I was reading...or trying to read Shakotan Boogie Vol.3 the other day when I found a story that I quite liked since it dealt with never-ending debate between form and function. Thought I'd share a couple quick scenes that show the just of it. Keep in mind this was all written back in the late 1980s!

So basically Koji and Hajime (the two main characters) are out one day when they run into an old friend from elementary school, Okazaki-kun. Okazaki drives a supercharged AE86 and the guys quickly get into a discussion about cars.

Okazaki tells the guys that Shakotan Yankee style is the old way and that the new thing is function and driving performance. He's a proud "Car Boy". "Look, a pack of cigarettes doesn't even fit under the car!", he tells Hajime when checking out his Soarer. Hajime responds by telling him that's something he's quite proud of.

The three of them go for a spin in the 86, when they roll up on a shakotan Cedric. Okazaki tries to initiate a battle, Car Boy style by flashing his headlights at the Cedric.

The Cedric is driven by an acquaintance of Hajime and Koji named Toshi. He stops the Cedric and asks Okazaki what the hell he's doing, nearly beating the crap out of him. Later, Okazaki introduces Hajime and Koji to some his Carboy friends. The two buddies aren't really feeling the whole car nerd scene.

...until they find out there's girls involved.

Once they know this could be a way to pick up chicks, Hajime and Koji change their Yankee fashion, raise the Soarer and become Car Boys.

That night they all go out for some touge driving with the girls in their Starlet, when they get passed up by Jun and Akira in their shakotan cars.
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Everyone talks about how cool the Z and the Hakosuka looked as they overtook the group.

Later, the three guys are standing near Okazaki's car when a couple girls comment on its lame stance and lack of shakotan. Okazaki shakes it off, saying they don't understand the sophistication of his 86 and that a car is not to be used for nampa (picking up chicks).

At this point, the nampa-crazed Hajime and Koji decide to revert to their shakotan yankee ways, bringing their Soarer back to its original style. While cruising around the see a girl walking down the street and go into full nampa mode...

...only to find that the girl is already being pursued by Okazaki in his shakotan-converted 86.
Hajime and Koji have a new rival for picking up chicks in town and the story comes to an end.
This is why I love Shakotan Boogie.