Japanese Number Plates Explained | A full guide of Japanese Number plates

[@BorisJeam]

A very good video! I am a number plate nerd, so I thought I'd add a few details that's not covered. - Many people got the 2020 Summer Olympic vanity plate, which got a subtle logo on the top right, because it was the only way to get green on white plate on Kei-cars. - Illuminated plate was invented for the cold north, as the incandescent bulb would melt the snow off the plate. However, todays they use LED bulb so it's now mainly for aesthetic. - The transport office area displayed on top must always match with the address of the owner. You cannot have, say, Naniwa plate if your address is in Tokyo. If you move and the address is changed, the plate also needed to be change. - However, if the car is sold to another owner within the same transport office area, the car can keep it's plate. This is why there are some car out there with 1-digit classification car owned by somebody who wasn't even alive before the introduction of 2-digit classification. - A lot have already pointed out that 5-number cars not only required to have smaller engine than 2,000cc, but also being narrower than 1,700mm and shorter than 4,700mm. This is why cars such as Suzuki Swift now has 3-number. It used to be that 3-number got heavily penalised by yearly tax, but today it's mostly down to engine capacity. - Continuing from above, with some cars of the 80's (before 1989 rule change that lessen 3 number tax penalty), if they have >2,000cc engine, they would also have big, USDM-esque bumper that pushed the car over 4,700mm length. If the owner is paying a lot to have big engine, they want it to be more obvious than just having 3 on the plate. - 3 digit classification was introduced in 1998, but didn't become nationwide until 2003. Kei-car only went to 3 digit classification nationwide in 2005, so it is relatively more common than white plate 2-digit. - The classification number is not always sequential. If you selected to have the "desired number", the sequence would start from x30 and reverting back to x10 when it gets to x99. Kei-car sequence starts at x80. When some of the more popular numbers run out they introduced the alphabet to the classification as shown. - If someone requested 42-49 on their plate with the desired number system, the transport office nationwide will issue that plate no problem. Some would even issue it sequentially but some would not. - 尾張小牧ナンバー is just the meme.

[@JayDM2311]

This is top quality info! I'm glad you could clarify these points! I did know about the summer Olympic plate as a friend told me about it but I forgot to mention it arrrg. I've pinned your comment so all can see the points I missed, thanks a lot!

[@hiki_neat315]

おぉ〜外国人なのに詳しいね 陸運局で働いてる人?

[@migzchi]

I have a question what if i want to register my Koenigsegg agera to japan, what plate number will I get?

[@BorisJeam]

@@hiki_neat315 暇すぎです!

[@STRIDER_503]

@@migzchi Probably nothing special, just a normal plate with a 3 classification. Being a Koenigsegg doesn't mean it's different from a Prius; they are still cars.

[@LongPeter]

From memory, Bato’s car in Ghost in the Shell has 39-23 plates. Nissan was a sponsor of the production so “San Kyu Ni San” seems suitably courteous.

[@atomimaichi]

The plate only changes if the car leaves the issuing authority's region. You can transfer ownership of a car with the same plate so long as the area of the owners is the same. If the owner moves regions, or the new owner is in a different area, then the plate must change. So in the case of the cappuccino, it means that it has never been registered outside of the area it was originally, not that the owner is the same as before.

[@JDMism]

I was going to comment about this, it’s basically the only thing this video got wrong

[@Dezza2241]

Gonna have to keep an eye out for rental cars at the next meet I go to 😂

[@JayDM2311]

Now you’ll be able to tell who’s the real deal and who’s posing!

[@lmao6769_]

@@JayDM2311rental isnt cheap. Let people enjoy their own money instead of calling them a post.

[@NakiriX1]

@@lmao6769_ doesnt matter if its cheap or not, if you go to a car meet flexing your rental r34 youre a poser.

[@hiki_neat315]

Look at the 「わ」plate

[@samholdsworth420]

​@@lmao6769_poser* not post

[@OrangeSunshine15]

I design liveries in gt7 and I used to use the white plate with red line 🤣 Now, I'm gonna use the regular plate. Thanks for posting this, I learnt something new today.

[@megaberu]

Yeah a lot of people use them, so much so that I almost thought I was wrong that it was only used for new cars lol although I'm still curious if there's maybe a loophole or something where people run these plates on cars to avoid registering?

[@fiat1314]

white plate with red line could mean a non-road legal car given special permission to drive on public roads as well, i think it is kinda cool to imagine a driver taking a racecar to a racetrack on public roads. Edit: look up WRC cars going to their next stage on public roads it is so cool imo.

