Second Gear Life
What Is Second Gear Life?
Second Gear Life is a blog built around the theme:
“Shifting gears once more, and starting to drive through life again.”Inspired by Japanese cars from the 1980s onward,
the author shares a personal story of living with cars and repeatedly standing back up through life.This space is meant not only for car enthusiasts,
but also for anyone searching for a way to live life in their own way.
About This Blog
This blog portrays “starting over” from both perspectives: life and cars.
Main topics include:
- 🇯🇵 Legendary Japanese cars (AE86, S2000, Silvia, and more)
- 🧰 Maintenance and repair experiences
- 🏁 Circuit driving and drift practice records
- 💬 Struggles with addiction, family conflicts, and rebuilding life
- 🌍 Overseas sales challenges through eBay and Shopify
This blog is not only about cars,
but about life and how we choose to live it.
About This Site (Editorial Policy)
This site is a story-based blog built on the author’s real-life experiences alongside Japanese cars from the 1980s to the 2000s. Rather than simple car reviews or technical specifications, it explores life’s restarts through the presence of cars that accompanied key moments — family, growth, work, and life choices.
Japanese cars of the 1980s were boxy, simple, and imperfect. Yet within them existed the creators’ philosophy, sincerity, and an honest mechanical nature that responded directly to how they were treated. Through memories of used car magazines, cars seen on the streets, and family experiences, this blog delves into the unique appeal of Japanese cars from that era.
Core content includes:
- Japanese cars from the 1980s–1990s and personal experiences (true stories)
- Childhood memories of longing for used car magazines
- The relationship between family environment and cars, and records of rebuilding life
- Connections between car culture, work, and ways of living
All articles are created as original content based on the author’s experiences, interviews, and records. This site aims to be a quiet place of support — not only for car lovers, but also for those standing at a turning point in life.
The Cars That Shaped My Life
Honda S2000
My current car and a symbol of restarting life.
A car that reminded me of the pure joy of driving.
Toyota AE86 Trueno (Late Model)
Driven through mountain roads, practiced in open lots, and drifted on circuits.
Nissan Silvia S15
Purchased as a step up from the AE86.
A more powerful FR car that expanded my world.
💬 These three cars each represent important turning points in my life.
They are all part of “Second Gear Life” and continue to shape who I am today.
Latest Episodes
The “Episode” series tells stories of the author’s past, struggles, and rebirth in a serialized format, published in both Japanese and English.
📚 View all Episodes →
🌟 Special Episode →
Conclusion
Second Gear Life is a place to
“shift gears once more and start driving through life again.”Stories about cars and stories about life are deeply connected.
That is the story I will continue to share.
