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The spec for the PHEV look mouth watering. Dimensions 4,745 mm (L) 1,890 mm (W) 1,680 mm (H) 2,870 mm (WB) Engine 2.5L e-SkyActiv-G IL4 PHEV (323HP, 500Nm, 5.8 sec, 200Kmh) 3.0L e-SkyActiv-X IL6 mild hybrid 3.3L e-SkyActiv-D IL6 mild hybrid

Will be available in Japan from June 2024. Honda Freed Air Honda Freed Crosstar Quick Spec Dimensions: 4,310 mm (L) x 1,695 mm (W) x 1,755 mm (H) Wheelbase: 2,740 mm Engine: 1.5L Petrol and Hybrid (e:HEV) Transmission: CVT Drivetrain: 2WD and 4WD

Patent images from Brazil registry. The front bonnet is exceptionally and unnecessarily long. Total waste of space (and material) in my opinion since the engine option is unlikely to be anything larger than an IL4 2.0 sump which will be transversely mount as usual. These spy shots give us a glimpse of how the actual car sis going to look like.

Lai lai, let guess what will be the new name after their merger. Honsan, Nissda, HN Motors, NH Motors, etc. Japan’s Honda and Nissan to reportedly begin merger talks Nissan and Honda plan to enter into negotiations for a merger to better compete in the rapidly changing automotive industry, the Nikkei newspaper reported Tuesday. Honda and Nissan are considering operating under a holding company, and soon will sign a memorandum of understanding, according to the report. The combined Nissan-Honda-Mitsubishi enterprise would equate to more than 8 million vehicle sales annually, according to Nikkei. That would place the company among the world’s largest automakers, but still below fellow Japanese automaker Toyota Motor, at 11.2 million in 2023, as well as German automaker Volkswagen, which last year reported sales of 9.2 million vehicles.

Went to Hokkaido recently and would like to share some photos here. Famous for its flower flied and winter sports during winter, August is end of the summer season I think. Weather wise still cooling average around 22 C with morning and evening dropping to below 18C. This trip I rented a 8 seater and total distance covered is approx 1400 Km. While the speed limit for city is 50 km/hr and highway 80 km/hr, to maintain at 80 km/hr on highway is not so easy. Took Scoot from Singapore and transit at Taiwan (1 hour transit time) Good break but just enough time to get on the plane. Landed in Sapporo early morning. This is a short of their air port. nowhere near Changi T1 but there are buses you can catch to town. I booked Unizo Inn next to Sapporo Grand Hotel. Checked in and walk to collect my car which I booked with Budget car rental. It is within walking distance. Photos of a street shot in Sapporo and their underground train station (MRT). Beside flower and snow, Japan is also about food. 1st stop is their famous Furano Cheese factory. But, it is more like a cafe and their cakes.

Anyone visited there for holiday recently? Any recommended place for food and visit?

Ahh Japan. The destination that many travellers desire. The perennial trending subject on social media. Japanese cuisine, culture, quirks, technology, and everything kawaii have inspired endless posts, stories, reels, YouTube videos, and TikToks. If one didn't know better, you'd think it was the dream destination on this planet. While I love the food, the service and the shopping, the sheer number of tourists (me included) has become a turn-off. I'm not talking about those who inconvenience locals by blocking the road to take photos (that's another story) or about badly behaved tourists (also another topic for another day). Tokyo is crowded even if you avoid the obvious tourist destinations. (Image: Benjamin Wong, Unsplash) What is annoying is seeing tourists everywhere, even in previously quiet spots. It seems like there's no place in Japan that goes unvisited (an exaggeration but it feels like it nonetheless). If I seem like I'm only realising this now, it's because I only travel to Japan once a year. Where to find peace and quiet? Omotesando, located just behind Harajuku, used to be quiet, because it was away from the main road. But thanks to social media, that's no longer the case. Tourists also throng its narrow streets, filling its boutiques; jostling with them is not my idea of a holiday. I can do that anytime in Singapore. When will Meiji Shrine feel this quiet again? Perhaps when the yen appreciates and makes travel to Japan expensive. (Image: Alex Rainer, Unsplash) Meiji Shrine, which felt like it was previously only visited by locals, is now filled with tourists filming videos. The last time I visited the shrine was to enjoy the walk through the canopy of trees outside and hear the crunching of gravel underfoot. During my last trip in January this year, I still heard the gravel. But sadly, it was accompanied by the incessant chatter from groups of tourists. So, next year, I'm giving Japan a miss. There are other cities in East Asia that are just as worth a visit, and probably not as crowded, too. – Jeremy (Main image: David Edelstein, Unsplash)