[@megaberu]

@@fiat1314 JGTC supra with one of those plates 🤤

[@すどにむ]

There's no loophole, just a small plausible deniability against police officers pulling them over. This is not muh car, I was teaking it to the shoop, I though I still had a day left until expiry, yadda yadda. yeahhh those ultra stanced wheels on that rust bucket is juust an unfortunate road trip breakdown that's totally believable have a nice day There are very few cases they're used legitimately though, like actual manufacturer prototypes and cars actually being transported for repairs, but they usually aren't equipped with fiber resin road surface sample collectors so those are obvious

[@megaberu]

@@すどにむ yeah I thought there might be something similar, nice to know, thanks

[@tibitekutan]

Very good explanation on the number plate system here! Here’s a few more obscure tidbits: “Y” and “A” kanas, as you mentioned, are reserved for civilian-purpose cars of US military servicemen on active duty. “E” is also reserved for military, but it also specifically means that the car has no local Japanese sales tax paid for, and when the serviceman moves out of Japan the car must be exported out as well. This almost always encompasses left-hand drive USDM vehicles from America imported to Japan by servicemen owners - though there are VERY rare exceptions to this rule (such as JDM cars that have already been legally exported to America, but brought back temporarily to Japan by their servicemen owners). In addition, the “よ” kana designates a car owned by a former US military serviceman not on active duty (whether retired or otherwise) who chooses to stay and settle in Japan.

[@JayDM2311]

Wow thanks for the detail with the serviceman numbers, it's really cool to find this out :D

[@tibitekutan]

@@JayDM2311no problem! i drive to Daikoku PA very often on weekend evenings and have conversed with lots of US military servicemen there, so I’ve learned quite a bit of obscure knowledge about how their car registrations work (which is slightly different than the average Japanese citizen or non-military gaijin, haha).

[@aaronoliveri]

I was looking for this comment as I was about to add about the "A" kanas for Kie cars.

[@okuu_utsuho]

I just found this video in my recommendations. This video should have more views!

[@JayDM2311]

I’m glad you think that, fingers crossed more people get to see it!

[@JawsFan27]

I'm currently stationed in Japan as a member of the US military. There's a joke among US servicemembers that the "Y" on our license plates stands for "Yankee".

[@JayDM2311]

That's hilarious. Another fun fact in Japanese the term ヤンキー or "yanki" is used to describe delinquent youths. I wonder if it is connected in any way to the Americans?

[@JawsFan27]

​@@JayDM2311it probably is!

[@tomaiger]

i believe it stays for "why are you here?", humble version of ami go home, the worldwide wish

[@jsquared1013]

@@tomaigerwOrLdWiDe WiSh 🙄 Every US base outside the US is there because the HOST NATION'S GOVERNMENT WANTS IT THERE. You might not understand the deterrence value of having a nearby Carrier Group, a Marine Expeditionary Unit, or a squadron of F-35s, but the enemies of your country sure do.

[@bowlingvanjapan4099]

What do they say about the A and ヨ plates then?

[@FDaihatsu]

5:40 Only leading zeros are marked as a dot. A zero in the number plate that's not the first digit is written as a regular zero. 6:38 It isn't banned (source- I had a rental with 42-05), it's just that people don't want a plate like that due to how it reads

[@JayDM2311]

5:40 Another viewer mentioned this and I can confirm this is coreect (after asking my friend about it) Regarding "banned numbers" turns out not all mentioned numbers are banned in all issuing municipalities. My friend in Fukuoka said it was banned but my other friend from Nagoya Said he had seen 42-05 so I guess it depends. In general as you said most people do not want these numbers at all! Thanks for the information :)

[@FDaihatsu]

@@JayDM2311np! btw, the 42-05 plate I had was registered in Kitakyushu. I think the absolute worst plate from a Japanese perspective is 42-19, which reads as "shini-iku" - meaning something like "go to die". Not something you'd want on your plate haha

[@tezcanaslan2877]

@@FDaihatsu that sounds like a gag which would be inserted in a otherwise serious anime

[@BrendanRaymondKoroKoro]

​@@tezcanaslan2877 nani?

[@NotEmacity]

@@FDaihatsu that number can also be a joke because 42.19 is the length of a marathon in kilometers lol

[@vboiE39]

1:41 Ohhh darn.... So THATS why I saw an alphard with a blue plate that doesn't match the Japanese design that I know last year!

[@JayDM2311]

Yep someone outta town would have been cruising around in that van!

[@PyroBlank]

In fact, the blue number plate is also a rule here in India; although the actual number system is different. That colour is reserved for diplomat vehicles, which I always see parked in the parking lot of the US consulate where I have to renew my passport. For some reason, a large number of these cars seem to be imports, even with India's BRUTAL import laws.

[@turdle837]

Japan being Japan is when even their number plates are an elaborate and thought out system

[@JayDM2311]

Yep this is classic Japan all over!

[@hiki_neat315]

日本人としては、ナンバープレートカスタム出来ないから海外が羨ましいよ

[@JayDM2311]

なるほど。正直なところ、私はカスタムプレートがあまり好きではありませんが、本当に好きな人もいます!@@hiki_neat315

[@ΞτγιεΞ]

That is not only in japan

[@jaywye]

Yeah, my country uses one number and just increments by 1 for every new plate

[@potato1627]

Bro is Underrated fast and easy to understand 🗣️🔥

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks man I appreciate the compliments!

