What is JDM? Part 2: True JDM

In Part 1: What is JDM we covered what JDM stands for and what it means when it comes to cars. While we learned that JDM includes vehicles produced and sold for the local Japanese market, the truth is that JDM can be broken down further into various sub-categories. Purists will argue that vehicles need to be manufactured and sold exclusively in Japan to truly be considered JDM while others will argue this is just not possible with today’s globalized manufacturing industry. Let’s look at the differences and see if we can clarify what fits into the definition of JDM and “True JDM”.

What is “true JDM”?

Japanese manufacturers often sell the same model around the world but with different specifications for different markets and the JDM versions are those sold in Japan. For example, a Supra sold new in Japan (and obviously with Japanese specifications) fits the definition of JDM, but a Supra sold new in Europe or in the US would not as its specifications don’t meet Japanese regulations. But models with different versions for different markets are where most of the confusion occurs since many people see a car like a Supra and automatically think it is JDM. On the other hand, some models are sold new exclusively in Japan and almost never leave the Japanese border. Toyota’s flagship luxury model the “Century” is one good example- it is sold only in Japan and has never been intended for other markets. Occasionally some people even go to the trouble of exporting them from Japan (even new as grey market imports) in order to get something not seen in their home country. This is what can be considered “true JDM” and different from the JDM models that are sold in Japan and also in overseas markets but with different specifications. For these “true JDM” vehicles, there can be no confusion whether they are JDM or not because they have never been sold new outside Japan and don’t have similar models to be confused with. 

The ultra luxurious 2021 Toyota Century - a true JDM vehicle

Is “True JDM” better than JDM?

While “True JDM” models might be rarer than other JDM models, they are still subject to the same quality controls/ regulations and both are built to satisfy the same Japanese customer base. If rarity is all you are after, then a “true JDM” vehicle will hold more value to you- but this entirely subjective. Typical JDM models may seem a little less exclusive and not “true JDM” but are still JDM models nonetheless. As a reminder, the distinction between JDM models and overseas models is important to make as the JDM models often have features not found in models for overseas markets. For example, a JDM Mitsubishi Evo 9 GSR will come with its famed AYC (Active Yaw Control) where torque is distributed electronically though it’s diffs to assist the driver in cornering ability. The USDM models however do not have AYC but use a clutch type LSD. "True JDM" vehicles don't have different options/ variations to worry about because there are no overseas models to be confused with. Owners of “true JDM” vehicles (and even regular JDM versions) in overseas markets have often gone to great lengths and a lot of trouble just to get something that’s a little bit different and we should respect the effort that goes into that. Some USDM model owners may intentionally call theirs JDM for clout or Instagram likes, but the reality is they are separate models no matter how similar they look. Calling a USDM model JDM is similar to calling a California Roll the same as fresh Japanese sashimi. Sure it’s similar, but not really the same. If you import a "true JDM" model then you won't run into this problem at all!

The AYC featured in the JDM Evo 9 gives it exceptional cornering ability.

JDM = Made in Japan?

To also add a little further confusion, we now live in the modern age of globalization where many Japanese companies outsource production of components, or even have their own factories manufacturing their products outside of Japan. This is a trend seen across most industries these days. For example, Japanese Sony TVs often use LG components made in Korea and Samsung smartphones use chips made in India or Vietnam. The raw materials for these components probably come from different countries again! Vehicles are no exception and are often made with components produced in several parts of the world. What is important to consider though is whether vehicles/ products are designed for and sold to Japanese consumers. The manufacturing process is not essential in defining JDM as it quickly becomes far too complicated when considering where all the individual parts are manufactured. But if it’s assembled by a Japanese company, surely that’s important right? Well, companies are often going through restructuring, and leadership changes and ownership is often shared through different multiple parent companies which also have different countries of origin. So again, it is the market that a car is designed for and sold in that determines whether it is JDM, USDM or anything else.

As a side note, cars and products made for Japanese consumers but are also sold in other markets could arguably also be considered JDM as they still fit the definition of being produced for the local Japanese market. However, these are not very common due to different laws and regulations in each country. In the end it’s entirely up to you whether you want to be a purist who only buys “true JDM” products that are both made and sold exclusively in Japan (which can be extremely difficult and expensive), or sold in both Japan and overseas markets. Also, the importance of where products are manufactured is a factor up to the individual to decide. If you ask us, the line defining JDM in the modern age has become somewhat blurry but can now be considered on a scale such as in the following table. Where you draw the line is up to you!

 

 

JDM S15 Silvia - out of reach for enthusiasts in many countries

More JDM, More want

Of course, there’s always something special about “true JDM” cars, they’re like the forbidden fruit that you were never supposed to have. Cars like the R34 Skyline GTR and S15 Silvia Spec R for example, were never sold in the US and have a special kind of aura about them due to them being unobtainable for so long. These high performance models have been hero cars in Japan for decades but have never been widely accessible in many markets. They’ve been seen widely throughout various games and media but in reality have often always been just out of reach - making the want just so much stronger. So are JDM cars worth all the hype they receive? We’ll dig into that in an upcoming article!