Auto Otaku FAQ

Recently I have been getting a lot of questions from readers about various things related to this site so I figured I will do a short "FAQ" of sorts to clarify some things. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions people have and correct some misconceptions.

What is Auto Otaku?

I started this site almost one year ago with the purpose of sharing my passion for cars with others and to have a place to put my photography and writing. I think a lot of people wanted something besides the stuff that is commonly tied to the "import scene". I know there a tons of people out there who are basically "geeks" for the Japanese car scene, thus the name "Auto Otaku". 

I do not really consider my expert on any one type of car, but I try to stay familiar with many of the different car subcultures and my passion is not limited to one type of car, or even to Japanese cars alone.

A common misconception about this site is that there is a whole "team" of contributors. Nope. It's basically just me alone trying to hard to make this site more enjoyable and informative. I don't make any direct profit at all from this site.

I have thought of making some stickers or something but it might be a little difficult seeing as how I'm in Japan and most of my readers are not. For now, if you would like to help support the site to see more coverage in the future, feel free to click the Google Ads on the right.

Who are you and what are you doing in Japan?

I grew up in Central California, and while studying at college I met a wonderful Japanese girl who now happens to be my wife. After saving up some money, graduating with a degree in digital media, we decided to move to Japan for a while where I would start down the path to a career in auto journalism.

I know I will not get rich doing this, but through this site I have been able to make many new friends and establish a lot of working relationships for with publications and websites all over the world. I am always looking to work with new publications so if you are interested or know someone who might be, don't hesitate to contact me.

If you would like to see more about my life in Japan outside of cars, check out my personal blog right here.

What kind of camera equipment do you use?

My camera equipment is nothing special at all.

Right now I am using a Canon 30D camera and the lenses I use primarily are the Canon 10-22mm and Canon 70-200F4L (Non IS). I have other equipment, but about 95% of my shots are done with those two lenses. I'm sure I will expand/upgrade in the future but for now I am happy with the results I get.

I'll also use this opportunity to announce that Auto Otaku video content is on the way. I just bought an HD camcorder and after I re-familiarize myself with video I will be adding video coverage to this site. It won't be Spielberg, but I think it will add a certain amount of excitement that cannot be shown with photos alone.

What kind of car do you drive?

Right now  my wife and I are driving a completely stock Honda Fit. Pretty boring huh?

In the past I have had a number of different cars including S13's. AE86's, S30Z's and a Honda Accord Wagon. I have also owned my share of V8's as well.

I may purchase a "fun" car in the future though I have not made any decisions yet. I would hopefully look for something that I could bring back home to the states with me if possible. AE86? Toyota Carina?  I'd  love to have a  GC110 Skyline  but the lack of garage space, tools, and $$ may keep that idea on the back burner for a while.

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Hopefully that answers some of your questions. If you have any more questions or feedback, please respond in the comments section email me. If there are additional questions I will add them to the FAQ.

 

Comments

[Banpei]

That's quite funny... About a one and a half month ago I thought of opening a blog/portal for JDM cars with the name "auto otaku" but then found out that you already run a site with that name with about the same info as I was planning to publish on it. The only difference would be that I wanted to publish secondhand content since I don't live in Japan.

So I started following your blog and now I see you owned a hachi in the past and perhaps want to buy a Carina. Guess what I'm driving currently... ;)
(I hope you mean the TA63 or AA63 Carina btw)

[leongsoon]

Long overdue! Maybe you should show us a pic of yourself too!

[DewA_LavaU]

helo there.Been following your blogs since July 2007 and I must say I really love your picture and write-up :) keep up the good work!

[Clive]

i'm following your great blog from Paris, keep it up!

[Yanny Cash]

Ken&Mary........DO IT! Haha, ya gotta, make that happen.

j!

[hannibal]

best car blog ever!
thanks for everything

[Quinn]

Really enjoy the Blog. Check it Daily. Reporting in from Canada. AE86 (4 of them) and soon to be a Mits Bravo owner.

[Remigio]

Great blog! It's one I've bookmarked and checked since 07. Keep up the great blogging and I hope your enjoying life in Japan.

[Jeff]

Yes. Seriously good blog. I check it right after I check my email. And..

VIDEO WOULD BE AWESOMEE!!!!

[Sillbeer]

Your blog is one of the regular morning jaunts I make around the web while sipping my flat white. Awesome coverage of Tsukuba, and gives a really good view as to where the visual styling for time attack is going. Those Rauh-Welt cars are just awesome.

Cheers from Perth, Western Australia
Brendan

[Clive]

damn i didnt think about that.. it would be great if you post some vidéos! that's a nice idea remigio :))

[kanjo.nick]

Just wanted to say that I too love the site, and check it multiple times a day. As a senior journalism/photography major in college with an undying passion for autos, I can't help but feel envious of your blog and capabilities to cover Tsukuba and the street scene straight from Japan.

Keep on livin' the dream, keep making connections and I'm sure you'll succeed as a automotive journalist.

Continually showin' love from Chicago, IL,
Nick

PS: I too am lookin' forward to the video content, for sure.

[Johnny]

Great blog and awesome pictures. Keep up the great work and looking forward to the video content as well.

P/s: The Route 294 - My Other Blog is actually linked back to Auto-Otaku. You might want to fix up that link.

[giff]

I love that you're taking these consistently fantastic pictures with <$2k worth of equipment. Way to go.

As everyone else has said, I always look forward to when I see new posts from you added in my RSS reader. Hopefully this will lead to some networking opportunities for you and we'll see your name published in some of the better magazines around here.

[Mike]

Thanks for all the compliments guys. I really appreciate it and it makes me feel good knowing other people enjoy this site as much as I do making it.

Johnny, thanks for the heads up on that. I just fixed it so it should be OK now.

-Mike

[alonso]

Hey Mike, do you speak/read/write japanese?

And can't wait for the video content!

And i would most def buy Auto-Otaku stickers and put them on my time attack S13! showing love from SoCal.

[Beau]

Hi Mike,

I work for Metropolis magazine and would be interested in talking with you. Give us a holler!

Beau

[waska]

hey,

first to say, you're doing a outstanding job, and I'm a big fan of your web :)
You're living in a dream of mine. Almost year ago, I've started a web based on the same auto-journalism theme. You can find it on www.waska.lt

And yes, I'm living more than half world away from Japan, little country in Europe - Lithuania.

Greetings and keep it up!