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/China-s-BYD-starts-EV-sales-in-Japan-as-it-chases-Tesla?utm_campaign=GL_asia_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_source=NA_newsletter&utm_content=article_link&del_type=1&pub_date=20230131190000&seq_num=9&si=44594 China's BYD starts EV sales in Japan as it chases Tesla Elon Musk's company has global lead but affordable option has entered the race BYD, which has made a big name for itself in China, intends to catch up with Tesla in global electric vehicle sales. (Source photos courtesy of BYD and Getty Images) SAYUMI TAKE, Nikkei staff writerJanuary 31, 2023 18:15 JST YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Chinese automaker BYD began selling electric vehicles in Japan on Tuesday as it pursues its global ambitions to overtake more established nameplates. BYD's debut in the world's fourth largest auto market comes with it having secured its place as China's top EV seller and nipping at the heels of American EV giant Tesla in global EV sales. BYD also sells electric vehicles in Australia and Thailand, and has production plants in South America. "We're very excited to be bringing our cars to Japanese customers," said Atsuki Tofukuji, president of BYD Auto Japan, a marketing subsidiary. Tofukuji talked to reporters at BYD's first Japanese sales location, due to open on Thursday in Yokohama, the big port city south of Tokyo. While the Chinese automaker is gaining fame as an EV battery seller, its car sales remain largely dependent on domestic demand. This puts it considerably behind Elon Musk's top-running Tesla, which has penetrated many more global markets. BYD has been eager to close the gap and recently began exporting to India, home to a fledgling EV market, and to Thailand, where it plans its first ASEAN production hub. The Atto 3, which went on sale on Jan. 31 in Japan, has already attracted a "fair amount" of test-drive reservations from prospective buyers. (Photo by Sayumi Take) BYD is entering Japan with a key strength against Tesla, affordability, backed by its roots as a battery maker. The company's flagship Atto 3 midsize SUV, which today went on sale in Japan, goes for 4.4 million yen ($33,800), cheaper than Tesla and Nissan EVs. Government EV subsidies, if they continue, will lower the price. Deliveries are to begin around March. The Yokohama store is also "a good way to present new brands to Japanese customers" as they can actually familiarize themselves with EVs and consult professional dealers about purchases on the spot, Tofukuji said. It is the first of over 20 showrooms that BYD plans to establish across Japan this year. The company aspires to have over 100 dealerships in the country by the end of 2025. This contrasts with Tesla, which largely relies on internet sales. BYD's showroom in Yokohama only has the Atto 3 on display but later this year will exhibit two additional models. Visitors can also take the SUV out for test drives, and the store is already receiving a "fair amount" of reservations. Each BYD dealer in Japan will be equipped with 50-kilowatt quick chargers that can juice up the Atto 3 in about 60 minutes. Japan's EV market has been expanding, though notably slower than other countries. Domestic EV sales in 2022 came to about 59,000 units, a record and almost triple the previous year's total, according to industry groups. They accounted for 1.7% of Japan's passenger car market, surpassing 1% for the first time. But most of the growth is due to vehicles that fall into the kei car category. These microcars are considered to be easy to drive around crowded cities and require relatively low maintenance. And since they need little power, their makers have been able to more easily transition to electric drivetrains. The rest of the industry faces a relatively large obstacle: Many chargers in the country operate on such low power that it takes hours to sufficiently juice up a regular EV. BYD's strategy is to "introduce products that fit each country's charging environment," Tofukuji said, "unlike Tesla, which distributes chargers exclusive to its models." Despite Japan's slowly developing EV market, BYD faces a raft of competitors. Foreign luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Audi are eager to take big shares of the young market. And although Japan's storied auto industry is filled with EV laggards, those dawdlers are moving to catch up. Toyota recently named a new president and CEO, tasking the relatively young executive with adapting to today's industry trends. "The Japanese EV market overall is getting bigger, and this is a good time to be entering [the competition]," Tofukuji said. "We hope to provide a rich EV life along with the development of Japan's EV environment."

