Our Authors
The experts and enthusiasts who write for Project JDM.
Hiro Takahashi
12 years at Mazda R&D Hiroshima (2003-2015). Lead engineer on 13B-MSP RENESIS development team. Certified Mazda rotary powertrain specialist. Currently operates an independent rotary rebuild service and consults for RE Amemiya and Goopy Performance.
Hiro Takahashi is a former Mazda R&D engineer who spent 12 years working on rotary engine development at Mazda's Hiroshima research center. He contributed to the RENESIS engine development (13B-MSP in RX-8) and the final production variants of the 13B-REW for the RX-7 FD3S Spirit R. Since leaving Mazda in 2015, Hiro has worked as an independent rotary specialist and writes about Wankel engine technology for global enthusiast publications.
Kenji Tanaka
18 years importing JDM vehicles to global markets. Former technical contributor to Option and Hot Version magazines. Owner of three RB26-powered Skylines. Certified in Japanese vehicle import compliance for USA and EU markets.
Kenji Tanaka is an automotive journalist and JDM enthusiast who has been importing and driving Japanese performance cars for 18 years. Based in Tokyo, he has firsthand ownership experience with R32/R33/R34 GT-Rs, a modified S15 Silvia, and an RB26DETT-swapped Stagea. His writing focuses on technical accuracy, real-world ownership, and the cultural context of Japanese automotive history.
Sarah Wang
Licensed US Customs broker since 2018. 10 years JDM import experience (over 2,000 vehicles imported). Former Japanese auction house liaison at USS Tokyo. Certified vehicle inspector for CarMax and BringATrailer. Native bilingual Japanese/English.
Sarah Wang is a licensed JDM import broker based in Los Angeles. She has moved over 2,000 Japanese vehicles to the USA since 2015, specializing in high-value imports like Skyline GT-R, Supra MK4, RX-7 FD, and Silvia variants. Her firsthand knowledge of the Japanese auction system, US customs compliance, and state DMV registration requirements informs her practical guides for prospective JDM buyers.
Yuki Nakamura
10 years at Nissan Tochigi Plant as factory technician (1999-2009). Certified JLPT N1 Japanese language. Specialized in R34 GT-R assembly and quality control. Published in Nihon Car Magazine and JDM Monthly.
Yuki Nakamura is an automotive journalist and former Nissan factory technician. She spent 10 years at Nissan's Tochigi Plant working on the R34 GT-R and R35 GT-R production lines before transitioning to automotive journalism. She brings manufacturer-insider knowledge to her writing about Japanese performance cars.