The purpose of this is simple: I hunt down a handful of Kei trucks in Japan that meet the 🇺🇸US and/or 🇨🇦 Canada import age. Why? Because these little trucks bring a lot of joy.
If you’re thinking about importing, do your research, make sure the truck can actually be registered where you live.
This is something I do for fun from my home out here in Okinawa. If you have something you want me to track down, let me know.
Let’s get into this.
-Ryan
I’m such a huge fan of these headlights. And the door badge? So clean. Actys and Sambars get a lot of love in Canada and the US, but I’m tossing my hat in the ring for the Mazda Porter Cab 🔥🔥🔥
This one is bare bones, no power windows, no ABS, no AC, no power mirrors, just the driver, four gears, and 550 cubic centimetres of pure joy.
It has a little bit of rust, a scratched up bed, and a few dings here and there, but those are basically pre-requisites for a Kei truck.
Price: $3,737 USD / $5,160 CAD / ¥551,000 JPY
Engine: 550cc
Transmission: 4 speed, manual
Mileage: 48,000km (30,4447 miles)
Drivetrain: 2WD
Color: White
View the original listing here
If I was living back in Canada and running a hyper successful pig-to-porch bacon home delivery service, this would be my vehicle of choice. A super reliable Daihatsu Hijet with freezer/refrigeration unit to keep that beautiful bacon cool, while looking cool.
Features include driver’s side airbag, AC, power steering, drive recorder, freezer/fridge unit capable of -5℃ and a backup camera. What else do you need?
Price: $7,467 USD / $10,346 CAD / ¥1,100,000 JPY
Engine: 660cc
Transmission: 4 speed, automatic
Mileage: 73,000km (45,360 miles)
Drivetrain: 2WD
Color: White
View the original listing here
When my neighbour and his wife aren’t kite surfing, they’re running their bento box business out of their Mitsubishi Mini Cab, just like this one. Probably not the best vehicle to drive to and from your NBA practices, but if you’re 6’1” or under, this might the one. The stubby cab, headrests mounted to the body, and the low and wide stance, this is a bulldog on wheels.
This one is bare bones. In the listing, there are no options selected. No AC, no power windows, no backup cam, this is what Kei trucks are meant to be.
Price: $2,036USD / $2,822 CAD / ¥300,000 JPY
Engine: 660cc
Transmission: 5 speed, manual
Mileage: 44,000km (27,340 miles)
Drivetrain: 2WD
Color: White
View the original listing here
I don't even know where to start with this one. Are you kidding me? I know I said that I was going all in on my pig-to-porch bacon business, but I might just switch it up for a mobile dog grooming business. This thing is a mini tank! Look at those wheels and is that a hardwood in the bed and a hydraulic lift on the back door? Oh, and leather interior, just to flex. I bet you if you ask real nice, they might even throw in that little speaker sitting on the dashboard.
This one is incredible, super super cool for anybody running a business and wants to stand out as you're driving around town. If you're in the US, wait one extra year and this one should be good to import there too. Love this one.
Price: $4,875USD / $6,753CAD / ¥718,000 JPY
Engine: 660cc
Transmission: 5 speed, manual
Mileage: 64,000km (39,768 miles)
Drivetrain: 2WD
Color: “Custard Yellow”
View the original listing here
You really thought I was going to get past this first edition without posting a Honda Acty? No way. This one is too clean. Not to mention, I’m not ready for hate mail after only one post. We’ll wait for number two or three for that.
Peppermint green, white lettering on the tires, blacked out badges, brushed door handles, and ultra impeccable interior. I’m a massive fan of this one.
Mostly bare bones, but it does come with a driver’s side airbag and power steering. You’ll have to bank on the peppermint paint to keep you cool in the hot weather.
Price: $3,142USD / $4,353CAD / ¥463,000 JPY
Engine: 660cc
Transmission: 5 speed, manual
Mileage: 54,000km (33,554 miles)
Drivetrain: 2WD
Color: Peppermint Green
View the original listing here
And that’s that. Five handpicked Kei trucks for anybody looking at brining one of these lil trucks home.
If you have any questions, or requests, let me know.
See you next week!
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.