In Part 01 of this series, we explored the journey of searching for the perfect classic car. For enthusiasts living outside Japan, or even within Tokyo, acquiring a sought-after model like the Prince Skyline GT-B might surprisingly lead you to consider export models from places like Australia. This installment delves into the crucial steps required to ensure your dream car from Japan, once imported, clears Japan’s rigorous Shaken roadworthiness inspection.
Having located my Prince Skyline GT-B and arranged its purchase from Sydney, Australia, the next phase involved international logistics. Despite being based in Tokyo, the optimal route for obtaining this classic “car from Japan” ironically involved importing it back to its homeland. To manage this, I enlisted the services of the same importer recommended by Skorj, known for his successful import of a Honda S800. His professionalism streamlined the process, connecting me with an exporter in Australia and organizing shipping to Tokyo. However, arranging domestic transport within Australia to the exporter’s location fell to me, in coordination with the car’s previous owner.
The sea voyage from Sydney to Kawasaki spanned approximately a month. Upon arrival, preparing the car for Japanese roads added another two weeks to the timeline.
Securing a Parking Space and Navigating Initial Registration
Before registering and licensing my GT-B, obtaining a parking space certificate from the local police station was mandatory. Tokyo’s dense urban landscape necessitates proof of parking availability. This required completing a parking registration form, detailing my parking space’s location, dimensions, and providing a map. As my designated spot was on the upper level of a dual-lift system, these specifics were also included in the application.
Following the application, a police inspection of the parking space ensued. This verification process confirms the space’s existence, measures it for unregistered locations, and validates the applicant’s claim to the space, often involving confirmation with the landlord.
Understanding the Shaken: Japan’s Vehicle Inspection System
Any “car from Japan,” whether domestically purchased or imported, must undergo the registration and Shaken process to be legally driven on public roads. No exceptions exist unless the vehicle is strictly for static display.
The internet abounds with narratives about Japan’s Shaken (自動車検査証 jidōsha kensa shō), often portrayed as an exorbitant and complex vehicle inspection system. Myths suggest costs reaching ¥500,000 (USD 4,200-5,000) or higher, leading some to believe purchasing a new car is more economical.
However, the Shaken is not shrouded in mystery, nor are its costs inherently unreasonable, provided you understand its principles and procedures. The Shaken system is fundamentally structured to promote:
- The use of smaller vehicles.
- Preference for newer vehicles.
- Ensuring vehicle safety through regular maintenance.
Vehicle weight and age are pivotal in determining Shaken costs, reflecting the system’s aims. Lighter cars generally align with greater fuel efficiency, reduced road space occupancy, and less infrastructure wear.
The preference for newer “Cars From Japan” is less explicitly stated but is commonly attributed to the notion that newer models are generally safer and more efficient. Government revenue from new car sales also likely plays a role, fueling some of the Shaken myths among online communities.
While older cars incur higher Shaken fees, the increase is incremental. Fees typically rise by about 20% after 13 years and can reach up to 50% over a vehicle’s lifespan. However, after 18 years, the Shaken fee plateaus, remaining constant thereafter.
Vehicle weight, however, can dramatically impact costs. The fee for vehicles over three tons (like a Hummer) can be up to 500% higher than for cars under one ton (e.g., a Suzuki Twin).
Fortunately, classic “cars from Japan” often benefit from their lighter construction compared to modern vehicles. The Skyline GT-B, despite being a mid-sized sedan in its era, falls into the most economical weight category for non-kei cars (501-1000 kg), resulting in a Shaken road tax of approximately ¥20,000 (USD 165-200).
These cost considerations primarily apply to conventional gasoline cars. Electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and kei cars generally benefit from even lower Shaken fees.
Cost-Effective Shaken: User Shaken vs. Dealer Shaken
The method you choose for obtaining Shaken significantly impacts the overall expense. Shaken fees encompass:
- Road tax (weight and age-based).
- Compulsory insurance (around ¥25,000 / USD 210-250).
- Testing fee (approximately ¥2,000 / USD 17-20).
- Necessary safety repairs.
Repair costs are the most variable element, particularly when using authorized dealers.
Authorized dealers in Japan operate with a strong emphasis on customer service and safety. Their approach to Shaken often involves replacing any part that is, may, or might need replacing before the next inspection. While ensuring utmost vehicle safety and adherence to manufacturer standards, this practice can lead to substantial bills. For instance, a slightly discolored radiator overflow bottle on an older Honda CR-V might be quoted for replacement at ¥75,000 (USD 625-700), despite being functionally sound. This dealer approach, while perceived by some as revenue-driven, is also rooted in Japanese culture’s focus on preempting potential issues and maintaining customer satisfaction. This rigorous approach explains the rarity of poorly maintained vehicles on Japanese roads.
However, a more economical option exists: User Shaken (ユーザー車検 yūzā shaken). This self-service inspection process, costing only around ¥2,000 (USD 17-20) for the test appointment, is ideal for car owners who proactively maintain their vehicles, especially those with classic “cars from Japan” that are driven less frequently.
User Shaken involves making an online appointment and bringing your vehicle to a designated inspection center. The inspection is systematic and thorough, covering lights, brakes, alignment, speedometer accuracy, emissions, chassis, suspension, and VIN verification.
Upon successful completion, you receive the Shaken certificate and compliance sticker. As my GT-B was recently imported and considered “new” within Japan’s system, it qualified for a three-year Shaken validity, instead of the standard two years for subsequent inspections. My total expenditure for Shaken, including necessary parts replacements like dimmer headlights, amounted to ¥75,000 (USD 620-750). The next steps involve acquiring license plates and finally experiencing the joy of driving my “car from Japan” on local roads. To be continued…
If you missed the beginning of this journey, revisit Part 01 — The Search.
