The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) is often synonymous with high-performance cars, sleek designs, and a unique car culture that has captivated enthusiasts worldwide. However, there’s a lesser-known chapter in the JDM scene that shook the community — the illegal import scandal. This controversy brought attention to the murky side of JDM imports and left a lasting impact on car lovers and the industry. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this scandal and how it affected the JDM car culture globally.
The Rise of JDM Imports in the U.S.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the U.S. saw a huge surge in demand for JDM cars. Vehicles like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 became highly sought after for their performance, style, and rarity. However, many of these cars were never officially sold in the U.S. market, leading enthusiasts to seek alternative ways to get their hands on these prized vehicles.