Like the Qashqai three years earlier, the Juke, launched at the end of 2010, was a bet for Nissan. But its quirky design was a success. A bestseller in Europe, the Juke was also very popular in Japan and the United States, which was not the case with the Qashqai. Here we have the first generation, after the slight facelift of mid-2014.

This coupe, almost unknown outside Japan, was released in February 1990 and discontinued in late 1995. About 10,000 units were manufactured during the first year. Sales went rapidly down and overall production barely exceeded 15,000. The scissor doors (fixed on this First:43 model car) are the only major feature of the Sera, based on the Starlet.

This coupe, almost unknown outside Japan, was released in February 1990 and discontinued in late 1995. About 10,000 units were manufactured during the first year. Sales went rapidly down and overall production barely exceeded 15,000. The scissor doors (fixed on this First:43 model car) are the only major feature of the Sera, based on the Starlet.

The first generation of this dynamic rear wheel-drive model was released in Japan in 2004. The Mark X was also available in China under the name Reiz until 2017. After a first facelift, this model was completely redesigned in 2009. This second generation is reproduced here. Note that the 2012 restyled version is also reproduced by Kyosho and Hi-Story.

The Bluebird has long been a major model for Nissan, in Japan where it was available in Datsun’s range, or for export. In Europe, this name disappeared in 1990, replaced by the Primera. The first-generation series 310 was released in 1959. Here we have the Japanese version of the second series, called 410, sold from 1963 to 1967 and designed by Pininfarina.

The design of the eighth-generation Civic, in Europe, was rather flying saucer-ish, except the hybrid version. The latter looked like the classic three-box Civic available in Japan and the United States. This model car is a right hand drive Japanese version of this Civic sedan, released in Japan in September 2005.

The design of the eighth-generation Civic, in Europe, was rather flying saucer-ish, except the hybrid version. The latter looked like the classic three-box Civic available in Japan and the United States. This model car is a right hand drive Japanese version of this Civic sedan, released in Japan in September 2005.

The famous Mitsubishi Lancer saga starts in 1973. From 1975, this very first generation is complemented by a variant whose body is specific, but attached to the Lancer range. Its name is Lancer Celeste or, depending on markets, Colt Celeste, or even simply Celeste. Here we have the Japanese coupe variant.

Over generations, Suzuki has developed specific versions of its small Alto for export, and models only for Japan. For the country of the Rising Sun, this small car must respect the rules of the Keijidosha category, unknown to other markets. Here we have the version presented in Tokyo at the end of 2009 and sold in Japan until the end of 2014.

An almost unknown car manufacturer outside some Asian countries, Daihatsu is omnipresent in Japan, where its small cars meet success. This first-gen Charade was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1977. It was a hatchback, which was rare at the time, especially for a Japanese model. Its platform is borrowed from the Toyota Starlet, but engines and bodywork are specific.

Fit is the name of the Jazz in Japan. This third generation, available in Europe from mid-2015, was released in autumn 2013 in its home country. Here we have the RS trim level, which receives a 1.5-litre delivering 132 hp that can be combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, in addition to a CVT transmission. Unlike other Fit versions, the RS is a front-wheel drive exclusively.

The Cube, originally released in 1998 in Japan, was rather common. This second generation, whose design is much stronger, was launched in late 2002 with a huge success. But still, the car was only intended for Japan. In 2009, a third-gen Cube replaced it. Although sold for the first time outside Japan, it will not have the same success.

Settled after the Second World War, the keijidosha (K-cars) regulation is a Japanese peculiarity. Today these cars must measure 3.39 m/133 in.-long maximum and remain below 660 cc. At the time of this small T360, produced from 1963 to 1967, they had to stick to 2.99 m/118 in. and 360 cc. Note that utility vehicles are also concerned to take advantage of reduced fees.

Settled after the Second World War, the keijidosha (K-cars) regulation is a Japanese peculiarity. Today these cars must measure 3.39 m/133 in.-long maximum and remain below 660 cc. At the time of this small T360, produced from 1963 to 1967, they had to stick to 2.99 m/118 in. and 360 cc. Note that utility vehicles are also concerned to take advantage of reduced fees.

Before Mitsubishi developped its own 4x4 (the Pajero, whose origins date back to 1982), the Japanese automaker first manufactured, under license and as soon as 1953, the Jeep Willys. Mitsubishi produced the 4x4 until 1998, and updated it with its own developments. Here we have a J30-type Station Wagon based on the longest of the three wheelbases available and dated 1961.