[@SumoPoweredAlanLi]

So there is a dimension boundary and displacement boundary to differ small passenger cars (5xx) and regular passenger cars (3xx). The dimension boundary is 4700mm*1700mm*2000mm and displacement is 2L. If your vehicle goes over in one or more of the four metrics, your vehicle will be a regular passenger vehicle, which will subject to higher taxes.

[@JayDM2311]

This is correct ^^^

[@PANZ3RVI]

am using Google translate 1:42 This plate has several variations such as "gai"(外), "gai"with a circle, "dai"(代), and "ryo"(領). "gai"(外) is used by diplomats (外交官). The first two or three digits of the number represent the country to which it belongs. The plate in the video says 96, so it's the Mongolian diplomat's car. "gai"with a circle is used only by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Upper left at 1:45. "dai"(代) is used by daihyobu (代表部) [I don't know how to say it in English]. and "ryo"(領) is used by consulates (領事館). These are so rare that even we don't know much about it. Great video, btw. Much respect from Japan🫡

[@JayDM2311]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this. I am glad you enjoyed it. I am so glad my Japanese audience thought it was a good video, that makes me so happy :D

[@Mute_Nostril_Agony]

Thanks - I was a diplomat in the 90s in Japan and had a blue "gai" plate. Not stated in the chat is the key reason for these licence plate codes - charging different rates on highways. This made it difficult for the guys at the toll booths when I showed up with a blue plate as they didn't know what rate to charge me

[@JanFieber]

I always wondered what the numbers mean but never got to research myself. Thanks for this video. Now I can spot rentals the next time I'm at Daikoku

[@JayDM2311]

I’m glad you enjoyed it, I really hoped people would find it as interesting as I did. Keep an eye out for those わ & れ numbers at Daikoku!

[@TonytheGr8]

Did not search for this video but it found me. Glad it did. Very informative.

[@JayDM2311]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that it managed to find you :D

[@metaliczic96]

Thanks to the Shutokou Battle game, i learned what Japanese license plate number means.

[@Currawong]

One to add is JIETAI (Self-Defence Force) plates, which are 2+4 dark green numbers on a white background. You'll usually only see these if you live near a military base of some kind. There was a story that, before you could request custom number combinations, yakuza members would wait at the registration centre until 8888 was about to be issued, then barge in the line, which is why you'd see a lot of black Yakuza cars with only 8's on the plate. Speaking of which, you'd probably not want "893" (ya-ku-sa(n)) on your plate!

[@JayDM2311]

Wow great info thank you so much for sharing this!

[@JiorujiDerako]

Was just thinking about the yakuza tidbit! Saw a video about the topic a long while back, how if you (in the past) saw fancy luxury cars with very specific numbered plates (like that 888, etc) it was probably a car to stay away from because it was almost definitely yakuza.

[@jsquared1013]

I've heard "333" is one that those types of folks tended to have, as well.

[@Michael_Ryota]

日本のナンバーは複雑なのにも関わらずこんなに解説できる外国人がいるのにびっくり

[@JayDM2311]

お褒めの言葉をありがとうございます。日本人の友達が日本のナンバーについて教えてくれました。私もこのテーマについて少し調べてみました。私の下手な日本語ですみません。

[@BelaPuma]

​@@JayDM2311翻訳機使ってない思わせようとしてるのがちょびっとうける〜

[@anti-production]

@@BelaPuma bro studies nihongo

[@yuriaihara704]

I’m surprised that Japanese can understand Aussie accent😮🎉😂

[@captvalstrax]

I've seen so many 86s with the license plate "86", and as an GT86 owner back in the States, I love it!

[@masakikusahara5365]

Awesome breakdown! Really great in-depth knowledge right there. One little note on 4 and 9. AFAIK 49 is not related to "run over". Rather, 4 for "death" and 9 for "agony" are just generally not favored. For instance, hospital or even apartment rooms are typically nubered like 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, and then 110. Besides that you've provided one of the best clarification on the system and that's just amazing!

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate the clarification thanks

[@illusiveelk2558]

Kind of like how some buildings in the West lack a 13th floor?

[@aprtur]

​@@illusiveelk2558exactly. You'll notice this on some numbered parking spaces in Japan, as well.

[@JayDM2311]

That is true, it is like that!

[@Kessoku]

or 103a and 108a

[@PRIS555]

Great video. I've been collecting number plates for 30 years but got into the Japanese plates about 10 years ago. I got some books on them but they're very hard to follow. Your video really helped my understanding of these awesome plates. Been to Japan twice now. Great place, lots of platespotting, went to Daikoku PA, got a nice pair of Kei car plates in a rural car junkyard. Japan rocks. Arigato.

[@JayDM2311]

Glad I could help you out! Yeah, truly an amazing country especially for car culture.

[@ScaleAutoGarage]

As I build a lot of model kits, I have always been curious about the Japanese plates and the breakdown. This is a great video just for that reason. Thanks for providing me some info and now when a kit has the ability to create you own plate numbers, I will be more aware of what I can do with them!

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad I could help you out and you can put your new found knowledge to use!

