Anime & Car Culture – Why These Worlds Overlap More Than You Think

At first glance, anime and car culture might seem like two different fandoms. But walk through any car meet with tuned imports and you’ll quickly see the crossover: Itasha wraps, Initial D vinyl decals, anime air fresheners hanging from rearview mirrors. These two scenes have more in common than most people realize—and it’s part of what makes Import Crate what it is.

It All Starts with Japan

Japanese car culture and anime both grew out of Japan’s post-war era into global movements. From drifting in the mountains to drifting in the plotlines, the aesthetics and attitude of both scenes intersect naturally. Cars like the AE86, RX-7, and Skyline are legends not just in garages—but on screens.

Initial D Changed Everything

If you’re into cars and haven’t seen Initial D, you’re missing a cultural pillar. This anime introduced a generation to mountain touge racing, turbocharged rivalry, and the power of a good Eurobeat playlist. It also made anime legit in the car world and vice versa. To this day, many builds are inspired by the look and spirit of that show.

What Is Itasha?

Itasha is the practice of wrapping cars in anime-themed graphics—often entire character art across the hood, doors, or full body. Once considered niche or even cringe, it’s now a global trend embraced at shows from Japan to Texas. At Import Crate, we celebrate it—because we know these aren’t just wraps, they’re personal expressions.

Why This Crossover Works

• Both cultures value customization: Whether it’s tuning a car or designing a cosplay, fans want to stand out.
• Both are visual and expressive: A slammed S13 or a clean anime print both turn heads.
• Both thrive on community: Meets, cons, builds, and fandoms all share the same kind of passion-driven energy.

Import Crate Lives in the Middle

Our shop isn’t just for car people. It’s not just for anime fans either. It’s for the ones who live in both worlds. That’s why we sell JDM air fresheners next to anime posters. That’s why our shirts feature both widebody kits and waifus. If you’ve ever seen a sticker drop on a clean build and got hyped—you get it.

Stop By and See It for Yourself

We’re located at Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, right near LEGO and The North Face. Come check out our drops, pick up a poster, or grab a scent that says you’re part of something different. Whether you drive it, draw it, or watch it—we’re your people.