While the world knows Japan for the bright lights of Shinjuku and the organized chaos of Shibuya, enthusiasts know the real Japan begins where the expressway ends. Last week, I joined the team at Drivers Lounge in Kawasaki for a deep dive into the mountain passes—or "touge"—of Hakone and Izu. Drivers Lounge's Nissan R32 Skyline GTR The Ascent: Hakone Turnpike Our journey began at the base of the Hakone Turnpike (the "MAZDA Turnpike"). Often referred to as Japan’s Nürburgri

If you want to understand the heartbeat of Japanese car culture, you have to leave the bright lights of the city and head to the fringes. Back in January, during the whirlwind of Tokyo Auto Salon week, I made the trek out to Funabashi Racecourse for Megashow . While the Auto Salon is about the polished, corporate side of the industry, Megashow is about the streets. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s unapologetically JDM. More Than Just a Meet Walking into the racecourse, I qu