Japan Automotive Hall of Fame
Encyclopedia
Concept
In the Western world, it is customary for those who have excelled in their chosen field - be it sports, art, medical research, industry, et cetera - to be held up and admired. Their achievements, more often than not, are recognized in a Hall of Fame. A person’s induction into such an establishment is indeed a celebrated accolade, on a par with having a building or road named in their honor.In America, on the site of the Henry Ford estate in Dearborn, there is an Automotive Hall of Fame
Automotive Hall of Fame
The Automotive Hall of Fame is an American museum and hall of fame covering automotive innovations.-Location:Located in the metro Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan, the museum shares a parking lot with The Henry Ford.-External links:*...
, containing memorabilia and information on those inducted. In effect, the AHF is a museum of people, rather than a more conventional museum featuring various products or works of art.
In the year 2000, an equivalent Hall of Fame was established in Tokyo, called the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame (or JAHFA), based at the National Science Museum. Since 2001, each year, five or six people have been inducted in an annual award ceremony held at the museum.
With plans to involve other museums to help spread the word (as in Kumamoto, where a dedicated display was opened several years ago), the Japanese Automotive Hall of Fame (a registered NPO) serves a useful role, informing people of the outstanding achievements made over the years by the motor industry pioneers and their successors. Of even greater importance, it will hopefully inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
2001
- Kiichiro ToyodaKiichiro Toyodawas a Japanese entrepreneur and the son of Toyoda Loom Works founder Sakichi Toyoda. His decision to take Toyoda Loom Works into automobile manufacturing would create what would eventually become Toyota Motor Corporation, the world's largest automobile manufacturer....
: Founder of Toyota and Toyoda Machinery
Born in 1894, after completing his education at Tokyo Imperial University, Toyoda joined the family business - the Toyoda Spinning & Weaving Co. in Aiichi Prefecture. Eventually, in the 1930s, he established a car-building factory, and the Toyota brand was born as a result. Toyota was originally Toyoda. When Toyoda was changed to Toyota Motors, one part of the company still kept the Toyoda name (Toyoda Machinery) which still exists today selling Machine Tools. He died in March 1952.
- Soichiro HondaSoichiro Hondawas a Japanese engineer and industrialist, and founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd..Honda was born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan on November 17, 1906. He spent his early childhood helping his father, Gihei, a blacksmith, with his bicycle repair business. At the time his mother, Mika, was a weaver. At...
: Founder of HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
Born in November 1906, Honda worked at a car repair firm in Tokyo before establishing his own workshop in 1928. The Honda marque was established in October 1946, starting with motorcycles before moving into the automotive field. The brand also became synonymous with racing on two and four wheels. Honda died in 1991.
- Takeo FujisawaTakeo Fujisawawas a Japanese businessman who worked for Honda. He worked with Soichiro Honda from the beginning of the history of the company until the company became a worldwide car manufacturer....
: Business manager of HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
Born in 1910, Fujisawa joined Honda in 1949 and looked after the business aspect of the brand. He died in 1988.
- Jiro Yanase: Car importer of merit
Yanase was born in 1916 in the middle of Tokyo, joining his father's company in 1939. Yanase was a trailblazer in dealing in imported cars in Japan, introducing several brands to the country. Yanase was inducted to the AHF in America in 2004.
- Osamu Hirao: Scholar/Doctor of Engineering
Born in 1915, Hirao graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1939. He became a Professor in 1954, working to improve all aspects of the motor industry (he had over 200 theses published), and a Fellow of the SAE in 1977. He died in July 1995.
- Shojiro IshibashiShojiro Ishibashiwas a Japanese businessman who founded the Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest maker of tires, in 1930 in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. Bridgestone was named after its founder: In the Japanese language ishi means a "stone" and bashi mean "bridge"...
: Founder of BridgestoneBridgestoneThe is a multinational rubber conglomerate founded in 1931 by in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The name Bridgestone comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning "stone bridge" in Japanese....
Born in 1889, Ishibashi came from a family of 'tabi' (traditional Japanese socks) manufacturers. These evolved into working shoes with rubber soles, and the use of rubber was duly expanded into several fields. The decision to make car tyres was taken with the foundation of Bridgestone Tyres in 1931, which became world famous over the ensuing years. Ishibashi (which translates into Stone Bridge) died in 1976.
