Kanjizoku: The Infamous Street Racing Group of Japan

Overview of Street Racing in Japan

• Street racing became mainstream in Japan during the 1980s and 1990s.
• Government and police intervention have since reduced street racing activities.
• Illegal street racing now occurs mainly on Tōge mountain roads and Wangan Expressway.

Introduction to Kanjizoku

• A little-known racing group based in Osaka.
• Kanjizoku is a subcategory of Japanese street racers that primarily race on the Loop in Osaka.
• Founded in the 1980s, they have had a significant impact on Japanese car culture.
• The culture is secretive and mysterious, with little known public information.

Origins and Culture of Kanjizoku

• Early battles among rival clubs on the Loop characterized the Kanjizoku culture.
• Members often remove license plates and VIN numbers to maintain anonymity.
• Ski masks and window netting are common to hide identities.

The Loop: Racing Ground

• Hashin Expressway No. 1 (The Loop): 4.7 miles long, located in the heart of Osaka.
• Transforms into a racing circuit at night, popular among Kanjizoku racers.
• Offers multiple exits to evade police, making it ideal for illegal racing.

Vehicles Used by Kanjizoku

• Honda Civic: Preferred car due to its accessibility, handling, and ability to blend in with traffic.
• The third-gen Civic was popularized in the 1980s for its small size and high-revving engines.
• Compared to affluent one-gun racers, Kanjizoku members are everyday individuals modifying common cars.

Evolution of Kanjizoku Racing

• Racing culture flourished in the mid to late 1980s with clubs like No Good Racing and Top Gun Racing.
• Kanjizoku racing is characterized by a focus on handling rather than top speed.
• Competitive spirit led to intense rivalries and sometimes physical confrontations.

Current State of Kanjizoku

• Police crackdowns have diminished the scene; racing is now more personal or cultural.
• New generations are continuing the Kanjizoku tradition, with younger racers still participating.
• Strategies to avoid police include scouting and using decoy racers.

Kanjizoku's Relationship with Law Enforcement

• Racing is illegal, and part of the appeal is the thrill of evading police.
• Members typically have unregistered cars, necessitating secretive transport to the Loop.
• Encounters with Kanjizoku outside their scene are rare and brief.

Unique Racing Techniques

• Kanjizoku disregard traffic laws; they coordinate to block intersections during races.
• They often avoid tolls by having legal cars pass through and keep barriers open.
• Racing emphasizes the handling of cars on the winding sections of the Loop.

Shift in Racing Culture

• Some Kanjizoku members have transitioned to racing on tracks while still holding onto their roots.
• The modifications of Kanjizoku cars are often light, focusing on functionality over aesthetics.
• The Kanjizoku spirit continues, especially with the new generation of enthusiasts.

Future of Kanjizoku

• There is hope for the future of Kanjizoku as new Civic models gain popularity.
• Different forms of street racing, such as Rulettozoku, are emerging among younger enthusiasts.
• The heritage of Japanese street racing persists through evolving scenes.