Kenji Tanaka
Contributing Specialist
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.
Articles by Kenji Tanaka(12)
BlueDriver vs LAUNCH CR529 vs Autel ML619: Best OBD2 Scanner for JDM
We tested the top OBD2 scanners to find the best tool for JDM car diagnostics at home.
How to Buy a JDM Car in 2026: Import Process and Costs Explained
What you need to know about the JDM import process, legal requirements, and hidden costs.
Best Car Detailing Kits for JDM Owners: Chemical Guys vs Meguiars
Keep your JDM ride showroom-fresh with the right detailing kit. Top brands compared.
R34 GT-R Turbo Kits - Performance Upgrades for RB26DETT
Complete turbo upgrade catalog for R34 GT-R - HKS, Tomei, Trust/GReddy, BorgWarner, and Garrett turbo kits with specs, pricing, and affiliate links.
Chemical Guys HydroSpeed Ceramic Detailer Review: SiO2 Topper Tested on JDM Paint
Spray-on ceramic toppers are everywhere. HydroSpeed claims SiO2 chemistry at a Chemical Guys price point. Here's how it actually performed on three different JDM paint states.
Chemical Guys Mr. Pink Review: The Gentle Wash Soap JDM Owners Swear By
Mr. Pink is the foam-happy, pH-neutral wash soap that refuses to strip sealants. After testing it on a freshly-ceramic-coated R33, we explain why detailers keep a gallon on the shelf.
Meguiar's Gold Class Quik Detailer Review: The Between-Wash Spray That Keeps JDM Paint Crisp
A quick detailer lives or dies on two questions: does it actually pick up dust safely, and does it streak on dark paint? Meguiar's Gold Class passes both tests — with one caveat.
Chemical Guys Waffle Weave Microfiber Drying Towel Review
The drying step is where most paint scratches happen. A good waffle-weave towel is cheap insurance — here's how the Chemical Guys version holds up after a full season.
Mine's Motor Sport: The GT-R Whisperers of Yokohama
Michizo Niikura's Mine's Motor Sport in Yokohama refined rather than rebuilt. Every Mine's GT-R is balanced to 1000-km rally reliability before making a single extra horsepower.
Ken Nomura's ER34 Skyline: D1 Drift Icon
Ken Nomura's orange-and-black ER34 Skyline was the most recognizable D1 Grand Prix drift car in the mid-2000s. The build that made Nomuken a D1 legend.
Tomei Powered: The Engine Internals Specialist
Tomei has been making JDM engine internals since 1969. Every serious RB26, 2JZ, or SR20 build eventually uses a Tomei oil pump, cam set, or Expreme Ti exhaust.
Blitz: From Boost Controllers to Drift Domination
Blitz started making electronic boost controllers in 1980. They pivoted into a full tuning catalog and a dominant D1 Grand Prix drift program with drivers like Nomura Ken and Tsuchiya.