2002
- Osamu Suzuki: President of SuzukiSuzukiis a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
Born in 1930, Mr Suzuki was appointed President of Suzuki in 1978 at the age of 48. He has received numerous awards from countries outside Japan where Suzuki has established factories making light vehicles. In 2000, Suzuki was promoted to the position of Chairman of the company.
- Kazuo Kumabe: Vice-President of Toyota
Born in 1897, Kumabe studied mechanics at Tokyo Imperial University, and conducted a great deal of research in thermal conduction and internal combustion engines. He wrote a book on the latter which became the standard source of reference in Japan. After the war, he was appointed MD of Toyota, but left in the early 1950s to form Kumabe Research. He died in 1974.
- Junya Toyokawa: Founder of Hakuyosha/Otomo
Born in 1886, Toyokawa entered the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1907 but soon left, displeased with the style of education. He traveled to the US in 1913, and upon returning to Japan in 1915, began researching and building internal combustion engines. He built two prototype vehicles in 1921, providing the foundation for the Otomo car of 1922. Although the Otomo was Japan's first exported car, the marque disappeared after around 300 machines were built, as it was unable to compete with locally-built Ford and GM products.
- Masujiro Hashimoto: Founder of Kaishinsha/DAT
Born in 1874, Hashimoto went to the States after graduating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and worked at a steam locomotive factory. However, whilst in the US he met Henry Leland. Inspired by Leland's work, Hashimoto established the Kaishinsha Automobile Factory, which duly provided the building block for the Datsun
Datsun
Datsun was an automobile marque. The name was created in 1931 by the DAT Motorcar Co. for a new car model, spelling it as "Datson" to indicate its smaller size when compared to the existing, larger DAT car. Later, in 1933 after Nissan Motor Co., Ltd...
brand. Hashimoto died in 1944.
- Kunimitsu TakahashiKunimitsu Takahashiis a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and racing driver from Japan who is also considered as the "father of drifting". He was the chairman of the GT-Association, the organizers of the Super GT series, from 1993 to 2007.-Motorcycle racing:...
: Racing driver and motorcyclist
Born in 1940, Takahashi started his racing career on two wheels, becoming a works rider with the Honda team. After a bad crash in the 1962 Isle of Man TT race, he turned to four wheels, racing for Nissan and Honda with a great deal of success, competing at the top level until 1999. He is still heavily involved in motorsport promotion.
2003
- Tsuneji Matsuda: President of MazdaMazdais a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
Born in Osaka in 1895, Matsuda joined Toyo Kogyo (forerunner of Mazda) in 1927, and became a director in 1938. Matsuda ultimately became Mazda's President in 1951, with the company thriving under his vision and leadership. He also brought the rotary engine to Mazda, giving his engineers to freedom to make it work while 100 or so firms failed to do so. The RE-powered Cosmo Sport 110S was launched in 1967 as a result. Sadly, Matsuda fell ill and died in 1970.
- Shotaro Kamiya: Sales network specialist
Kamiya was born in 1898. After working abroad with trading companies, he took up a sales position at GM (Japan) in 1928, and duly moved to Toyota seven years later, where he was given the title of Sales Director. In 1950, Kamiya was made the first President of Toyota Motor Sales Ltd, setting up the sales channel system and driving schools, and establishing a new level of customer service. He died in 1980.
- Genshichi Asahara: Car technology specialist
Born in 1891, Asahara was interested in chemistry first and foremost. He joined Yoshisuke Ayukawa's Tobato Casting firm, and moved across to Nissan in 1933. He became the latter's President in 1942, but resigned in wartime when production turned to military needs. He became an important figure within the GHQ advisory panel, and was the first Chairman of the Japan Motor Technology Association. After becoming President of Nissan again in 1951, he also headed the Japan Motor Industry Federation (JMIF) for a while. He died in August 1970.
- Masaichi Kondo: R & D pioneer
Born in 1908, after studying aeronautics, Kondo applied his knowledge to improve car and motorcycle stability in the post-war years. In 1968, he was named an Honorary Professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and also the Tokyo Agricultural Industry University. He died in February 1999.
- Michihiro Nishida: Safety campaigner
Nishida was born in 1923, and joined Honda in 1950. He duly became Honda's MD in 1970, and headed the 'Safety Driving' campaign, which in turn led to the foundation of the International Transport Safety Society, bringing in ideas from all over the world to further improve conditions in Japan.
