Day corn set is a heartwarming gift for Totoro fans
Cherry blossom mochi lattes arrive at Japan’s Pronto cafe chain to start sakura sweets season
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Japan just had its first same-month foreign tourist decrease in four years
Burning through cash just to throw things away tops list of headaches when moving house in Japan
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Maximum matcha! Tokyo sweet shop sells the strongest green tea chocolates physically possible
Dodge the biggest problem of giving yourself a kanji name with these for-foreigner personal seals
Starbucks x Peanuts collaboration brings Joe Kind Snoopy to Japan with exclusive drinks and goods
Studio Ghibli’s Mother’s Day corn set is a heartwarming gift for Totoro fans
Cherry blossom mochi lattes arrive at Japan’s Pronto cafe chain to start sakura sweets season
7-Eleven Japan’s sakura sweets season is underway right now!
East Japan Railway abolishes skirts, ribbons in women’s uniforms to “eliminate gender difference”
Feast your multiple eyes on the Harajuku Kawaii Monster Cafe’s tasty, toothsome dishes
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Starbucks Japan unveils sakura cherry blossom drinkware range for 2021
Want to enjoy sakura season but have allergies? Tokyo indoor park offers the perfect solution
The Japanese train station with torii gates on its tracks
Which Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain has the best salmon sushi?【Taste test】