Automotive industry in Japan facts for kids

The automotive industry in Japan is known for producing some of the highest quality cars in the world. Japanese cars are often more popular than those from other countries, like Europe or America. They have special features that make them stand out.

How Japanese Cars Started

The story of cars in Japan began a long time ago, during the Meiji period. At first, Japanese people started building cars based on models imported from other countries. In 1904, Japan made its very first car that ran on steam. A few years later, in 1907, the first car powered by gasoline was created. However, the technology in Japan was still quite new, so these early cars weren't well-known globally.

After World War II, the Japanese car industry grew a lot. They learned how to build cars in large numbers, using new methods. As Japanese car companies gained new technology, they began to create their own unique car designs.

In the 1970s, there were growing concerns about the environment. This meant car companies had to make vehicles that were less harmful to nature. Honda, a Japanese company, was one of the first to create an engine that met strict environmental rules.

As Japanese car companies improved their safety features and made cars more eco-friendly, their vehicles became very popular around the world. In 2019, six out of the top ten best-selling cars globally were made in Japan!

What Makes Japanese Cars Special?

Japanese cars are famous for being very high quality and tough. People often say they are hard to break down. They are also usually designed to travel further using less fuel, which is great for drivers.

One big difference you might notice is the steering wheel's position. In Japanese cars, the steering wheel is on the right side (right-hand drive). In many other countries, it's on the left side (left-hand drive). The reason for this goes back to old habits from before cars were common. When people used horse-drawn carriages, the driver often sat on the right to easily control the horse.

Other important features of Japanese cars include their high safety standards and how reliable they are. These are some of the main reasons why so many people choose Japanese cars.

Japanese Cars Around the World

Because of their great quality, Japanese cars are used in many different ways across the globe. You might see them in famous movies, like the "Fast and Furious" series. They also have enough power and speed to win big championships in world races. For example, in 2019, a Mazda team won a major race in America.

Images for kids

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  First generation Toyota Corolla (1966), the world's all-time best selling line of cars; in its 12th generation as of 2018

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  The Mitsubishi Model A was produced in 1917

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  First Suzuki Wagon R, 1993, bestselling national kei class car

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  Mazda Cosmo 110S, 1967, one of first two mass-produced cars with Wankel rotary engine

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  Toyota Prius, 2005 European Car of the Year, first and bestselling mass-produced hybrid car