What do people really mean when they say they’re into “JDM” ?

"MegaSuper" (megasuper) 05/19/2015 at 16:42 • Filed to: None

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I’ve always understood it that JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, meaning cars that are sold IN JAPAN.

However, does this mean cars that are ONLY sold in Japan? For example, someone who owns a Nissan Be-1 and an Autozam AZ-1 can obviously say this. But if someone who lives in, say, the UK, a country where Nissan officially sells a UK-market GTR, imports an R35 GTR from Japan anyways just for the hell of it, is that still “JDM” ?

Lastly, I see this one mostly in the US/Canada where I understand import laws are rather strict: People take Japanese cars, lower them, mod them generally give the Fast and Furious treatment. Is this really “JDM” ? I’m guessing no because...er...the steering wheels are still on the left. So there’s no way their cars are really Japan domestic-market. They’d just be Japanese USDM/CDM cars.

So is JDM just a “look” or “scene”, or is it the proper term to refer to cars like the Mitsuoka Orochi, which have never been officially sold by the manufacturer outside of Japan?

jkm7680 > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:44

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It means that they have no idea what they’re talking about and put lots of Hellaflush and JDM YO stickers on their Mom’s old ‘98 Civic sedan.

Alfalfa Romeo > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:46

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I’ve often thought this odd myself. About 95% of cars I see owned by JDM fans are US spec. And then they replace a bunch of stuff installed in Japan with aftermarket parts from the US, China, and who knows where else. So then they’re even less Japanese than they were when purchased.

Rico > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:47

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I thought JDM was Japanese Dance Music like EDM but without the E.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:47

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There are little differences between US and Japanese market cars (headlights, badging, trim, etc. etc.), and as consequence there is, yes, a scene obsessed with making their cars as close to a Japanese version as possible. Not necessarily Japanese stock, but with Japanese market original *and* go-faster parts, modified as it would be modified in Japan (ostensibly) , and so on. Like any scene, it has expanded beyond relatively simple bounds and now includes modifications and wackinesses rarely even considered in Japan as well.

Leon711 > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:48

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it’s purely a scene.

unless you literally are describing a car or engine or trim level that was japan only.

In the UK NA MX-5s are commonly imported (known as Eunos Roadsters in Japan) and they differ slightly from the UKDM version because it has a different licence plate recess and they typically came with more extras like AC as standard.

Twism > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:49

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CDM, yo:

(although this one is in Germany, but shush.)







Seriously though: JDM now encompasses every trend that started in Japan, IMO (rocket bunny, Bozo, #stancenation,...

SaveTheIntegras > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:55

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JDM is a look...at least among people my age in my area (20’s, NJ). It’s also a way for companies to charge out rageous prices for items that really have no outstanding value.

RallyWrench > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 16:57

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In California, it means terrible fiberglass replicas of Japan domestic market parts (put on the car without the necessary lights fitted), and multicolored primer AE86s and S13s with lots of zip ties and sleepy eyes. And one of those brown nom-nom monster guys hanging from the rear bumper. This is for them:

angrytetsuo > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 17:00

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I really enjoy the “I’m so JDM” thing, like saying. I’m so JDM, I make my girlfriend shift with her left hand. or I’m so JDM, Tein makes my bed springs... its just fun to make up dumb stuff

SaveTheIntegras > jkm7680 05/19/2015 at 17:00

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also $300 rota wheels

SaveTheIntegras > angrytetsuo 05/19/2015 at 17:03

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Frank Grimes > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 17:03

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i just assume they are huge anime nerds who worship everything japanese and got into cars cuz of that. what is funny is japan is way into usdm right now.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > RallyWrench 05/19/2015 at 17:03

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Domo Kun deserves a better fate than hanging from a bumper.

Justin Hughes > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 17:23

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I knew a guy with a Saturn race car, and his secret weapon was a genuine Saturn JDM brake fluid reservoir cap.

LongbowMkII > Leon711 05/19/2015 at 17:32

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I could not see a need for a/c in a miata in england.

Leon711 > LongbowMkII 05/19/2015 at 17:37

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I’ve required it a couple of times. warm, humid days when stuck in traffic.

Ferrero1911 > MegaSuper 05/19/2015 at 17:39

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Did you know that the Japanese are also into USDM stuff? And stuff is lost in translation along the way just like it is with JDM here sometimes.

USDM Jam is one of the big shows in Japan that is dedicated to USDM cars: http://stickydiljoe.com/2013/05/14/usd…

I think the way car culture moves and the way countries influence each other is really interesting.

SaveTheIntegras > Justin Hughes 05/19/2015 at 18:53

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extra 20 hp bro

MegaSuper > Rico 05/19/2015 at 22:33

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One of the best replies I’ve ever received. Thank you.

If there were in fact such a JDM, I’d be extremely interested to hear what it sounds like haha