Japan domestic market
Encyclopedia
The term Japanese domestic market (JDM) refers to the local market in Japan for Japanese-made motor vehicles and components. Within the car and motorcycle hobbyist import scene
, this term, and the related term Japanese domestic model, most commonly refer to Japanese-brand automobiles and parts designed and constructed to conform to Japanese vehicle and equipment regulations and to suit Japanese market preferences.
JDM vehicles migrate to other markets through ordinary commerce
and the grey market
.
JDM cars were limited by a jishu-kisei (gentlemen's agreement
) among manufacturers to 280 horsepower (PS) (276 hp) in 1988 and a top speed of 180 or 190 km/h since the late 1970s, both imposed by JAMA
, mostly due to safety concerns and the latter due to concerns regarding bōsōzoku
gangs. The horsepower limit was lifted in 2004. However, the speed limit of 180 or 190 km/h remains in effect, depending on the make and model of vehicle. Many JDM sports cars have speedometers that only go up to 180 km/h, even though the car would be capable of much higher speeds if not for the built-in limiter.
JDM vehicles often differ in features and equipment from vehicles sold elsewhere. For example, Honda
has produced many different versions of the B18C 1, B16A and K20A engines for various markets worldwide. This is done due to varying emission regulations in different countries.
Vehicles built to JDM specifications may have stiffer suspensions and improved throttle response over vehicles built for different markets, due to differing driving styles and different road types. For example, the USA features long highways where a smoother ride would be preferable, while Japan's roads are short and twisty, where a stiffer suspension is desired for improved handling capability. For the US and European market versions, some features may be removed in order to stay below a certain pricing goal for the car, such as using a conventional rear suspension instead of a double wishbone suspension
and lack of electronic devices like Active Yaw Control
. Furthermore, engine power of JDM sports cars is sometimes reduced because of stricter emission standards in other countries.
systems; instead, Japan uses a Frame Number, which is a string of 9 to 12 alphanumeric characters often identifying a particular make and model, and a serial number of the vehicle. For example, Frame Number SV30-0169266 breaks down as "V30" identifying the model as Toyota Camry/Vista x30; "S" identifying the engine (4S-FE), and 0169266 being the serial number of the vehicle. Vehicle make is not identified at all, though different manufacturers use slightly different frame number structures and it is usually easy to determine make from the frame number. Toyota usually uses 7 digits for serial number while Nissan uses 6, for example.
Because a frame number contains far less information than a VIN, JDM vehicles also use a Model Code as a supplement. SV30-BTPNK, for example, wherein "SV30" would have the same meaning as above, and BTPNK would designate a set of features incorporated in the vehicle.
is a substantial industry; stringent roadworthiness inspections
make it costly and difficult to keep a car beyond a certain age in Japan, and so used Japanese vehicles are exported, primarily to other markets with left-hand traffic, though Japanese imports are also popular in Russia
. A relatively small number are exported to Canada
, where a vehicle over 15 years old need not be certified as conforming to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, and to the United States, where a vehicle more than 25 years old is admissible.
in markets outside Japan often import JDM components for installation on non-JDM vehicles, to attain specific appearance and/or performance characteristics. JDM vehicle body parts, lights, mirrors, wheels, and emblems are among the popular exports for conversion of non-JDM vehicles. In most cases, no significant traffic-compatibility issue arises from the installation of JDM components outside of Japan, but there are safety hazards associated with using JDM headlamps in countries where traffic flows along the right side of the road
. This is because all JDM headlamps are engineered for use on the left side of the road; a left-traffic low beam in right-hand traffic blinds oncoming motorists and fails to light the right-side driver's way safely ahead.
Import scene
The Import Scene or Import Racing Scene or Tuner Scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars , especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing.-History:...
, this term, and the related term Japanese domestic model, most commonly refer to Japanese-brand automobiles and parts designed and constructed to conform to Japanese vehicle and equipment regulations and to suit Japanese market preferences.
JDM vehicles migrate to other markets through ordinary commerce
Japanese used vehicle exporting
Japanese used vehicle exporting is international trade involving the export of used cars and other vehicles from Japan to other markets around the world. Despite the high cost of transport, the sale of used cars and other vehicles to other countries is still profitable due to the relatively low...
and the grey market
Grey import vehicles
Grey import vehicles are new or used motor vehicles and motorcycles legally imported from another country through channels other than the maker's official distribution system...
.
JDM cars were limited by a jishu-kisei (gentlemen's agreement
Gentlemen's agreement
A gentlemen's agreement is an informal agreement between two or more parties. It may be written, oral, or simply understood as part of an unspoken agreement by convention or through mutually beneficial etiquette. The essence of a gentlemen's agreement is that it relies upon the honor of the parties...
) among manufacturers to 280 horsepower (PS) (276 hp) in 1988 and a top speed of 180 or 190 km/h since the late 1970s, both imposed by JAMA
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, or JAMA, is a trade association with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in April 1967 and serves as a platform for the automakers of Japan to share technological developments and management practices. There are currently 14 member...
