ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
TARZAN YAMADA
Your Host & JDM Tour Guide
Guide Bio
I'm TARZAN YAMADA — a professional racing driver active since 1981, known across Japan's motorsport and JDM tuning world. My career has taken me from Formula 3 and endurance racing to becoming Japan's most recognised time attack specialist, competing on circuits across Japan, the United States, Australia, and beyond.
As a contracted driver for Nissan and Subaru, and a long-time face of Japan's legendary OPTION and Video Option media, I've spent decades pushing some of the most iconic Japanese performance cars to their limits. Now I bring that knowledge and passion directly to you — on the streets of Yokohama and at the iconic Daikoku PA.
This isn't just a tour. It's a chance to experience JDM culture with someone who has lived it from the inside.
Fun Facts / Quick Stats
・Active racing driver since 1981
・All-Japan F3 Championship — Series 2nd (1984)
・1991 Formula Mirage Class Champion
・2002 N1 Super Taikyu Endurance Champion
・WTAC Australia Time Attack — 2x World Champion
・Factory contracted driver — Nissan & Subaru
・Featured driver — OPTION & Video Option magazine
OUR STORY
For years, I've been living and breathing Japan's car culture — not as a spectator, but as a driver, a racer, and a passionate member of the community. From competitive racing to late-night runs along the Yokohama waterfront, every experience has shaped the tours I run today.
Samurai Auto Engineering Works was born from a simple idea: that the best way to experience JDM culture is through the people who actually live it. That's what I'm here to give you.
What Makes Us Different
For years, I've been living and breathing Japan's car culture — not as a spectator, but as a driver, a racer, and a passionate member of the community. From competitive racing to late-night runs along the Yokohama waterfront, every experience has shaped the tours I run today.
Samurai Auto Engineering Works was born from a simple idea: that the best way to experience JDM culture is through the people who actually live it. That's what I'm here to give you.
Welcome
Whether you're a lifelong JDM fan or just discovering what Japan's car culture is all about, you're in the right place. Come for the cars, stay for the experience.
Welcome to Samurai Auto Engineering Works. Let's drive.