[@chartreux8673]

There is another exceptional plate in Japan that I would like to add. It is mainly used when forwarding cars whose vehicle inspection has expired or whose vehicle inspection has not yet been passed. The four sides of the plate are surrounded by red lines. It is mainly offered specially to car dealers.

[@JayDM2311]

Yea I cant believe I did not include that one I am so sad I did not mention it :(

[@itsdarkinhere]

This was both interesting and educational. The person behind this clip also has a really good and clear voice. Will most certainly watch more from this channel.

[@JayDM2311]

Thank you so much for the kind and supportive words. I am actually a bit self-conscious about my voice... I tried my best to be as clear as possible but I still stumbled a little. I am glad you enjoyed it and I hope I can make more content you will enjoy :)

[@MervynPartin]

It's a long time since I last visited Japan, so I don't know why this came up on my home page, but it was actually very interesting.

[@NN-pr8ru]

*finally a proper explanation japanese plate number*

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it interesting. I did miss a couple points though unfortunately, check the pinned comment and others for more info if you are interested :)

[@mikeydude750]

Was in Tokyo the week after I saw this video pop up and it had me paying attention to the plates I saw while walking around! The Shinagawa plates totally make sense haha. Great video!

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed it :D

[@gamerxxxx5832]

1:21 I have this license plate in my car in the game and I never thought it was such a big deal 😂

[@JayDM2311]

Well there ya go, now you know!

[@elixer67]

Wow!! Very interesting video😮! I really like Japan🇯🇵 and i really wanted to know smthg about licence plates. THANKS mate!! 10/10 video, good edit, good voice, good photos 10/10 😊

[@JayDM2311]

Thank you for the kind words, I am glad you liked the video! Interesting to note aside from the diplomat number they were all my personal photos which I am very happy about :D

[@Ricy013]

This is very informativ, thank you very much. I was wondering for a long time about these plates, because they are quite popular on car meets outside of japan

[@larana1192]

2:23 actually there are one more type of license plate exist in Japan. vehicle used by JSDF(our armed forces) has special 6 digit license plate. written like 01-2345

[@JayDM2311]

I did have some viewers point this out. It's a shame I knew nothing about their existence until now :(

[@kenjamago3977]

I just notice that in Initial D manga & anime, it actually using 5 numbers combinations (2 in the front & 3 in the back). Like the iconic 13-954 which in unusual irl but it gets the job done for THE iconic plate of the Panda 86 of Akina. Same case as Wangan Midnight anime since it also made by the same studio who made the 4th Stage (53-681 of the Devil Z) While the rebooted 3 movies of Initial D & its actual sequel MF Ghost are revert to the 4 numbers combinations but with 1 number in the front & 3 numbers in the back

[@fiat1314]

initial d does a lot of timeline sliding. the manga begins in 1998 (it only says 199x in the manga but looking at the cars one can assume) but by the end of the anime there is people taking pictures with smartphones.

[@すどにむ]

Initial D uses invalid combinations likely so they don't have to worry about possible real counterparts

[@seleniumlines]

The place names were also switched around in the Legend movies. On Takumi's plate in the anime, it would read that the car was registered in Gunma. In the Legend movies, it instead reads "Akina" for Takumi and "Akagi" for Keisuke

[@What06]

After watching this video, this is definitely some neat information I found interesting especially when I didn't know about Japanese license plates, also guess I will be using "42" and "49" for the Dodge Viper in one of the Japanese console racing games that I play.

[@therealrailfangamingboi]

That one japanese guy in your neighborhood seeing ur number plate having numbers 42 & 49:

[@armond360]

Very informative. I've been to Japan now 20 times and always wondered about their plates. Thank you for helping me understand👍

[@advsttsvda4935]

good to see three different old polish number plates at the beginning

[@EverythingBattletech]

That Yellow FD, always beautiful

[@henrylowis1224]

Reminds me of my drive at Shutoko. I was resting at Daikoku PA when somehow I saw a hellcat parked with a わ plate, a rental. I couldn't believe my eyes since I never saw a US car being on a rental fleet. Was baller ngl.

[@JayDM2311]

Yea I have personally never see a US rental car. Some Japanese do like their US muscle though so I am sure that there would be a market for it!

[@andrewcook495]

Thanks for the explainer, I recently moved to Japan and while I knew some of the format, I also learned a few things! However, I will point out that the vehicle classification is based on size as well as engine capacity - I bought a Subaru Levorg, and while it's a 1.6 litre turbo engine, it has a 300 plate, not a 5xx plate. Also kudos for including a 北見 plate as an example - that's where I live!

[@JayDM2311]

That is exactly right and I had many viewers correct me about the class number also being related to width as well. Glad you learned a thing or two and I am glad I featured one of your local plates!

[@Mute_Nostril_Agony]

The blue plates are for Embassies and if the character is in a circle its the ambassador or offical flag car. The consulates have a slightly different format with a different character

[@the_reese]

Nice video! I am from Quebec, Canada and out here number plates are pretty basic. Although business/rental cars are easy to spot. Kinda like the Kana text in japan, we have F at the start of license plates where the vehicle was registered as a business car or as a rental. Pretty neat!

