San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Program: Import Car Show presented by JDM Theory

Address: SF Japantown – Post Street between Laguna and Webster

Visual Description:

A one day event generally held on Sundays, on one or more occasions during the year. Participants who own a modified Japanese car are encouraged to partake in this event. All modified vehicles must contain Japanese manufactured car parts. This differentiates “Tuners” from JDM.

History:

With the increasingly popular interest in modified Japanese cars with young and the old, the Japantown Merchants Association held its first Car Show in 2000. At that time there were only 24 cars on display. Now, the Car Show has grown to over 500 vehicles and is still growing. The historical aspect for the continuance of this event is to bring young people back into Japantown and gives them the opportunity to discover additional interest in Japanese culture. It also increases awareness for San Francisco’s Japantown.

Significance:

With the closure of the Japantown Bowl, the young people have devoted most of their free time into their vehicles. They spend so much time on their vehicles, we feel it keeps them off the streets and out of mischief. We will allow them to use an event such as the Summer Bon Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, etc. and a venue to display their vehicles. It’s also gives them the opportunity to meet other car enthusiasts from all over California to share interests, exchange ideas and information on their vehicles. Because of demand, we are strongly considering increasing the number of events featuring JDM Car Shows.

Recognition of Significance:

Since this event is fairly new, no recognition has been awarded. However, contests are held for the best in class, best overall and best show. The winners are given a trophy and recognized through the JDM circuit.

Sources:

Richard Hashimoto – Corporate Administrator - San Francisco Japantown Merchants Association

Other Comments: The San Francisco Japantown Merchants Association or JDM does not promote racing. Furthermore, rudeness or display of any offensive behavior by any participant is immediately ejected and prohibited from returning. This event is also supported of the San Francisco Police Department.

Prepared By: Darryl Abantao Date Prepared: July 28, 2004