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In Japan on holidays and doing a bit of Volvo spotting. First saw a white S60, then a pale blue new shape V40, then a 240 wagon (!) then a V60. No pics of those. Then a couple parked ones (nice black V70R and white S60). That’s just in the first half day in Tokyo. Looking forward to checking out some auto parts stores and will see if anything Volvo-related or dealers to look at.




An here’s something different - a modern Kei car that’s been converted to look like a VW Transporter.

Another funny one - Suzuki “Hustler”...have seen several of them so far.

Another one - V70 “CLASSIC”...not bad Volvo spotting for the first day!

A bit off topic, but it interests me that Tokyo seems like a futuristic place in many ways, especially when it comes to technology, yet they still use those '80's shaped LPG Toyota Crown taxi's, when high volume production hybrid Toyota's are such a popular taxi in many other countries.

Tradition must hold strong there!
Angus242164;c-159212 wroteA bit off topic, but it interests me that Tokyo seems like a futuristic place in many ways, especially when it comes to technology, yet they still use those '80's shaped LPG Toyota Crown taxi's, when high volume production hybrid Toyota's are such a popular taxi in many other countries.

Tradition must hold strong there!
Yep, you still see those old-style taxis on the road, HOWEVER, this time I’ve seen a lot of Toyota “JPN TAXI” cars that look like a knock-off of the “London taxi” style hatchback, so I suspect maybe they are moving towards that? I was here for work several times about 10 years ago and there were none of those around then. Also, it seems like there’s a lot more hybrids of every car here that we don’t get (of course).

Edit: more info here on the JPN TAXI...interesting LPG hybrid, introduced in 2017 which is why I never saw them before this trip: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_JPN_Taxi
A Nissan cube with a 50kw electric motor and a 50kw battery pack could do stupid well in Tokyo as a taxi
Day 2 Tokyo and a lot more Volvos. Not pictured, a new XC90 and a previous-gen XC90, a new XC60, XC70 and V70. Pictured are a white V40 Cross Country in the middle of the crazy Shibuya pedestrian crossing, a black S60 with yellow Lambo convertible in background, a “Polestar blue” V40 and a black V70. Also a white XC60, red V60 and the holy grail a beige 240 wagon.







Also of interest, a beautiful blue BMW coupe, and a small trike scooter with super-fat racing rear tyres and wheels. Enjoy!


Not worth uploading any pics today. Only saw a black V50 and two new-shape V40s. I’m surprised how many Mercedes G-Wagens we’ve seen...most of them black, and most twin-turbo 6.3 V8. Must be folks with $$ around!
timbo;c-159290 wroteSounds like Yakuza!
Haha I had to Google it - yes, possibly so! I did also see some Toyota Land Cruisers with large chrome wheels and even a Chevrolet Impala wagon with large chrome wheels...looked a bit dodgy!
Did the Impala have whale skin hubcaps (i.e. Dennis Leary style).
Roinik;c-159300 wroteDid the Impala have whale skin hubcaps (i.e. Dennis Leary style).
Haha no not that I recall! Sounds kinda disgusting LOL!
No outdoor Volvo spotting today as it was rainy. Instead we visited the Toyota museum and sort of “discovery centre”. Did see a few Volvo model cars in their extensive collection as well as a few in the gift shop. I’d take the yellow Supra in full size please!





Angus242164;c-159340 wroteToyota museum has Nissans and model Volvo's?
It’s sort of 2 spaces - one is a large Toyota brand “experience centre” with the new cars, racing cars, and some interactive stuff, then there’s a separate museum that has mostly Toyota stuff but also other brands. Worth a visit for the car lovers.

Side note - evening the rain cleared and we saw 2x V70s and a V60 on the streets. No pics though as too dark and too boring cars ;)
Moved on from Tokyo this morning on the Shinkansen. Cruising speed 250 kph sure puts our Australian trains to shame! :( Already saw a few Volvos here in Kanazawa, all wagons, including a V60, a couple previous-shape V70s and a new-shape V70, plus a new-shape V40. Almost everything here is a box (AKA wagon shape) or a van, except for the older Toyota taxis and various Camrys and Crowns. I’m loving the names...NOAH, VELLFIRE, SPADE, HUSTLER, VOXY...I could go on forever.
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