- Yusuke Kaji: Advertising specialist
Born in 1931, Kaji was one of the co-founders of Nippon Design Center. For 40 years, Kaji handled Toyota's advertising campaigns, with his work becoming very influential in promotional circles.
2004
- Carlos GhosnCarlos GhosnCarlos Ghosn, KBE , born 9 March 1954, is a Brazilian-Lebanese-French businessman who is currently the Chairman and CEO of Yokohama, Japan-based Nissan and holds the same positions at Paris-based Renault, which together produce more than one in 10 cars worldwide...
: President of Nissan
Born in March 1954, Ghosn made his name with Michelin, allowing him to take up the position of VP at Renault in 1996. In June that year, he was announced COO of Nissan, and became President of the latter in 2000. His 'Nissan Revival Plan' helped turn the finances at Nissan around.
- Tadashi Kume: President of HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
Born in 1932, Kume joined Honda after completing his studies in mechanical engineering. He became a Director at Honda's Technical Centre in 1969, and was appointed President of the latter in 1977. By 1983, he was President of Honda. He retired in 2002 with a glowing career, a Medal of Honor and several respected books behind him.
- Shozo Maeda: Car museum founder
Maeda made his name in bricks, but founded the Japan Motor Museum in November 1978, now hosting around 200,000 visitors a year.
- Tatsuo HasegawaTatsuo HasegawaTatsuo Hasegawa was a Japanese automotive engineer, and known as the development chief of the first Toyota Corolla...
: Toyota development engineer
Born in 1916, Hasegawa joined the Tachikawa aircraft concern after graduating from the Tokyo Imperial University. He moved to Toyota in 1946, and gained a good reputation in the field of aerodynamics. He was also involved in the development of the first Crown, and was appointed Chief Engineer on the first generation Corolla and first generation Celica/Carina projects. He was appointed Toyota's MD in 1978, retiring from the company in 1988.
- Mineo Yamamoto: Scholar/Doctor of Engineering
Born in 1903, Yamamoto studied aeronautics at Tokyo Imperial University. After the war, he used his extensive knowledge of aero-engines for motor vehicle applications, and also worked in the field of car body design, becoming a leading light in measuring body stress. He was a top Professor, and receiving a medal for his work a few years before his death in 1979.
- Shinroku Momose: SubaruSubaru; is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries .Subaru is internationally known for their use of the boxer engine layout popularized in cars by the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911, in most of their vehicles above 1500 cc as well as...
development engineer
Born in 1919, Momose joined the Nakajima Aircraft Co. in 1942 after graduating from Tokyo Imperial University. He was quickly assigned to the Navy to further jet engine and gas turbine development, but returned to Nakajima after the war. He developed the Rabbit scooter, and was involved in all of the early Subaru road car projects - the most famous being the 360 minicar of 1958. Momose was made Executive Chief Engineer in 1968, and he remained close to the industry long after his retirement. He died in 1997.
2005
- Yasusada Nobumoto: Auto parts specialist
Born in 1920, after a spell in the army, Nobumoto eventually joined the Akebono Brake concern in 1950. He was given an executive position there within a year, and became President in 1964. He moved into the Chairman's office in 1990, and was also Chairman of the Japan Parts Association for many years. He died in 2003.
- Yoshio Nakamura: HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
development engineer
Born in 1918, Nakamura graduated from Tokyo Imperial University after studying aeronautical engineering. With the closure of the Nakajima Aircraft Co., he moved across to Fuji Sangyo, working on automotive engine design. He joined Honda in 1958, making his name in the R & D department and as a leading light in Honda's first venture into the world of F1. He retired in 1977, and died in December 1994.
- Shinichiro SakuraiShinichiro Sakuraiwas a Japanese engineer inducted into the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame who originally worked for Prince Motor Company then later moved to Nissan. After graduating from Yokohama National University, Sakurai joined Prince as a chassis engineer in 1952, and was heavily involved in the development of...
: Nissan development engineer
After graduating from Yokohama University, Sakurai joined Prince as a chassis engineer in 1952, and was heavily involved in the development of the first generation Skyline. He continued to head the Skyline project long after the Nissan takeover, and was appointed President of Autech (a Nissan subsidiary) in 1986. He continues to work in the automotive field to this day.
