Issue #2 · April 2026
The S15 Era Begins
Published April 2, 2026
Japanese Auto News
The updated JDM-spec Fairlady Z drops this summer with sharpened aero and — crucially — a new NISMO manual transmission option. If you've been eyeing a grey-market Z import, this generation just got more interesting.
Toyota began selling American-built Tundra and Highlander models in Tokyo on April 2 under a new US-Japan tariff framework. Nationwide sales follow this summer. The reverse-import dynamic signals a thawing trade relationship — positive for US grey-market importers.
Honda's revived Prelude hybrid coupe has found an unlikely fanbase among older Japanese buyers and is selling faster than anticipated. Honda is increasing output — which means more used examples will hit the auction market in coming years.
Yen Snapshot
¥1 JPY =
$0.0063
USD · as of Apr 2, 2026
Yen continues weak at ~¥159/$1 — one of the most favorable windows for US importers in a decade. Factor in ~2–3% on wire transfer conversion.
Japan Today
— Shipping & TradeFreight Costs Rising — Budget More for Q2 Shipping
Asia-Pacific freight rates are up significantly in Q1 2026, driven by fuel surcharges and Middle East route disruptions. RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) vehicle shipping from Japan to US West Coast has seen rate pressure — if you're planning a purchase, budget an extra $300–500 above the standard $2,500 estimate and lock in a freight quote early. The yen's weakness still more than offsets the shipping increase, but it's worth planning ahead.
Featured From the Feed
1991 Toyota Supra MkIV
JZA80 · White · 99,000 km · 3.0L Twin Turbo · Grade 3.5
A 3.5-grade JZA80 with under 100k km is a unicorn at this price. The 2JZ-GTE is bulletproof and the aftermarket is infinite. White MkIVs are increasingly sought after — this one won't sit long.
Auction
¥3,170,000
USD Est.
$19,882
Landed
$28,356
1991 Honda NSX
NA1 · Blue · 119,000 km · 3.0L V6 VTEC
Blue NA1 NSXs are rare — most came in red or silver. 119k km is reasonable for a 35-year-old supercar. NSX values have been climbing steadily; this is still buying territory before the next step up.
Auction
¥7,250,000
USD Est.
$45,475
Landed
$56,100
2001 Toyota Chaser Tourer V
JZX100 · White · 146,000 km · 2.5L Turbo · Grade 3.5
2001 manufacture date means this Chaser just crossed the 25-year threshold. The JZX100 Tourer V — 1JZ-GTE, rear-wheel drive, luxury interior — is one of the best value plays in the current JDM market. Get in now.
Auction
¥2,980,000
USD Est.
$18,694
Landed
$27,064
Landed cost estimates include shipping (~$2,800 Q2 2026), US customs duty (27.5%), and EPA/DOT compliance. Actual costs vary. Use the calculator for your exact numbers →
25-Year Spotlight: Class of 2001
More 2001-build vehicles are clearing the 25-year threshold this month. Here's what's newly on the table.
Nissan Silvia S15 (S15)
The S15 is the one everyone's been waiting for. SR20DET, aggressive styling, available as Spec-R with 6-speed. 2001-build cars are now clearing the threshold month by month. Prices are already rising — don't sleep on this.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB) (GDB)
The GDB STI introduced the revised EJ207 with twin-scroll turbo and 280hp JDM rating. Symmetrical AWD, Brembo brakes, inverted struts. 2001 models are now eligible — auction supply is solid and prices still reasonable.
Honda Integra Type R (DC5) (DC5)
The DC5 is the last pure naturally-aspirated Type R Honda made. K20A, 8,000 RPM redline, close-ratio 6-speed. Lighter than the DC2 and sharper in the corners. Still undervalued relative to where it's heading.
Quick Tip: How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet
The auction sheet (査定表) is the single most important document in the JDM buying process. Here's what to focus on:
- → Grade: 1–6 scale. Grade 4+ is clean. Grade 3 has minor cosmetic issues. Grade R means repaired accident damage — avoid unless you know exactly what was fixed.
- → Diagram marks: Letters on the body diagram indicate damage type. “A” = scratch, “U” = dent, “W” = wave in panel, “X” = needs replacement. Numbers indicate severity (1–3).
- → Interior grade: Separate A–D rating. “A” is like-new. Most daily drivers are B or C.
- → Mileage: Always verify against the odometer photo. Discrepancies are a red flag.
- → Chassis stamp: Confirm the plate-stamped chassis number matches the sheet. Your agent should photo-document this.
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