Inside Asian Car Culture: Subtle Mods, Japanese Scents, and the Art of Car Care

A Look Inside Asian Car Culture

Car culture in Asia, especially in places like Japan and the Philippines, isn’t just about horsepower or flashy mods. It’s a blend of subtle modifications, refined interiors, and a dedication to detail that creates an entirely different driving experience. This appreciation for subtlety and craftsmanship inspired Import Crate, bringing the essence of Asian car culture stateside.

The Saturday Night Street Races

On Saturday nights, the air was thick with anticipation as car enthusiasts gathered on a quiet, rarely used street after midnight. It wasn't an official racetrack but a place where the community came alive. People hung out, shared stories, and sometimes challenged each other to races. These spontaneous events were about more than just speed; they were about camaraderie and friendly rivalries.

"We didn't have formal tracks," Vin recalls. "We made do with the empty streets when traffic died down. If someone wanted to see which car was faster or settle a friendly score, that's where it happened. Wins were measured by 'car lengths,' and it was all in good fun."

A Culture of Care and Daily Maintenance

In Vin's community, owning a car was a significant achievement—a symbol of success and stability. Cars weren't just modes of transportation; they were extensions of oneself. This meant that maintaining them was a matter of pride.

"Cars were expensive, and not everyone owned one," Vin explains. "We took extra care of them. Roads were dusty, so cars were washed daily. Drivers or 'chauffeurs' usually handled the cleaning, wiping down the interiors and keeping everything pristine. It wasn't about using chemicals every day—just regular washing and keeping things tidy."

But when an owner was seen personally cleaning their car, it signified something special.

"If you saw an owner polishing their car, you knew they had a big date that night," Vin says with a smile. "That's when the Armor All, tire shine, and all the polishing products came out. And of course, opening a new air freshener was the finishing touch. We knew how to make a date feel comfortable the moment they got in the car! It was about having a sense of class—not just the look."

The Style of Mods—Subtle Yet Defining

Customization was an essential aspect of car culture, but it wasn't about being flashy or over-the-top. The modifications were subtle, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetics without drastically altering its appearance.

"We focused on small touches," Vin explains. "Unique wheels, like the iconic 'banana' wheels, custom grilles, or subtle changes to headlights and taillights. The goal was to make the car look different but in a way that you couldn't quite put your finger on. It helped us identify our cars, especially when there were multiple vehicles of the same make and model."

These modifications served both practical and personal purposes. In a parking lot filled with similar cars, these subtle differences made it easy to spot one's vehicle. It was also a form of self-expression, allowing owners to infuse their personality into their cars without needing to shout for attention.

Balance and Other Hobbies

While cars were important, they weren't the sole focus of life. Enthusiasts like Vin maintained a balance between their passion for cars and other interests.

"We weren't spending all our time and effort on just cars," Vin notes. "We had other hobbies and responsibilities. Modifying cars was something we did because we had the means to do so. It was part of a well-rounded lifestyle."

This balance extended to the way people invested in their cars. Owning and customizing a vehicle required disposable income, and those who could afford it paid attention to every detail, including the interior.

The Role of Japanese Car Scents

An often-overlooked aspect of car customization was the use of Japanese car scents. These weren't your typical air fresheners; they were carefully selected to create a specific atmosphere inside the car.

"Japanese air fresheners are all about subtlety," Vin explains. "They're designed to enhance a clean environment, not to mask odors. The scents are natural—fruits, flowers, and the ever-popular squash scent that smells like nature. When you get into a car with one of these air fresheners, it doesn't hit you in the face. It just smells fresh and clean."

In a culture where cars were kept impeccably clean, these scents were the perfect complement. They added to the overall experience, making the interior inviting and comfortable.

Adjusting to U.S. Car Culture and Discovering a Gap

When Vin moved to the United States at the age of 21, he noticed a different approach to car ownership and care.

"Coming to the States, I realized that not everyone cleaned their cars regularly," he says. "People lead busy lives, and cars here are more of a means of transportation than a status symbol. It was also surprising to see many car enthusiasts who focused solely on engine mods without paying much attention to the interior."

This observation highlighted a gap in the market. Japanese car scents, with their emphasis on enhancing a clean environment, weren't widely available in the U.S., except in some Asian grocery stores.

"I was a big fan of the My Shaldan air fresheners," Vin recalls. "I couldn't find them here, so I decided to reach out to the manufacturer in Japan. It turned out there were already a couple of importers, but I saw an opportunity to bring these products to a wider audience."

Bringing Japanese Car Scents to the U.S.

Vin's initiative led to the establishment of Import Crate, focusing primarily on Japanese car scents. It wasn't an easy journey, especially in the early days.

"Back then, there wasn't a big JDM community, and modified Japanese cars were rare," Vin explains. "American products dominated the market, and there wasn't much interest in something as niche as Japanese air fresheners."

However, as JDM culture began to gain popularity, especially after movies like The Fast and the Furious, interest in Japanese car accessories grew. Vin's persistence paid off as more car enthusiasts started appreciating the subtlety and quality of Japanese car scents.

A Legacy of Taste and Thoughtful Details

Today, Import Crate continues to provide car enthusiasts with products that embody a refined approach to car care—where every detail matters.

"Japanese car scents are more than just air fresheners," Vin says. "They're about creating an environment, enhancing the experience of being in a clean, well-maintained car. It's about having a sense of class, not just in how the car looks, but in how it feels."

Vin's journey reflects a unique blend of cultural experiences and personal passion. His story highlights the importance of subtlety, quality, and balance in car culture—a perspective that continues to influence and inspire car enthusiasts today.