- Kiyoshi Tomizuka: Two-stroke engine specialist
Born in 1893, Tomizuka studied mechanical engineering at Tokyo Imperial University. After a period of aeronautical research he went to Europe, and on his return to Japan in 1923, became a leading figure in two-stroke technology. He continued to lecture at various universities until 1966. He died at the age of 94.
- Heitatsu Igarashi: Motoring historian
Born in 1924, Igarashi joined Isuzu after studying mechanical engineering. After the war, he moved to the Ohta coachbuilding concern, but established his own design consultancy business in 1950, becoming a freelance writer and photographer at roughly the same time. The editor of Motor Review and a respected motoring historian, he died in December 2000.
2006
- Nobuhiko KawamotoNobuhiko Kawamotowas the CEO of Honda Motor from 1990 to 1998.-Biography:After graduating from Tohoku University in 1963, he joined the Honda F1 team as a design engineer. After Honda pulled out of F1 after the 1968 season to focus on production vehicles, he returned to Japan and rose through the company's ranks...
: President of HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
Born in 1936, Kawamoto studied precision engineering
Precision engineering
Precision engineering is a subdiscipline of electrical engineering, electronics engineering, mechanical engineering, and optical engineering concerned with designing machines, fixtures, and other structures that have exceptionally low tolerances, are repeatable, and are stable over time...
and joined Honda in 1963. He became heavily involved in automotive engine design and development and was an important member of the team that created the legendary CVCC unit. After several executive positions, he was named Honda's President in 1990, and continues to act as a consultant in his retirement years. He was awarded a KBE from Britain in 1999.
- Hirosuke Furusho: Safety specialist
Born in Kobe in 1932, Furusho joined Daihatsu in 1955. He was renowned for his work on driving stability, and moved up through the ranks at Daihatsu, becoming VP in 1996. He is an honorary member of the Motor Technology Federation.
- Toshiro Seki: Diesel engine specialist
Born in 1908, Seki became involved in automobiles when the steel foundry he was working for established a car-building business. He became a Professor at Waseda University, and was well respected for his work on diesel engines. He died in 1979 in an air accident over the South Pole.
- Atsushi Watari: NVH specialist
Born in 1917, Watari graduated from Tokyo Imperial University in 1941, majoring in aeronautics. After a spell with the Nakajima Aircraft Co., he became a Doctor of Engineering, and then a Professor at Tokyo University. Best known for his work on automotive springs and NVH control, he was heavily involved with JARI and FISITA
FISITA
The Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Ingénieurs des Techniques de l'Automobile is the world body linking together the national automotive engineering societies in 38 countries....
before his retirement in 1978. He died in 1983, aged 66.
- Yasusaburo Kobori: Airbag pioneer
Born in 1899, Kobori was largely self-taught. After a spell with the Osaka Electric Railway Co., he formed his own machinery business in 1937, which was duly incorporated into the Ishikawajima Heavy Industries business. In 1962, he moved to Tokyo and started work on an airbag system. He died in 1975, sadly too soon to see his invention gain worldwide acceptance.
2007
- Taiichi OhnoTaiichi Ohnowas a prominent Japanese businessman. He is considered to be the father of the Toyota Production System, which became Lean Manufacturing in the U.S. He devised the seven wastes as part of this system. He wrote several books about the system, including Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale...
: Manufacturing specialist
Ohno was born in February 1912, and after graduating from Nagoya Kogyo University, joining the Toyoda Spinning and Weaving company. He was transferred to that concern's Toyota car project, and established a wide range of manufacturing techniques, including the 'Just In Time' method that is still a widely-used system in the motor industry to this day. He also improved machinery and brought about a number of quality control practices that gave Toyota an unrivaled reputation in the field. He ultimately became Toyota's VP in 1978, but died in 1990.
- Kenichi YamamotoKenichi Yamamotowas a Japanese cross country skier who competed in the 1950s. He finished 22nd in the 18 km event at the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo.-References:...
: President of MazdaMazdais a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
Born in 1922, Yamamoto studied mechanical engineering at Tokyo Imperial University. He joined Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) just after the war and became heavily involved in automotive engine design. In April 1963, he headed the RE development team, dedicated to making the Wankel engine suitable for production, and eventually perfected this beautiful power-unit. He was named President of Mazda in 1984, and then Chairman in 1987. He retired in 1992.