[@JayDM2311]

Really I did not know that! I actually want to visit Canada one day, i'll have to keep an eye out!

[@danielgondwe]

i agree on what he said about the brake booster here 2:38 because i always wondered why mechanics never considered moving the booster after converting to RHD like the 2004 jeep Cherokee sport

[@mrjingles77]

I'm from SA and ordered a JDM style rego plate when they were released the other week. I chose the premium ones for my Skyline 370gt. The number and lettering I was issued was 23-AAA. (Ni San). Pretty chuffed with that!

[@JayDM2311]

That's pretty cool actually!

[@hpenvy1106]

I actually love sign plate lore. It's somehow interesting! Did you know that in Switzerland they just take the city/municipality as a two letter code and start counting up? So SH 180528 would be the 180528th number plate issued in Schaffhausen. Small municipalities didn't cross 9999 till today. You can keep your sign plate, take it with you to your next car and even sell it. Low and matching numbers often bring some good money. This system only works because Switzerland is small. Letters would be much more efficient.

[@karb9715]

I realized my car had 42 as the last 2 numbers on my plate....explains why i got some weird looks when parking haha. Great Video!

[@djhappyemo]

This was very interesting to learn considering I also live in S.A. and im currently waiting for my new japanese style plates

[@JayDM2311]

Aren't we all! I'm planning on getting one for my Skyline, but the supra I want to keep the slim plate up front as it looks a lot better and frees up space for airflow to my intercooler.

[@Akira_nvrsuc]

The top 3 digits will actually tell you if the owner has picked or customized their numbers. If it ends with a two digit before “30” (for example 330) means the number has been randomly generated. If it ends with a two digit above “30” (such as 335) means the number has been chosen by its owner.

[@JayDM2311]

I see, that's great to know thanks for clarifying this.

[@zab5980]

The only custom plate I knew about was the .2-.3 one because it spells Ni San but thanks for the video, I had no idea about the rest !

[@JayDM2311]

There are so many, I only listed a few. I quick google search will show you many more if your curious!

[@nlpnt]

23-32 on a Nissan Sunny.

[@zab5980]

@@nlpnt oh that's super clever

[@Nanu-k8u]

lovely video. It's always the underrated youtubers that have the BEST quality videos. You my man earned a new sub. Keep it up 😍😍

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks man I appreciate the compliment and thanks for subscribing!

[@jmstlouis1]

Classification of 3 also applied cars with wider body over 1,700mm even engine is smaller than 2,000cc.

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks for the clarification :) I had a few viewers point this out and I am so glad I got to learn all the bits I missed!

[@johncanalese588]

NSW also has JDM style number plates available in white with green lettering, and other combinations. Costs $335 to buy.

[@JayDM2311]

SA recently got them a few weeks ago and we are all very excited!

[@TheOG-Dov]

Was stationed in Japan for 2 years, knew a bit about the plates but you gave a really good explanation on the subject. We usually joked that we could always spot an American driver instantly from the English letter plate.

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad I could teach you a couple of fun facts!

[@TheOG-Dov]

@@JayDM2311 Had the Y plates, called them Yankee plates. Don't know if the others had another nickname to them too.

[@Colorado_Native]

I am now retired USAF and spent 8 years at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. All of the service personnnel that got a car also got a Y (jokingly called a Yankee) plate. When we got the car inspected they would listen to the tone of the horn to make sure they liked it. If your car's tires were gettting too thin on tread, a local repair shop would 'lend' you some tires and wheels. When you took your car in for inspection the inspector would spray paint the lug nuts overspraying a little onto the wheel. It was not uncommon to see a car witth several colors on the wheels. I bet the inspectors never noticed that! The Japanese are sticklers for following rules. Once I was renewing the plates. I was paying and about to receive my change when the noon whistle blew. The girl said she would be right back. I had o wait for her to eat her lunch from her bento box. The end-of-lunch whistle blew, she came to the window and gave me my change.

[@TheOG-Dov]

@@Colorado_Native Was USAF too, although I was up in Misawa. I heard a story almost exactly like that from one of my buddies too.

[@MrLeovdmeer]

I love the fact that you can see on the plate that is it a rental.

[@adrianleeds3468]

Awesome - thanks. Just got back from Japan, wish I'd seen this before we went.

[@JayDM2311]

Ah that's a shame, maybe next time!

[@freshl3mon]

Always loved seeing the illuminated number plates in my travels there, wished we got that here in BC, Canada. Also did not know Japan had custom designed plates!

[@JayDM2311]

The illuminated plates originally were designed for snowy areas so they can be seen better in harsh conditions. Nowadays anyone can get them of course.

[@Lanes100]

A cool play on words one was one I saw in Gero city on a firetruck, specifically, the ladder truck. They had the numberplate 845 (hachi shi go) which phonetically spells hashigo, or ladder in Japanese.

[@JayDM2311]

Oh wow that's amazing lol

[@thecutlemon8101]

Hey! I loved this vid and I actually didn’t know your channel only had 1k subs. Keep up the great vids for the future!

