Car racing and drifting are popular in Japan, and we will see why. 

 

The Popularity of Car Racing in Japan

Car racing is popular in Japan mainly due to three reasons: racing movies, anime, and Japan’s hilly roads and highways.

Let’s talk about each one of them.

 

1. Racing Movies

Japanese formula racer Kunimitsu Takahashi first created the drifting technique in the early 1970s. He won many championships, and fans were crazy for his incredible tire-smoking techniques.

Such “drifting culture” became a thing in Japan in the late 1980s when the film “Pluspy” was released. It cast Keiichi Tsuchiya (aka “Drift King”) and was produced by several popular magazines and tuning garages. The film brilliantly portrayed Tsuchiya’s extraordinary drifting skills, and the film became a big hit on the big screen.

 

2. Anime

Another reason racing became popular in Japan is anime. It is a fact that Japanese people are crazy about anime and manga. “Initial D” is one such anime that has gained popularity in Japan and worldwide. The anime comprises a storyline of a young street drift racer’s journey to fame and glory as he races on challenging, hilly, winding roads in Japan.

 

3. Japan’s Hilly Roads and Highways

Natural infrastructure, hilly roads, and mountain ranges make Japan an ideal place for racing and drifting. Japan has many mountains and narrow and winding roads along the numerous challenging highways throughout the country. This favors car racing and drifting in Japan.