, mostly due to safety concerns and the latter due to concerns regarding bōsōzoku
Bosozoku
is a Japanese subculture associated with motorcycle clubs and gangs.-Traits and history:The word bōsōzoku is also applied to motorcycle gangs, who share an interest in modifications for motorcycles, such as removing the mufflers so that more noise is produced...
gangs. The horsepower limit was lifted in 2004. However, the speed limit of 180 or 190 km/h remains in effect, depending on the make and model of vehicle. Many JDM sports cars have speedometers that only go up to 180 km/h, even though the car would be capable of much higher speeds if not for the built-in limiter.
JDM vehicles often differ in features and equipment from vehicles sold elsewhere. For example, Honda
Honda
is 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...
has produced many different versions of the B18C 1, B16A and K20A engines for various markets worldwide. This is done due to varying emission regulations in different countries.
Vehicles built to JDM specifications may have stiffer suspensions and improved throttle response over vehicles built for different markets, due to differing driving styles and different road types. For example, the USA features long highways where a smoother ride would be preferable, while Japan's roads are short and twisty, where a stiffer suspension is desired for improved handling capability. For the US and European market versions, some features may be removed in order to stay below a certain pricing goal for the car, such as using a conventional rear suspension instead of a double wishbone suspension
Double wishbone suspension
In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. The shock absorber and coil spring mount to the wishbones to control...
and lack of electronic devices like Active Yaw Control
Active yaw control
Active Yaw Control is an automobile feature that uses an active differential to transfer torque to the wheels that have the best grip on the road. Unlike traditional mechanical limited slip differentials, an AYC is electronically controlled....
. Furthermore, engine power of JDM sports cars is sometimes reduced because of stricter emission standards in other countries.
VIN
The Japanese market does not apply any of the international VINVin
Vin may refer to:*Voltage input, an alternative form for Vin-People:*Vin Diesel*Vin Scully*Vin Suprynowicz*Vin, the name of a character from the video games Jak II and Jak 3*a diminutive of the name "Vincent"...
systems; instead, Japan uses a Frame Number, which is a string of 9 to 12 alphanumeric characters often identifying a particular make and model, and a serial number of the vehicle. For example, Frame Number SV30-0169266 breaks down as "V30" identifying the model as Toyota Camry/Vista x30; "S" identifying the engine (4S-FE), and 0169266 being the serial number of the vehicle. Vehicle make is not identified at all, though different manufacturers use slightly different frame number structures and it is usually easy to determine make from the frame number. Toyota usually uses 7 digits for serial number while Nissan uses 6, for example.
Because a frame number contains far less information than a VIN, JDM vehicles also use a Model Code as a supplement. SV30-BTPNK, for example, wherein "SV30" would have the same meaning as above, and BTPNK would designate a set of features incorporated in the vehicle.
Vehicles
The export of used vehicles from JapanJapanese used vehicle exporting
Japanese used vehicle exporting is international trade involving the export of used cars and other vehicles from Japan to other markets around the world. Despite the high cost of transport, the sale of used cars and other vehicles to other countries is still profitable due to the relatively low...
is a substantial industry; stringent roadworthiness inspections
Motor-vehicle inspection (Japan)
, a contraction of , is the name of the vehicle inspection program in Japan for motor vehicles over 250 cc in engine displacement.- Reason for existence :...
make it costly and difficult to keep a car beyond a certain age in Japan, and so used Japanese vehicles are exported, primarily to other markets with left-hand traffic, though Japanese imports are also popular in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
. A relatively small number are exported to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, where a vehicle over 15 years old need not be certified as conforming to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, and to the United States, where a vehicle more than 25 years old is admissible.
Auto parts
Vehicle tunersCar tuning
Car tuning is both an industry and a hobby, in which an automobile is modified in order to improve its performance, handling and appearance. As most vehicles leave the factory set up for average driver expectations and average conditions, tuning has become a way to personalize the characteristics...
in markets outside Japan often import JDM components for installation on non-JDM vehicles, to attain specific appearance and/or performance characteristics. JDM vehicle body parts, lights, mirrors, wheels, and emblems are among the popular exports for conversion of non-JDM vehicles. In most cases, no significant traffic-compatibility issue arises from the installation of JDM components outside of Japan, but there are safety hazards associated with using JDM headlamps in countries where traffic flows along the right side of the road
Driving on the left or right
The terms right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic refer to regulations requiring all bidirectional traffic to keep either to the right or the left side of the road, respectively. This is so fundamental to traffic flow that it is sometimes referred to as the rule of the road. This basic rule eases...
. This is because all JDM headlamps are engineered for use on the left side of the road; a left-traffic low beam in right-hand traffic blinds oncoming motorists and fails to light the right-side driver's way safely ahead.
See also
- Import sceneImport sceneThe Import Scene or Import Racing Scene or Tuner Scene refers to the subculture that revolves around modifying imported brand cars , especially those of Japanese brands, for street racing.-History:...
- Economy of JapanEconomy of JapanThe economy of Japan, a free market economy, is the third largest in the world after the United States and the People's Republic of China, and ahead of Germany at 4th...