Ok, the title might be slightly misleading, but there is still a Japan-link. So, pufferfish. Specifically, a wikipedia entry called Pufferfish mating ritual. Long story short, one particular species of pufferfish make complex geometric circles in the sand to attract a mate. And this particular species is found only in Japan. It's beautiful. It's bizarre. And it's absolutely amazing. From the wikipedia entry: In a 2014 documentary by the BBC, narrator David Attenborough describes pufferfish as "dull, almost to the point of invisibility. But to compensate, he is probably nature's greatest artist." Cracks me up.

CGI

Fireflies. Not a topic I think about often, if at all, but here we are. On a recent podcast episode, I learnt that the light that fireflies emit is nearly 100% efficient. That's amazing (nature generally is). And it is precisely the study of fireflies (and their light) that has allowed the development of more efficient LED lights. On a whim, I did a bit of extra Googling, and lo and behold, Japan pops up once more, with yet another culturally-unique eccentricity. In Japan, there are parks entirely dedicated to firefly-watching. Here a quote from the Wikipedia page: "Fireflies have attracted human attention since classical antiquity; their presence has been taken to signify a wide variety of conditions in different cultures and is especially appreciated aesthetically in Japan, where parks are set aside for this specific purpose." Hotaru Matsuri (ホタル まつり) translates directly to 'firefly festival'; fireflies emerge from their larvae state to mate, and in most species the adults live for just a few weeks in the summer. As is the way of the natural world, breeding is the name of the game. The fireflies' bioluminescence is primarily for mate selection - it allows the fireflies to communicate with each other to find potential mates. Beginning around late-May, this also helps signify the changing of the seasons. In Japan, fireflies are bred and released in various parks in the summer period, and the result is a spectacular organic light show: Perhaps unsurprisingly, fireflies have a broader cultural significance in Japan, with their ethereal existence a metaphor for passionate love. Fireflies have been a notable part of Japan's literary canon, with poetry and literature that dates back to the 8th century. With the species declining, its nice to know that there are Firefly Courses to help with conservation efforts. More people may also be familiar with the film Hotaru no Haka, or Grave of the Fireflies, a Studio Ghibli-produced animated historical war drama film that's universally acclaimed. It's certainly one of the more depressing movies I've ever watched, but my god is it powerful and poetic. Pretty amazing, eh, for a bunch of light-emitting beetles.

While it look more like a facelift of the 5th gen Serena (C27), this actually a brand new model from Nissan, and it is now available in 3 drive train options: petrol only, petrol hybrid and ePower (EV). The gasoline version uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts) and 200 Newton-meters of torque offered with or without all-wheel drive and a CVT. There's also a hybrid e-Power model (2WD only) with a new and quieter 1.4-liter engine producing 98 hp (72 kW) and 123 Nm. Combined with the electric motor, the total system output is 163 hp (120 kW) and 315 Nm.

The current 10th generation Civic was officially unveiled on 17 September 2015, and after close to 5 years, the next gen is on the horizon. The spy shots below shown the 5 door Type R variant, which look more upright than the current gen even though it was wearing heavy cladding. More spy shots of the other variants can be expected to surface very soon. Stay tuned.

juz wondering if any of u guys are going?

