Turning Japanese at the Petersen
‘The Roots of Monozukuri: Creative Spirit in Japanese Automaking,’ explores Japanese innovations in engineering and manufacturing, while ‘Fine Tuning: Japanese-American Customs’ focuses on Japanese car culture and customisation in both Japan and the United States, have recently opened at the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA.
‘The Roots of Monozukuri’ exhibit will explore the theme of Monozukuri, or ‘the art, science and craft of making things,’ and how it has led to the long-term success of the Japanese automotive industry. Each car will exemplify this theme by highlighting the creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and collaboration central to Japanese manufacturing. Vehicles will include a 1966 Nissan Silvia, a 1967 Toyota 2000GT, a 1968 Honda N600, and a 1969 Mazda Cosmo.
In contrast, ‘Fine Tuning’ elaborates on the aesthetic and stylistic conversation between Japanese and American tuners. Focusing on Los Angeles and Japanese car customisers, this exhibit will expose guests to cars that they cannot see elsewhere, from drift and drag cars to highly modified customs and more. Key vehicles will include a 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GTX ‘Kenmeri,’ a 1991 Toyota Cresta ‘Kaido’ Racer, a 1998 Honda Civic Hatchback Drag Racer, and a 1974 Mazda RX-3.