Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly
Episode: Racing Down a Secret Mountain
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In the Racing Down a Secret Mountain episode of the Away Days Podcast, host Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the clandestine world of underground street racing in Japan. Focused on the fringes of Osaka’s vibrant racing scene, the episode offers an unfiltered look into the lives of those who partake in illegal high-speed competitions, exploring both the camaraderie and the perils that define this subculture.

The 'Across' Street Racing Crew

Jake begins his journey by immersing himself in the base of Across, a highly regarded street racing crew known for their distinctive Honda Civics adorned with vibrant decals and customized modifications. The garage, guarded by brightly colored cars with roof-to-tyre decals and obscuring nets, serves as the hub for these enthusiasts who thrive on the adrenaline of high-speed races.

[02:30] Jake Hanrahan: "These are the guys who live for the rush, pushing their Civics to the limit on the Canjo loop."

The crew’s dedication is evident in every meticulously maintained vehicle, each bearing the Across logo and personalized designs that not only enhance performance but also serve as a form of self-expression within the racing community.

Interview with Menma: A Female Racer in a Male-Dominated Scene

A standout feature of this episode is Jake’s interview with Menma, the sole female member of the Across crew. Her presence challenges the predominantly male landscape of Japanese street racing, offering insights into the unique challenges she faces.

[04:51] Menma (Bridget Todd): "As I'm a woman, I need to race in a way so I don't get disrespected."

Menma discusses her entry into the racing world, introduced by a childhood friend, and her passion for racing despite societal norms. Her car, a bright turquoise Honda Civic, not only symbolizes her identity but also serves as a statement of resilience and determination.

[06:07] Menma (Bridget Todd): "If I'm not racing, I'm working, fishing, and riding my bike. Racing is my escape and my passion."

Her experiences highlight the broader issues of gender dynamics within the racing community, shedding light on her strategies to gain respect and assert her place among her peers.

Japanese Police Pursuit Policies and Their Impact on Street Racing

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding how Japanese law enforcement interacts with street racing activities. Through an extensive explanation, Jake elucidates the meticulous and conservative approach Japanese police take when dealing with illegal street racers.

[05:51] Menma (Bridget Todd): "I'm sure it's tough for them and they probably have a lot on their plate, but it'd be nice if they spent their time on things other than Civics."

The Japanese police prioritize public safety over aggressive pursuit, often avoiding high-speed chases to minimize the risk of accidents, especially in densely populated areas. This restrained approach allows racers like Hero, an 18-year-old member of Across, to occasionally evade capture through skillful driving and strategic maneuvers.

[10:45] Jake Hanrahan: "Japan's policing philosophy emphasizes crime prevention and measured responses, making Hollywood-style high-speed chases almost nonexistent."

This careful balance between enforcement and safety significantly shapes the strategies employed by street racers, fostering a culture of ingenuity and caution within the illegal racing scene.

The Secret Mountain Race: Preparation and Execution

Transitioning from theory to action, Jake joins the Across crew in organizing a secret mountain race. With the Kanjo loop temporarily off-limits due to intensified police scrutiny, the team opts for a secluded mountain road renowned among underground racers for its challenging curves and high-speed potential.

[15:07] Jake Hanrahan: "We're taking the Civics up to a mountain road to grip around corners at extreme high speed. It’s a different kind of race."

The crew meticulously prepares their cars, stripping interiors for weight reduction and enhancing performance through various modifications. The mountain road, with its immaculate engineering, provides the perfect yet perilous setting for their high-stakes competition.

Road Infrastructure: Japan vs. England

Jake contrasts Japan’s superior road infrastructure with the deteriorating state of British roads, emphasizing how meticulous engineering in Japan facilitates both legitimate and illicit racing activities.

[22:15] Jake Hanrahan: "Japanese mountain pass roads are feats of precision, blending advanced civil engineering with safety and efficiency. Unlike in England, where potholes are a nightmare, Japan's roads are smooth, well-maintained, and perfectly suited for high-speed racing."

This comparison underscores the importance of infrastructure in enabling underground racing, highlighting Japan’s commitment to building durable and efficient roads that inadvertently support illegal activities.

Jake's Experience During the Race

In a gripping first-person narrative, Jake recounts his experience as a passenger in one of the Civics during the secret race. The intense description captures the raw adrenaline and the inherent dangers of high-speed racing on narrow, treacherous mountain roads.

[30:45] Jake Hanrahan: "I can't tell if we're in a better position than before, but I can see the Temple racing car spin off even faster than we are. My heart's racing, ears ringing, palms sweaty."

From the initial roar of the engines to the precise handling around rapid corners, Jake provides a visceral account of the race, highlighting both the technical prowess of the drivers and the razor-thin margins under which they operate.

[34:10] Jake Hanrahan: "The car is a roller coaster with tinted windows and scorched tires. The engine screams at a steady pitch, and every system is working near its limit."

His reflections offer a candid portrayal of the exhilarating yet dangerous nature of street racing, emphasizing the fine line between thrill-seeking and recklessness.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the race concludes, Jake reflects on the allure and the risks associated with underground street racing. His firsthand experience provides a deeper understanding of why individuals are drawn to this high-stakes environment, despite the inherent dangers.

[37:15] Jake Hanrahan: "It is dangerous, unfair, and antisocial. But it is still true that it's exhilarating. I can now completely feel the appeal of it."

This conclusion encapsulates the complex motivations behind street racing, acknowledging both its allure and its potential for destruction. Jake's journey offers listeners an unvarnished look into a subculture that thrives on defiance, skill, and the relentless pursuit of adrenaline.

Production and Acknowledgments

The episode is a production of H11 Studio for Cool Zone Media, featuring detailed reporting, production, writing, editing, and research by Jake Hanrahan. The collaborative efforts include co-production by Sophie Lichterman, music by Sam Black, sound mixing by Splicing Block, photography by Johnny Pickup and Louis Hollis, and graphic design by Laura Adamson and Casey Highfield.

[38:46] Jake Hanrahan: "You've been listening to the Away Days Podcast. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube.com/waydaystv. Reporting, producing, writing, editing, and research by me, Jake Hanrahan."

This comprehensive episode not only sheds light on the underground racing scene in Japan but also highlights the meticulous craftsmanship behind the podcast's production, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for listeners.

Key Takeaways

• Underground Street Racing in Japan: A tightly-knit community thrives on precision, skill, and defiance against restrictive law enforcement.

• Gender Dynamics: Menma’s role as the only female racer highlights the challenges and resilience required to break gender barriers in a male-dominated scene.

• Law Enforcement Strategies: Japanese police prioritize public safety over aggressive pursuit, influencing the tactics used by street racers.

• Infrastructure Impact: Superior road engineering in Japan facilitates both legal and illegal racing activities, contrasting sharply with the deteriorating road conditions in countries like England.

• Personal Insight: Jake Hanrahan’s firsthand experience as a passenger underscores the intense thrills and inherent dangers of underground street racing.

Notable Quotes

• Menma:

  "As I'm a woman, I need to race in a way so I don't get disrespected."
  [04:51]

• Jake Hanrahan:

  "Japan's policing philosophy emphasizes crime prevention and measured responses, making Hollywood-style high-speed chases almost nonexistent."
  [10:45]

• Jake Hanrahan:

  "It is dangerous, unfair, and antisocial. But it is still true that it's exhilarating. I can now completely feel the appeal of it."
  [37:15]

This episode of the Away Days Podcast offers a compelling exploration of Japan’s underground street racing scene, combining in-depth interviews, technical insights, and personal narratives to provide a holistic view of a subculture that exists on the periphery of mainstream society.