New EVs from Honda, targeted to hit the market next year. The look of the 0 SUV look less radical than the sedan. Production versions of the 0 Saloon and 0 SUV will be made at Honda's Ohio-based EV hub, starting in 2026. These cars will use an all-new centralized e/e architecture (electrical/electronic) running a new SoC done by Renesas Electronics Corporation. Honda also claims that these cars will also be able to do Level 3 autonomous driving. Honda’s back at CES with another iteration of the 0-series Saloon concept, and a new follow-up – called the 0 SUV. It’s not entirely clear how close either car is to its final production body, but we shouldn’t discount how outlandish modern manufacturers can be, especially since they’ve got to compete with increasingly wild Chinese EV designs. Honda 0 Saloon Honda 0 SUV

Hi Guys, Am going to Osaka, Japan for a short trip(1week). Planned to take train to tokyo from Osaka as well. Might stop over at Hakone on the way to Tokyo if time permit us. All feedback and advise are welcome.... Thanks in advance

So yup guys... as the header says... I use Japan Guide as my reference for this price hike... hopefully the pricing is correct. https://www.japan-guide.com/news/japan-rail-pass-cost-increase.html Current 21 + 7 day Pass price = 60,450 + 29, 650 = 90,100 yen New Price 21 + 7 day Pass price = 100,000 + 50,000 = 150,000 yen So must pay about $600 more per person... Flying in and out of Fukuoka cos the pricing for SQ plus want to travel whole Japan. Tickets already purchased. My trip is 2 - 30 Dec 2023... 28 days... so must buy a 21 + 7 day pass... My trip itinerary comprise the following Shinkansen trips: Singapore - Fukuoka (SQ) Fukuoka - Hiroshima (Shinkansen) 8570 yen Hiroshima - Osaka (Shinkansen) 9890 yen Osaka - Nagano (Shinkansen) 11,220 yen Nagano - Tokyo (Shinkansen) 8340 yen Tokyo - Aomori (Shinkansen) 17,670 yen Aomori - Hakodate (Shinkansen) 8160 yen Hakodate - Tokyo (Shinkansen) 23, 760 yen Tokyo - Fukuoka (Shinkansen) 22,220 yen Fukuoka - SIngapore (SQ) Plus all the other limited express, express and local JR trains in each area as applicable. Just based on the shinkansen trips above the total is 109,830 yen. I'm still out of pocket by 40, 170 yen. That works out to about $400 right? Still worth it to pay for the JR Pass or not? I mean there are many other parts at each area where I also take JR trains and they are mighty expensive too...

Please hold tight to your chair before you scroll down for the images. ... Are you ready? ... Ok, be prepared, OK? Sadly, this is how the new Japanese Rojak will look like... Patent images obtained by Japanese magazines from the local trademark bureau show a new take on the Crown. It doesn’t seem to be wearing its distinctive badge, but we're being told this high-riding fastback will indeed be sold as a Crown. The somewhat odd shape should be familiar as the Citroën C5 X and China's Ford Evos have a similar body. Going back in time, we're getting hints of the defunct Honda Crosstour. The car featured here will reportedly go by the name of Crown Cross and should have the following dimensions: 4,930 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,540 mm tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2,850 mm. That would make it bigger in every dimension compared to the outgoing sedan, but with a slightly shorter wheelbase. Sources from the Land of the Rising Sun claim Toyota wants to sell the reinvented Crown with a four-cylinder 2.5-liter hybrid engine hooked out to a CVT. There also might be a turbocharged 2.4-liter with an electric motor and a six-speed automatic. It will sit on the TNGA-K platform and come with a choice between front- and all-wheel drive, with a plug-in hybrid option in the works. The official premiere is allegedly locked in for July 15. And I forgot to add, when I first saw its face, it is >90% like the Civic.

There are plenty of strange sports in this world. People running from bulls. People running after cheese. Power Slap. But of course few places do weird quite like Japan. Introducing to you: Bo-taoshi. The name means 'topple the pole', and that's exactly the name of the game. Except of course its never quite so simple. You want teams? Oh, you get teams. 150 players, split into 75 offensive and 75 defensive - one holding your pole up, the other attacking another team to topple their pole. And you thought American Football teams were big. It's utter chaos. Literally people leaping onto one another, springboarding off bodies on the ground, clinging on to the pole (and other people) for dear life. It's a utterly wild combination of tug-of-war, rugby, capture-the-flag, sumo, and unleashed testosterone. Apparently played in schools (but increasingly rare), it's said that "the game promotes teamwork, toughness and sportsmanship". Here, see it for yourself: I wonder if people complaining about Uni orientation games being "too risque" would rather Bo-taoshi be played instead. Stay weird, Japan. ~ Desmond

