Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly

Episode: Illegal Racing on Japan’s Kanjo Loop
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Jake Hanrahan
Produced by: H11 Studio and Cool Zone Media, Osaka, Japan

Introduction to Kanjo Zoku

In this gripping episode of the Away Days Podcast, journalist Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the clandestine world of illegal street racing in Osaka, Japan, specifically focusing on the infamous Kanjo Loop. Hanrahan's firsthand experience, embedded within the racing culture, provides listeners with an unfiltered glimpse into a subculture thriving on speed, rebellion, and camaraderie.

Racing on the Kanjo Loop

Timestamp: [02:19]

Jake begins his journey seated in a heavily modified 1990s Honda Civic, navigating the high-speed corridors of the Kanjo Loop. The Kanjo Loop, an elevated expressway in Osaka, transforms at night into a battleground for street racers known as Kanjozoku. The thrill of racing at over 100 miles per hour is juxtaposed with the constant danger posed by the high-speed maneuvers.

Jake Hanrahan: "It's scary, but I can't lie. It's also exhilarating." – [05:00]

Historical Context of Kanjo Zoku

Timestamp: [06:15]

To understand the origins of Kanjo Zoku, Hanrahan traces back to Japan's economic boom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This era, marked by a surge in wealth and technological advancements, cultivated a culture of excess and rebellion among the youth. The Kanjo Loop itself, constructed in the 1960s to alleviate urban congestion, inadvertently became the perfect racetrack for these rebellious racers.

Jake Hanrahan: "The heavy walls, tight lanes, and sharp curves of the Loop add to the thrill for the racers." – [08:45]

The Honda Civic: An Icon of the Subculture

Timestamp: [09:30]

Central to the Kanjo Zoku movement is the Honda Civic. These vehicles, stripped down and enhanced for speed, symbolize the movement's ethos of efficiency, speed, and defiance. Modified with lightweight interiors, powerful B16 or B18 engines, and advanced suspension systems, these Civics are engineered for sheer performance on the precarious Kanjo Loop.

Jake Hanrahan: "The Kanjo Civic is ugly in the most beautiful way possible." – [11:00]

Tribal Nature and Notable Crews

Timestamp: [12:15]

Kanjo Zoku is not merely about racing; it's a tightly-knit community with its own hierarchy, respect systems, and rivalries. Notable crews like No Good Racing, Temple Racing, and Warp Racing have carved their names into the subculture's lore. These crews operate with unwavering loyalty and possess a deep sense of identity, often linked to historical events and local folklore.

No Good Racing Representative: "Don't be like No Good Racing." – [17:29]

Hanrahan highlights how these groups maintain their underground status through strict secrecy and elaborate modifications, ensuring their activities remain concealed from mainstream society.

Police Crackdown and Its Impact

Timestamp: [18:24]

The allure of Kanjo Zoku's defiance hasn't gone unnoticed by law enforcement. Over the years, increased police scrutiny has significantly diminished the number of active racers. Rigorous surveillance, including high-end cameras and undercover units, has led to numerous arrests and the dismantling of key tuning shops that support the racing community.

Kanjo Racer: "If you get caught running the Kanjo now, you'll usually get arrested for what the police call joint dangerous behavior." – [17:59]

The crackdown has forced surviving crews to become more discreet and fortified their networks, creating a more resilient yet fragmented community.

Evolution of the Subculture

Timestamp: [22:45]

Despite the intensified police efforts, Kanjo Zoku has shown remarkable adaptability. The remaining racers have formed alliances, sharing intelligence on anti-Kanjo measures and ensuring mutual protection against law enforcement. This evolution has led to the emergence of the most hardcore members, undeterred by the high stakes of their illegal pursuits.

Jake Hanrahan: "Even in a country with a conviction rate of over 99%, the police's illegal street racing crackdowns aren't just focused on Kanjo." – [25:30]

Hanrahan notes the diversification of illegal racing styles across Japan, emphasizing that Kanjo Zoku remains a significant yet evolving presence within the broader underground racing scene.

A Night with the Kanjo Zoku

Timestamp: [27:00]

In his pursuit to uncover the depths of Kanjo Zoku, Hanrahan gains access to a local garage that serves as a hub for various crews. Here, he encounters individuals deeply embedded in the culture, such as Himari, a key figure within the community. Himari provides invaluable insights into the motivations and inner workings of the racers.

Himari: "Kanjozoku are young speed addicts. They seek the feeling of being able to ride however you want." – [16:36]

Through these interactions, Hanrahan portrays the human side of the racers, revealing their search for identity, thrill, and belonging within a society that often marginalizes them.

The Future of Kanjo Zoku

Timestamp: [33:00]

As the episode concludes, Hanrahan reflects on the resilience of Kanjo Zoku. While the visible presence of illegal racing on the Kanjo Loop has waned, the subculture persists in the shadows. New generations continue to embrace the legacy of Kanjo Zoku, ensuring that the spirit of rebellion and speed remains alive.

Jake Hanrahan: "There are several different crews still active and some of them are even growing as they remain largely in the shadows." – [34:03]

Conclusion

Jake Hanrahan's exploration of the Kanjo Zoku subculture offers a compelling narrative of passion, resistance, and the unyielding pursuit of adrenaline-fueled freedom. By providing an unfiltered account of illegal racing on Japan’s Kanjo Loop, Away Days Podcast sheds light on the complexities of underground movements and their enduring impact on urban landscapes.

For listeners seeking to witness these high-octane stories, Hanrahan invites them to watch the Away Days documentaries on YouTube.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's scary, but I can't lie. It's also exhilarating." – Jake Hanrahan [05:00]
• "The Kanjo Civic is ugly in the most beautiful way possible." – Jake Hanrahan [11:00]
• "Don't be like No Good Racing." – No Good Racing Representative [17:29]
• "If you get caught running the Kanjo now, you'll usually get arrested for what the police call joint dangerous behavior." – Kanjo Racer [17:59]
• "Kanjozoku are young speed addicts. They seek the feeling of being able to ride however you want." – Himari [16:36]
• "There are several different crews still active and some of them are even growing as they remain largely in the shadows." – Jake Hanrahan [34:03]

Credits:
Reporting, producing, writing, editing, and research by Jake Hanrahan. Co-producing by Sophie Lichterman. Music by Sam Black. Sound design by Splicing Block. Photography by Johnny Pickup and Louis Hollis. Graphic design by Laura Adamson and Casey Highfield.

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