- Takeshi Nakatsuka: R & D pioneer
Born in 1926, Nakatsuka joined Isuzu after graduating from university. He worked on powerplant and body engineering, and was duly appointed head of R & D in 1965. He became President of Shatai Kogyo Ltd in 1988, and was named Chairman of Isuzu R & D in 1992.
- Hachiro Ogihara: Tooling specialist
Born in 1906, Ogihara joined the Nakajima Aircraft Co. in 1921 and rose to the position of factory manager. However, when Japan's industry was reorganized following the war, he joined Fuji Sangyo (Subaru) for a short time before establishing the Ogihara Iron Works to create press dies. An early order from Subaru's bus department started things rolling, before Honda invested in the company. Ogihara died in 1983, but his company now supplies precision dies to car manufacturers all over the world.
- Fujio Uruno: Safety specialist
Born in 1917, Uruno became attached to the scientific department of the police force to study safety issues. A Professor at Nihon University from 1969, he continued to work in the safety arena until his death in 1997.
- Kenshichiro Suzuki: Car test magazine pioneer
Born in 1903, Suzuki joined the staff of Motor Fan magazine pre-war, and became its publisher in a post-war revival of the title. The road test format was devised to give readers the ultimate level of information. Suzuki duly formed Sanai Shobo in 1952, giving birth to more motoring magazines. He died in 1963 but his legacy lives on.
2008
- Yutaka KatayamaYutaka KatayamaYutaka Katayama , also known as Mr K, is a former Japanese automotive executive who was employed by Nissan and served as the first president of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A...
: Influential President of DatsunDatsunDatsun was an automobile marque. The name was created in 1931 by the DAT Motorcar Co. for a new car model, spelling it as "Datson" to indicate its smaller size when compared to the existing, larger DAT car. Later, in 1933 after Nissan Motor Co., Ltd...
in America
Born in 1909, Katayama graduated from Keio University and joined Nissan in 1935. He was responsible for the first Tokyo Show in 1954, and founded Nissan’s operations in America. His management style allowed the Datsun brand to flourish in the States until his return to Japan in 1977. He was inducted into the AHF in 1998.
- Jiro Tanaka: Respected Prince engineer
Tanaka was born in Tokyo in 1917. He graduated from Tokyo Kogyo University in 1939 and joined the Tachikawa Aircraft Co. soon after. Following the war, after the reorganization of various firms, he became a valued employee at Prince, moving up through the ranks to executive level. He became VP of Nissan Diesel in 1983, retiring six years later.
- Seiichi Inagawa: The man behind the first SuzukiSuzukiis a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
Kei-car
Born in 1925, Inagawa joined Suzuki after the war, rising to an executive of the company in 1973. He has received numerous awards, including a medal from the Emperor in 1997.
- Katsumi Kageyama: Respected Professor of engineering
Kageyama was born in Kyushu in 1920, and graduated from Nippon University in 1943. He became a naval engineer, working on aero-engines, and then taught the subject at his old university, eventually becoming a Professor in 1965. He wrote numerous books, and received an Emperor’s medal. He died in 2008, a few months before receiving this latest award.
- Michiko Miyasu: Safety specialist
Born in 1929, Miyasu joined the Marubeni trading company in 1946, before established her own shop five years later. In 1967, she set up a business that brought computer technology into the automotive world to enhance safety, and has since received many awards for her work.
Other entries
In addition to the induction of men and women who have made outstanding contributions in the automotive field, JAHFA introduced annual awards for the best domestic car, import car, design, technology, and historic car. To date, the following vehicles and designs have been singled out for recognition:2001
- Best domestic car: Honda FitHonda FitThe Honda Jazz is a five-door hatchback subcompact manufactured by the Honda Motor Company of Japan, first introduced in June 2001 and is now in its second generation. The Jazz shares Honda's Global Small Car Platform with the City/Fit Aria, Airwave/Partner, Mobilio, Mobilio Spike, Freed and Freed...
; Toyota Estima Hybrid - Best domestic design Toyota CamryToyota CamryThe Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world...
; Nissan PrimeraNissan PrimeraThe Nissan Primera is a medium sized family car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan for the Japanese domestic and European markets.-Nissan Primera P10 :...
