Japanese culture's influence on the automotive industry is huge. Not many younger folks are driving around muscle cars in the US, they're rolling in JDM-inspired tuner cars. Aside from the obvious JDM parts, they're even sporting front license plate brackets that fold down, "New Driver" and "Elderly Driver" stickers, the Engrish drift team names, and even learning the Nihongo lingo.

I'm sure there's some people on this board that have lived in Japan for a while. I know some of the OG members of VRT has. I've only written one 8-page report on the whole car tuning culture back when I was in high school (over 9 years ago LOL, God I'm old). So if you want any input, feel free to shoot me a PM.

Here's some JDM articles I found online this morning which could really help you cite some references and sources.

http://www.therealjdm.com/

There's an article on that site titled "JDM Goes Hollywood" that is very relevant to your paper.

 

yeah, okay... so i can read for sht! Just saw "drifting" "pre-TFATF-TD"... sorry kev...

 

I've lived in Japan and several things I'd like to add:
1) What you see in the movies isn't what happens in real life.
2) Japanese are asian but they do not typify what ALL asian cultures are like.
3) Corruption/organized crime/mafia/triad/yakuza is a norm in all asian societies. Don't mess with them and they won't mess with you.
4) It's unlikely that a broke foreign kid will get to meet/befriend some rich Japanese kids.
5) Lastly, although it may not look like it, most of Japan is middle class and live a very modest lifestyle. What they can save, they spend on something they really enjoy. Whether that is travelling, drinking, cars, or fashion, that is their only release in life.

 

xqwizit makes a good point. Especially with 1. The term is orientalism. In a few short sentences, orientalism is how the west perceives the east whether it be accurate or not. Another point I can put into my paper. I guess I can question whether the portrayal of Japan is accurate or not and/or if the way American views Japan are accurate or are made up.

 

wait...so Russians arent Asian? Dammit!

 

bump