I recently finished watching Shōgun (yes, I'm a little bit late to the party). Released earlier this year, Shōgun has become an utter revelation - going on to win 18 Emmys at this year's Primetime and Creative Arts Emmys, making it the most awarded single season of television in history. It's also the first non-English-language series to win Outstanding Drama Series. And it truly is outstanding, fully deserving of all the awards that it has garnered. As you would expect, the show revolves around the shogunate era of Japanese history: Wikipedia says this period spanned 1185 to 1868. The show in particular is set in the 1600s. Shōgun is a historical drama, so there's a lot of historical complexities to go with the dramatic narratives that drive the show. One particular thing stands out to me: seppuku. It's a concept I've known about, but seeing it played out on screen is utterly stark. But more interesting to me is the broader context of this ritualistic suicide - it is fully contained within a code of honour, and in the show is often played out as a consequence of individual shame and social failings. In some sense, that seems completely bizarre. To have to take your life (and your child's!) for simply speaking out of turn and rebutting a superior seems completely disproportionate punishment, but then its also worth considering the cultural context of Japanese society - one that emphasised honour, hierarchy and order. Of course, ritualised punishment ("sacred violence" is a particularly interesting phrasing that I've come across) is not unique to Japanese culture, but at least in watching Shōgun (and having little to no knowledge of Japanese history), it appears that rituals are particular poignant and important to the Japanese. Seppuku is no more, thankfully, but the notion of ritualised practices strikes me as still quite relevant. Violence aside, and beyond what it says about a culture that frowns deeply upon familial shame and disappointment, I think the broader context of ritual helps frame my perception of Japanese practices. For example, why Japan is famed for its craftsmanship, or why it has the second most Michelin star restaurants in the world. Anyway, all this rambling is really just to say: If you haven't watched Shōgun, I implore you to. It's the best show I've watched on TV this year. ~ Desmond

Move aside Alphard and Vellfire, this is the new King in large size MPV segment. But honestly, it look more like a Hiace passenger van to me, than a luxurious full size MPV. A full-size wagon, the new Granace commands outstanding presence, making full use of the broad 5.3 meters in length and 1.97 meters in width as a high-quality and comfortable interior space. Adopting a semi-bonnet package, two types of seating arrangements are available: the six-seater with seats in three rows of two, and the eight-seater with seats in four rows of two. The Granace features high-quality performance, delivering sophisticated riding comfort, superior control stability, and a spacious interior. Main features Exterior style that realizes "overwhelming presence and luxury" The large radiator grille embellished with metallic accents flows seamlessly into the headlamps, which project in vertical and horizontal directions, realizing a gorgeous and bold face. The distinctive LED daytime running lamps*6 pierce the headlamps, and together with the projective twin-lens LED headlamps that flow into the decorative chrome frame, express sophistication suitable for luxury cars. "High quality" and "gorgeous" cockpit space The black-infused instrument panel creates a luxurious atmosphere, featuring metallic accents on the air-conditioner outlets and wood-grain embellishment in front of the front passenger seat. The meter hood is wrapped in leather and genuine stitching further lends an air of quality. High-quality space with hospitality in mind leverages spaciousness - In addition to the three-row six-seater, a four-row eight-seater is also available to meet the wide ranging needs of users. - The four seats comprising the second and third rows feature leather captain seats designed for complete relaxation provide a high-quality interior space. In addition to comfortable seating, the new model is equipped with a long slide mechanism and an ottoman mechanism in and other amenities that enhance convenience and comfort. - Wood grain decorations flow from the back of the front seats toward the side trim as if to wrap rear seat passengers in comfort. The LED side color illumination is gently lit, further expressing an elegant and calm quality. Sophisticated high-quality performance - Adopted front-wheel drive layout. Equipped with a 1GD 2.8-liter clean diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, achieving smooth and torque-strong driving from low speeds. - The newly developed trailing-link rigid-axle suspension is used for the rear suspension. The high rigidity body, including the adoption of a ring-shaped frame, achieves a luxurious, comfortable ride with stable handling. - Thorough vibration and sound insulation measures provide a serene quietness suitable for luxury wagons in various road environments. Enhanced advanced equipment - Comes standard with the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense, featuring improved sensing functions that make use of the pre-collision safety system that detects pedestrians during the day and at night, as well as cyclists during the day. - Fully equipped with safety equipment for safety and peace of mind such as Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes (Stationary Objects) that helps reduce and/or mitigate damage from collisions during low-speed driving in parking lots, etc. - Equipped with advanced Display Audio (DA). The smartphone linkage function including SDL allows customers to connect with smartphones and operate map applications and music via touch screen display. Specifications Ext. Dimensions: 5,300mm (L) x 1,970mm (W) x 1,990mm (H) Wheelbase: 3,210mm Tread: 1,670mm (F) / 1,670mm (R) Int. Dimensions: 3,290mm (L) x 1,735mm (W) x 1,290mm (H) Engine: 2,754cc Clean Diesel