2002
- Best domestic car: Mazda AtenzaMazda AtenzaThe Mazda6 or Mazda 6 is a mid-size car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Mazda since 2002...
; Honda AccordHonda AccordThe Honda Accord is a series of compact, mid-size and full-size automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, and sold in a majority of automotive markets throughout the world.... - Best domestic design: Toyota IstToyota istThe Toyota ist is a subcompact car made in Japan by Toyota.It is exported to the United States as the Scion xA and Scion xD and to Europe as the Urban Cruiser.-First generation:...
; Nissan CubeNissan CubeThe Nissan Cube is a Mini MPV produced by Nissan for the Japanese market since 1998, and now sold in export markets such as North America and Europe.-First generation:...
2003
- Best domestic car: Mazda RX-8Mazda RX-8The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation. It first appeared in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the successor to the RX-7 and, like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a Wankel engine. The RX-8 began North American sales in the...
- Best domestic design: Toyota PriusToyota PriusThe Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation...
- Best technology: HondaHondais a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
V6 engineV6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft... - Best import car: Volkswagen TouaregVolkswagen TouaregThe Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by German automaker Volkswagen since 2002. The vehicle was named after the Tuareg people, a Berber-speaking group in North Africa...
- Best import design: Porsche CayennePorsche CayenneThe Porsche Cayenne is a five seat mid-size luxury crossover manufactured by the German manufacturer Porsche since 2002, with North American sales beginning in 2003. Its platform was developed by Porsche and is shared with the Volkswagen Touareg and the Audi Q7. It is the first V8-engined vehicle...
- Historic car of Japan: Mazda CosmoMazda CosmoThere have been four generations of Mazda automobiles which went by the name of Cosmo, although they are not all particularly related. All were Grand tourers, with the first proving a successful launch for the Mazda Wankel engine and acting as a "halo" vehicle for the new Mazda brand...
110S
2004
- Best domestic car: Toyota CrownToyota CrownThe Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, originally designed to serve as a taxi...
/Majesta - Best domestic design: Toyota PorteToyota PorteThe Toyota Porte is a mini MPV produced by Japanese automaker Toyota. It is sold only in Japan which means only RHD and was introduced in July 2004. It is either a four or five-seater based on the Toyota Vitz subcompact car...
- Best domestic technology: Honda LegendHonda LegendThe Honda Legend is a mid-size luxury car made by the Japanese automaker Honda. It was the result of Project XX, a joint agreement started in November 1981 with the Austin Rover Group of Great Britain and was mechanically related to the Rover 800 series....
- Best import car: Maserati QuattroporteMaserati QuattroporteThe Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury four-door saloon made by Maserati in Italy. The name translated from Italian literally means "four doors". There have been five generations of the car, each separated by a period of roughly five years....
- Best import design: Audi A6Audi A6The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
- Best import technology: Volkswagen GolfVolkswagen GolfThe Volkswagen Golf is a small family car manufactured by Volkswagen since 1974 and marketed worldwide across six generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico .The...
- Historic car of Japan: Subaru 360Subaru 360The Subaru 360 was the first automobile mass-produced by Fuji Heavy Industries' Subaru division. A number of innovative features were used to design a very small and inexpensive car to address government plans to produce a small "people's car" with an engine no larger than 360 cc when most in...
2005
- Best domestic car: Honda CivicHonda CivicThe Honda Civic is a line of subcompact and subsequently compact cars made and manufactured by Honda. The Civic, along with the Accord and Prelude, comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded...
- Best import car: Peugeot 407Peugeot 407The Peugeot 407 was a large family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 2004 to 2010. It is available in saloon, coupé and estate variants, with both Diesel and petrol engines...
- Best design: BMW 3-series
- Best technology: Lexus GS430
- Historic car of Japan: Honda CivicHonda CivicThe Honda Civic is a line of subcompact and subsequently compact cars made and manufactured by Honda. The Civic, along with the Accord and Prelude, comprised Honda's vehicles sold in North America until the 1990s, when the model lineup was expanded...
2006
- Best domestic car: Lexus LS460
- Best import car: Alfa Romeo BreraAlfa Romeo BreraThe Alfa Romeo Brera is a sports car produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo between 2005 and 2010. The Spider roadster was produced between 2006 to 2010. Both cars were manufactured by Pininfarina. Only 12,488 units of Spider and 21,786 units of Brera were built. Production of both models...
