As a car guy, the Automotive section in Japanese bookstores is a great place to spend some time. Within the first few weeks after moving to Japan, I became a frequent visitor to Tokyo’s bookstores, buying reprint car magazines about my favorite cars from the 80ies, or about cars I own.
What I love about this road test is that it is full of scientific data. When was the last time you’ve read a road test that provides aerodynamic simulation results?
Even with a degree in Engineering, I have no clue what these diagrams try to tell me, but it is so convincing!
Japanese bookstores also sell model cars and monthly subscription based kits. They usually come with a short magazine, and a model car or some parts to assemble it.
During one of my visits to the bookstore, I learned about the huge AE86 model that costs over €1,500 and takes two years to build. I ordered three.
This cute Honda Insight ZE1 costs about 20€, is fully assembled, and comes with a very brief magazine. Such kits are sold regularly at bookstores in Japan.
For the price, it is quite impressive. You can even open the doors.
Another week I stumbled across this reprint of a test of the Autozam AZ-1. I didn’t buy it, and I regretted that decision for weeks.
During one of my visits to the bookstore, I learned about the huge AE86 model that costs over €1,500 and takes two years to build. I ordered three.