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks for the kind comment! as of a few days ago I barely had over 100! I hope I can keep releasing quality content that people will enjoy. Thanks for watching and I hope to see you here again :)

[@jugostran]

Nice video! What's interesting about this number plate system is that it has similarities with some European ones. Namely the Serbian and Croatian ones. The similarities are as follows: - Where the plate was issued. - You only change plates if you move to a different issuing region. - Stereotypes with regards to issuing region - While you can have vanity plates, most people opt for the cheaper option of having a specific letter combination (namely the last two letters). - Sequential three/four digit number (you can customize this part as well) - Specific plates for military, police, commercial, diplomatic

[@JayDM2311]

It's interesting to see the similarities between regions. Australian plates just have the place and a number, pretty boring!

[@noelstaar]

I always wondered how people got the single digit plates. Also I learned about the Fuin button that affixes the back plate to the car

[@JayDM2311]

Yeah I probably should have mentioned the Fuin button. Interestingly you don't get them on Kei cars for some reason...

[@gadci4400]

Here in California the format is 1ABC123, they are on the 9s right now which started in mid 2022 if i am correct, 8s and 7s are pretty common, you'll see a 6 and 5 every once in a while. But the 4s are extremely rare, one half of the 4s are also sesquicentennial plates, the early 3s have a different looking text that spells out California, the 2s are the iconic sunrise plate, and the 1s are blue on yellow

[@JayDM2311]

Wow I did not know that! I would like to make other plate videos, but unfortunately I don't know enough about other countries... I could probably do Australia though.

[@gadci4400]

@@JayDM2311 There's a lot of info on wikipedia and even news articles decoding California's unique system, because it's so many people that live here, they had to make their own format, just a example in america most other states either have ABC-123, ABC-1234 or 123-ABC and a few are county coded. I have a ever growing collection of California plates, i have one from 1970 which is a ABC-123 one back when California didn't have as many people, i have a 96 3 series plate, a commercial format sesquicentennial plate, and 2 from 2014.

[@JayDM2311]

I'm hardly a number plate enthusiast but I do find it quite interesting, and it would be cool to have a little collection.@@gadci4400

[@felixsmdt]

Great Info! You already had me at illuminated plates

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad you found it interesting. Funnily enough I too love the illuminated plates, but from my experience in the car community in Japan many people think it's a little "dorky" or "uncool" and more of a gimick than something cool by car people standards. Granted not everyone said this but many did, which I thought was interesting.

[@AutoReport1]

5 number plates are not regulated by engine size but by vehicle size, there is a restriction of width and length (the height restriction is 2m so only affects high roof vans).

[@JayDM2311]

Thank you for your input, I had many viewers point this out and I am so glad I got to learn this important fact :D

[@arunegmd4429]

I actually wound up with a Kari plate on my celsior when imported. Good to know

[@JayDM2311]

My guess is is did not have shaken on it when the exporter bought it. Therefore they got a Kari number to drive it to the export lot and then never bothered to return it to the DMV before shipping it.

[@Gamblesgarage]

This is honestly the best video I’ve seen on Japanese plates so far 🔥 lately I’ve been seeing more Japanese plates in my area in the US as more imports have been coming in, and it’s been interesting to hear the stories behind them too 👀

[@JayDM2311]

I’m glad you think it’s a great video. Now you’ll be able to know what your looking at with those plates in your area! You’ll be able to tell if it’s been put on the wrong vehicle type too 😳

[@Gamblesgarage]

@@JayDM2311 that’s true 👀 I just remembered too that when someone decides to deregister a car but keep the plate, they punch a big hole in them, which I see mostly Kei imports have it here, but I believe they do it for both Kei and normal cars

[@JayDM2311]

Yeah it's so that theres no chance of someone shipping it back and using it again. Unfortunately, this makes it hard to get then in tact if you want to keep/collect them@@Gamblesgarage

[@MagnetbergOfficial]

4:36 This is like the German numberplates without the EU Circle. They are also super rare.

[@JayDM2311]

This is a neat fact

[@abenas40]

I noticed the white plate with red stripe on rally cars in Rally Japan. Now I know why they use that plate on rally cars.

[@jakewetherill5326]

Thanks for this video! My biggest petpeeve is when people import Japanese cars and get the wrong plate for them. I always wondered why some plates had a letter instead of a third digit at the top. I'd see it rarely when I lived in Japan; I thought it was maybe a government employee or something like that... There's one more type of plate that's extremely rare, the all romaji out-of-country plate. When a Japanese person temporarily exports their car, they get a plate where the Kanji is replaced by a 2-or-3 letter abbreviation of their issuing office, and the hiragana is written in romaji. I've only ever seen one, on an AE86 rally car that competed overseas

[@JayDM2311]

Yeah it's cringe to see the wrong plate on an import lol Yeah, the out of country plate is interesting I had a couple of viewers mention it. I can't believe they even bothered to create such a plate lol

[@MaxToge]

Great video! One thing to point out is that there is another plate you did not cover: the dealer plate. It is white with black numbers and a red surround. It only features the Kanji for the location of the dealer and four numbers. Cheers!