- Best design: Mitsubishi iMitsubishi iThe is a kei car from Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors, first released in January 2006, twenty eight months after its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show...
- Best technology: Audi TTAudi TTThe Audi TT is a two-door sports car manufactured by the German automaker and Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi since 1998.The Audi TT has been produced in two generations. Both generations have been available in two car body styles; as a 2+2 Coupé, or two-seater Roadster...
Coupe - Historic car of Japan: Toyota CrownToyota CrownThe Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, originally designed to serve as a taxi...
2007
- Best domestic car: Honda FitHonda FitThe Honda Jazz is a five-door hatchback subcompact manufactured by the Honda Motor Company of Japan, first introduced in June 2001 and is now in its second generation. The Jazz shares Honda's Global Small Car Platform with the City/Fit Aria, Airwave/Partner, Mobilio, Mobilio Spike, Freed and Freed...
- Best import car: Volkswagen GolfVolkswagen GolfThe Volkswagen Golf is a small family car manufactured by Volkswagen since 1974 and marketed worldwide across six generations, in various body configurations and under various nameplates – as the Volkswagen Rabbit in the United States and Canada , and as the Volkswagen Caribe in Mexico .The...
Variant - Best design: Mazda DemioMazda DemioThe Mazda Demio is a subcompact car manufactured by Mazda introduced in 1996, now in its third generation, marketed globally also as the Mazda2 — and previously marketed under nameplates including Mazda 121, Mazda Metro and Ford Festiva Mini Wagon.The third generation Demio earned the 2008...
- Best technology: Nissan SkylineNissan SkylineThe first Skyline was introduced in April 1957, by the Prince Motor Company, and was marketed as a luxury car. It featured a 1.5 L GA-30 engine producing 44 kW @ 4400 rpm. It used a de Dion tube rear suspension and was capable of 140 km/h . The car weighed around 1300 kg...
- Historic car of Japan: Daihatsu MidgetDaihatsu MidgetThe Daihatsu Midget is a single-seat mini-truck made by Japanese automaker Daihatsu. Several distinct vehicles have borne the Midget name over the years, but all have had in common a single-seat utilitarian design, with an enclosed or semi-enclosed cab....
2008
- Best domestic car: Toyota iQToyota iQThe Toyota iQ is a city car introduced at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, with Japanese sales having begun in October 2008 and European sales in January 2009. The production iQ followed a concept vehicle presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. A North American version of the iQ, branded as the Scion...
- Best import car: Audi A4Audi A4The first generation Audi A4 debuted in 1994, with production starting November 1994. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat . It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive...
- Best design: Toyota iQToyota iQThe Toyota iQ is a city car introduced at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, with Japanese sales having begun in October 2008 and European sales in January 2009. The production iQ followed a concept vehicle presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. A North American version of the iQ, branded as the Scion...
- Best technology: Nissan X-TrailNissan X-TrailThe Nissan X-Trail is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 2001. It was one of Nissan's first crossover SUVs and was released about the same time as several other companies competing car-based compact SUVs including the Ford Escape and its Mazda Tribute sibling,...
20GT - Historic car of Japan: SuzukiSuzukiis a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
Suzulight
2009
- Best domestic car: Honda InsightHonda InsightThe Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first-generation Insight was produced from 1999 to 2006 as a three-door hatchback...
- Best import car: VW Golf
- Best design: Toyota PriusToyota PriusThe Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric mid-size hatchback, formerly a compact sedan developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation...
- Best technology: Mitsubishi i-MiEV
2010
- Best domestic car: Honda Fit Hybrid
- Best import car: VW Polo
- Best design: Honda CR-ZHonda CR-ZThe Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid electric automobile manufactured by Honda and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports car elements...
- Best technology: Subaru LegacySubaru LegacyThe Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by the Japanese company Fuji Heavy Industries, and manufactured by its division Subaru since 1989, and is available as a sedan or wagon. Part of the original design goals for the Legacy model was to provide Subaru a vehicle in which they could compete in...
(EyeSight ver.2)
External links
The information contained in this article is an English translation of the JAHFA yearbooks, printed in Japanese.