The Top Seven Motor Vehicle Names in Japan

1. Mazda Bongo Wagon
   Minivans are all the rage in Japan. There are minivan clubs, and they go to great pains to customize/trick-out/bastardize their vans. Most of them are fluorescent with huge fins, reminiscent of a 1990’s Batmobile. I just like the name—it says “Maynard G. Krebs” as a soccer dad to me.

2. Nissan Rasheen
   This is the car version of the Pathfinder. It is stubbier, beefier, lower to the ground, and it rocks. It looks just like its bigger cousin, but much, much cooler. It’s a lowered truck for everyone who never actually wanted a lowered truck.

3. Suzuki Cappuccino
   This is probably the tiniest car I have ever seen. It is a light sandy-colored convertible, and you would be lucky to cram two people and a cup of coffee into it.

4. Nissan Gloria GranTurismo
   “GranTurismo,” I can understand (even though I don’t know why). But “Gloria”? Strange. The name of a long-lost love of Nissan’s Chairman? Maybe.

5. Nissan Bluebird LeGrand
   Again, the “LeGrand” I can understand, but the “Bluebird” throws me. I think the designers enjoyed cute little anime animals, but they knew they would have to at least try to make the car sound sturdy and strong.

6. Mitsubishi Minica
   I am partial to this car because both Angie and I drove one in Kukizaki Town, Japan. I upgraded to the Minica Toppo though, which is just as small, but is vertically extended. Most of the cars our company passes out are Minicas because they are cheap, and therefore, the dominant car on the market here. Go on, say “Min-i-ca” very slowly and tell me what the name is in English.

7. Nissan March A#
   If you can come up with the best interpretation of this car’s name, I will personally send you some delicious Japanese treats! Hurry—limited time offer!