[@JayDM2311]

Ah yes, the “return to owner” plate I forgot omg 😱 this is tragic, how embarrassing…

[@ZERONEINNOVATIONS]

Me Japanese learning about ナンバープレート of my own country, by watching English video with Australian accent😅😊 Thanks a lot. I didn't know a lot of things you mentioned.

[@JayDM2311]

すみません、オーストラリア弁が強いです笑

[@scottbogfoot]

The switch from number to letter is because with numbers each digit can only be 1 of 10 possibilities but letters can be 1 of 26 possibilities, meaning you can make more combinations with the limited amount of digits available.

[@JayDM2311]

Correct so they unlocked a lot more combinations by doing this.

[@quingon13]

Brilliant Video. Informative and the right length. Thanks

[@JayDM2311]

I am glad you enjoyed it. I tried my best not to drag on or get too detailed, I really wanted people to get the necessary information in an entertaining and timely fashion and I was worried it would be too long of a video...

[@MarshSam]

Im so glad I clicked on this video! I learned so much :) I do have one question regarding the classification. If its exactly a 2l car would it be classified as 2 and over or 2 and under? Thank you for a great video :D

[@JayDM2311]

This is a great question! I can confirm that if it is a 2L engine for example a Lancer Evolution it would be classified with a 3. As soon as it hits 2L it is classified as a car with “2 or more litres”. This also applies for the annual road tax as well, meaning if you have a 2L your paying quite a bit more tax than a 1.9L car!

[@hiki_neat315]

In fact, many Japanese cars have a slightly smaller displacement than indicated! Example:2L>>1998cc 3L>>2988cc

[@flmplayes]

This videos production quality is really good keep this up❤️‍🔥

[@penguinsniper155]

I have an ES350 and actually did research to try to get the correct plate for my car. Taking into account engine displacement and vehicle type. Green and white, 350 top numbers, 83-50 for the actual plate.

[@JayDM2311]

Awesome that your gonna get an accurate plate!

[@still_guns]

Makes me want to do a video on UK plates again.

[@MalcomHeavy]

My Civic EK4 SiR runs its original japanese plate still. Its a Fukuoka province plate. My number is 45-64, and my kana is "Fu" which I think is pretty cool for a Fukuoka plate. My designator is 500. I bought the car and imported it to the states, so its interesting to know what my plate means now.

[@JayDM2311]

Glad I could help you out in identifying your plate. It's awesome that you still have the JDM plate!

[@hiki_neat315]

福岡 500 ふ 45-46

[@MalcomHeavy]

@hiki_neat315 Whoops. I made an error. It's 45 64 not 45 46 But yes. The rest of that is exactly like my plate. The font on the "Fu" is a little different than on KZbin though, obviously. Lol.

[@dimitrakoniari4722]

Nice video! Now I know a lot more about car plates in japan.

[@JayDM2311]

Glad I could teach you something new!

[@kijekuyo9494]

I'm a California that has driven in Japan a number of times, and I often asked what all the plate features meant, but my native-born companions didn't know all the answers. Thanks for satisfying my curiosity.

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad I could satisfy your curiosity!

[@ShineyCamera8536]

Seeing SA plates at the very beginning make me hyped.

[@JayDM2311]

Every time I watch KZbin and SA gets any kind of a mention “Yes South Australia mentioned woo!”

[@ntdinhanh]

Nice video bro, if you watch initial D then there is this R32 GTR (Hojo Rin GTR R32) the number plate said: 37-564 means "massacre"

[@JayDM2311]

Yeah I know that car! I plan on going to the Initial D real life locations actually... theres also a Initial D cafe and museum in the area.

[@lifesblood]

So many Cappuccinos in this video, love it!

[@Axle0Bullitt019]

Thanks, I do Liveries in GT7 and this is going to come in handy for my JDM liveries.

[@mikegaravani7309]

great video dude, informative and straight to the point

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks for the kind words and I am glad you enjoyed it :D

[@NicolasVANGHELUWE]

of you see a plate with 44-44 this usually means yakusa. 4 is similar to the word death in japanese. also, i have been told it also associated of the 4 claws of a dragon.

[@JayDM2311]

Yeah I did know this, quite the interesting fact!

[@SunshineRacer0398]

Same kanji, but the 外 on embassy plates are read "GAI" for 外交官 (GAIKOUKAN/diplomat) not "SOTO", similar to consular plates which are read "RYOU" for 領事官 (RYOUJIKAN/consular officer).

[@JayDM2311]

This does make sense as it's pronounces "gai" in gaikoku. Although I thought when it's written by itself you use the kunyomi reading? Probably another exception since it's short for a longer word. I've been studying Japanese for years and I still don't get how kanji works lol

[@Frostwhirl]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but South Australia now has custom Jplates you can get.

[@JayDM2311]

We sure do! Had a few comments bring it up actually. Personally I haven't got one. yet....