DON DON DONKI OPENS IN SINGAPORE! This Japanese Megastore by Don Quijote Japan has finally opened at Orchard Central! http://tidbitsmag.com/don-don-donki/ Those who have been to the store at Japan and then to the one at OC, how's the comparison like?

If you have been dreaming of driving in Japan during your travel and want to start planning your vacation, you are lucky enough to chance upon this thread, and we hope by the end of this recommendation, you are equipped with tips and information about you Japan holidays! And we are currently selecting 50 participants that would like to attend! Join This Event! MCF HangOut proudly presents you with an all-new alternative of renting an almost brand new car in Japan. And to make the scenario more real, we narrowed down to Ishikawa Prefecture, 500km away from Tokyo, surrounded on three sides by the Sea of Japan, and on the fourth by Mt. Hakusan, allowing it to enjoy the best of both mountain and sea. Date: July 13, 2019, Saturday Time: 1pm – 4.30pm Venue: Singapore Recreation Club, B Connaught Drive, Singapore 179682 Registration Fee: $10 per registrant (Free goodie bag worth $50 for every registrant) Parking in available. Join This Event! About renting a car in Japan. You need to visit Ishikawa during the Autumn. Here's why. *Limited to 40 participants. Successful registrants will be contacted via phone or e-mail. Payment will be processed only if your registration is successful (payment must be made via Visa or Mastercard). Terms and Conditions There will be a registration fee of $10 once you have confirmed your attendance. The participating party agrees to pay the registration fee when they confirm their participation for the event. The Management of MCF will remunerate the registration fee in the form of $15 shopping voucher or grocery voucher during the event. Registration closes on 11 July 2019.

Official drawings of the 2019 Mazda3 – keep in mind that at this time, we don’t know if it will be sold as a 2019MY or 2020MY in the U.S.A. and Canada. The new “3” will employ Mazda’s latest Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture. The platform is said to be stronger while providing a much better ride quality. But the big news for the fourth-generation “3” is the debut of Mazda’s new SkyActiv-X gasoline enginefeaturing Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. This innovative four-cylinder unit combines characteristics of diesel and regular gasoline engines, using spark plug ignition to “control compression ignition”. In short, it ignites the fuel-air mixture similar to a diesel engine promising to combine the fuel efficiency of the former with all the benefits of a gasoline unit, without the emissions penalty. Mazda forecasts an output of around 190 horsepower with 170 lb-ft (230Nm) of peak torque from the 2.0-liter version. That puts it well above today’s 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G that delivers 155hp and 150 lb-ft (203Nm) and on par with the bigger 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G with 184hp and 185 lb-ft (250Nm). The difference here is that Mazda is targeting at least a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and up to 25 percent less carbon dioxide emissions over the current Skyactive G engines. Mazda Kai Concept Wants To Get Our Hopes Up For New Mazda3