Bosozoku is a tuning trend that won’t catch anywhere outside Japan
The Bosozoku sub-culture originated in 1950s as a movement used by motorcycle gangs to express dissatisfaction with the Japanese mainstream society. To put it simple, Bosozoku was – and still is – a big middle finger directed at the imposed norms that govern (and maybe maintain order) over the community.
As the majority of the members were troubled youths, many believed the bozo gangs were a gateway to Yakuza, especially as “Bosozoku” means “running out of control”, or “violent running tribe”. To top it off, the violent and careless ways of riding – while ignoring the traffic rules and even police (no surprises here) – made them notorious in Japan.
Anyway, nowadays the gangs have greatly diminished, but the Bosozoku street culture remains strong among enthusiasts and some car tuners alike. Adorned with shabby-looking, home-built wide body kits and elements, the cars – known as Kaido Racers – are characterized by over the top, exaggerated mods inspired from the old racers of the late 1970’s, early 1980’s.
So, before watching the video, we advise you to leave your personal ideas and notions about tuning aside, because otherwise you will waste 3 minutes of your life looking at a parade of questionable modded cars. Of course, like anywhere in the tuning world, the same style differs from car to car, from owner to owner; so who knows, maybe you’ll see something you like.