[@n3ptuchan848]

Yeah one correction here you can keep the the plate if you buy used and re-register on your name without getting a new number, but you have to live in at least the same Area, that means as example you buy a car in Shibuya you get a new number because you´re from Shinjuku, you can keep the number if you also live in Shibuya.

[@JayDM2311]

This is a good point, thanks for the info :)

[@jamfoxs]

Pretty cool and informative video! We rented a Honda N-Box on our previous trip to Niseko. I was wondering what the plates mean. Had to search for the picture of the rental and yup it definitely matches as you described it on the video

[@hiki_neat315]

Yellow「わ」plate,right?

[@jamfoxs]

@@hiki_neat315Yeah, it was a yellow plate

[@irajdesilva]

In regards to the classification (3 number, 5 number, etc..) the dimensions of the vehicle also affect the classification a car gets. For example, for a 5 number classification; the engine capacity must be 2L or less and have a length of 4.7m or less, width of 1.7m or less and a height of 2m or less. If the dimensions exceed these limits, the car falls in to the 3 number category. Case and point...the GR Yaris has a 1600cc engine but gets a 3 number plate because the width is 1.8m. You also see special editions of kei cars like S660s and Copens with standard (5 number green on white plates) car registrations because of the stock dimensions being slightly above the kei car limits.

[@JayDM2311]

Thank you so much for highlighting this fact I really appreciate it. Many of my viewers pointed this out and it was great to be able to learn more about the class number :D

[@liamnerdo]

Nice video! very informative and enjoyable

[@amumuabibi3016]

First time on your channel, jeez you make some good content !

[@JayDM2311]

Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed my videos! I’m slowly raising the quality of my videos as I get better at filming and editing. I hope I can continue to make great car videos for you to enjoy 😊

[@dennisrapp5733]

Here in sweden we ran out of combinations too a few years ago so sometimes you see number plates with a letter instead of the last digit

[@JayDM2311]

We used to have 6 digits 3 letters than 3 numbers ABC-123 but then we started putting an S in front because we ran out of combos. All modern plates are now SABC-123.

[@Priyodarsono]

That's means Japanese number plates are very simple. In my country, Indonesia, we have so many. For military vehicles we have 4 colours. Red-navy blue for the Navy, red-sky purple for the airforce, red-greenish brown for the Army & red-red for the military HQ all with yellow lettering. We have special plates for some governmental departments. For the police vehicles is black with yellow lettering. For civilians, consulate general & ambessy vehicles is white with black lettering, for public transportation is yellow with black lettering, for city government vehicles is red with white lettering. If your vehicle is 100% electric (not hybrid) you'll have blue stripe on your plate. If you just got a new car you can request a temporary white with red lettering plate that have a month of expiry date so you can drive it while waiting your plate from the DMV.

[@namthezoo]

Really interesting! I'm going to Japan in April so I'll be careful around those cars that aren't street legal xD

[@JayDM2311]

Yeah take care as they may be a little dangerous to be driving around! They could also be fine but it's best to be cautious!

[@namthezoo]

@@JayDM2311 Thanks! I will! Great content by the way, I was surprised that it didn't have more views!

[@Rich77UK]

I love learning about how and why other nations' plates work. Thanks for the information. My in-laws live in France, and some plates are yellow and others white. No one (even in France) can explain why to me. I know in Denmark cars and personal vehicles are white and commercial vehicles (even if used for private) are yellow. Has something to do with taxable rates. In Germany (where I live...I'm a P.O.M.E) we have black on white, red on white are trade plates (garages) a yellow edge with 6 digits is a transfer plate (kinda like the 5 day plate for unroadworthy cars in Japan) the 6 digits are the expiry date. The same but on a red strip are export plates... you get 5 days to take the car out of the country.

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad you found the video interesting thanks for watching and also thanks for sharing your countries information too!

[@tm5123]

If I ever draw a japanese car, its probably gonna have 42-42 as the license plate 😆

[@justintaylor9458]

The engine size being over 2 liters isn't the only difference between a 500 and 300 plate. It's also the dimensions of the vehicle. For instance, the S13, S14and S15 Nissan Silvia all have a 2 liter engine, but the 13 and 15 are a 500 plate, while the 14 is a 300, because it is over the max width for a 500 plate.

[@JayDM2311]

I had many viewers point this out and I wish I knew this before I made the video. Thanks for letting me know :)

[@JiltedValkyrie]

I miss driving on the expressways. Went for the first time last October and did a solo road trip. Unlike in the states, people mostly respected the slow/passing lane norms. I got to drive the speed limit and not feel pressured to drive faster there, allowing me to enjoy the scenery more. And pretty sure all the restaurants at every rest stop added a little weight. 😂 Can't say no to ¥300 ミニ炒飯!

[@JayDM2311]

I must say I also noticed how courteous Japanese drivers are, It is such a pleasant experience driving in Japan.

[@recklessdrivinginsingapore]

Very good explanation Sir! Thank you very much!

[@JayDM2311]

I'm glad you enjoyed it :D