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Nagata

4.6
·491k reviews·Yakushima, Japan

Kazuhiko 'Smokey' Nagata, the legendary JDM tuner and founder of Top Secret, known for extreme builds and daring high-speed runs.

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Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime

Smokey Nagata's legend is timeless.

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Nagata - Image 1

Nagata

Best Time

Anytime

Smokey Nagata's legend is timeless.

CrowdN/A
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kazuhiko 'Smokey' Nagata, the legendary JDM tuner and founder of Top Secret, known for extreme builds and daring high-speed runs.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Smokey Nagata: a legend who pushed automotive boundaries and inspired a generation of tuners."

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🚗 The 'Smokey' Nickname

Learn how Nagata earned his nickname from the clouds of tire smoke his cars left behind!

👑 JDM Tuning Icon

Smokey Nagata is a true legend in the JDM tuning scene.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Top Secret' Toyota Supra

The 'Top Secret' Toyota Supra

Witness the legendary gold Supra, a symbol of extreme tuning and Nagata's daring spirit. Its V12 engine is a marvel.

High-Speed Highway Runs

High-Speed Highway Runs

Discover Nagata's infamous high-speed exploits on public roads, pushing the limits of what's possible.

Top Secret Tuning Shop

Top Secret Tuning Shop

Explore the birthplace of automotive legends, where innovation meets raw power and a disregard for convention.

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Embrace the Legend of Smokey Nagata

Kazuhiko 'Smokey' Nagata is a titan of JDM tuning. His 'Top Secret' shop is legendary for pushing automotive boundaries, especially with his iconic Toyota Supras. Prepare to be amazed by his daring feats and engineering prowess.

Beyond the Supra: Nagata's Legacy

While the 'Top Secret' Supra is his most famous creation, Nagata's influence spans various JDM icons. Explore the innovation and passion behind his work, which has inspired a generation of car enthusiasts worldwide.

Best Times

When
Anytime
Why
Smokey Nagata's legend is timeless.
Crowd
N/A

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I can check this off my bucket list now. I finally got to visit Yakushima, the island in Kagoshima, Japan with the enchanting forest that inspired Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke 🐺 ⛴️ accessible by ferry or plane 🎥 video belongs to @franklinthewoman and permission is required to repost or feature #princessmononoke #yakushima #yakushimaisland #kagoshima #kagoshimajapan #ghibli #ghiblivibe #ghibliaesth...
@franklinthewoman
46.9K likes • 302.9K views

🚗 The 'Smokey' Nickname

Learn how Nagata earned his nickname from the clouds of tire smoke his cars left behind! Instagram

👑 JDM Tuning Icon

Smokey Nagata is a true legend in the JDM tuning scene. Instagram

The landscape from Princess Mononoke exists IRL and it’s unlike any forrest I’ve ever seen. Yakushima is a small remote island on the southern tip of Japan and back in May I visited for 4 days to hike the legendary Mt Miyanoura. The full adventure is out now on my youtube channel. #Hiking #japanhiking #hikingjapan #yakushimahiking #yakushima
@currently.hannah
36.3K likes • 166K views
The Legend Smokey (Kazuhiko) Nagata 🔥 #supra #v12 #cars
shiftin_gear7
525.7K likes • 3.2M views

🚀 Pushing the Limits

He's known for his daring high-speed runs, often exceeding 300 km/h. Instagram

🛠️ Top Secret's Legacy

Discover the incredible work of his tuning shop, Top Secret Japan. Instagram

Legend Smoky Nagata @smoky.nagata ขอเวลาทำซัพคลิปyoutubeก่อนนะ #toyotasupra #supratopsecret
beerbaiyoke
391.7K likes • 4.3M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 The 'Smokey' Nickname

Learn how Nagata earned his nickname from the clouds of tire smoke his cars left behind! Instagram

👑 JDM Tuning Icon

Smokey Nagata is a true legend in the JDM tuning scene. Instagram

🚀 Pushing the Limits

He's known for his daring high-speed runs, often exceeding 300 km/h. Instagram

🛠️ Top Secret's Legacy

Discover the incredible work of his tuning shop, Top Secret Japan. Instagram

✨ Engineering Madness

Nagata's builds are a testament to his unique engineering vision. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Smokey Nagata is universally hailed as a legend in the JDM tuning world, celebrated for his fearless innovation and iconic builds like the V12 Supra. His daring high-speed runs and the 'Top Secret' brand have left an indelible mark on car culture. While his methods were sometimes controversial, his passion and engineering genius are undeniable.

What People Like

Legendary JDM tuner
Iconic V12 Supra
Fearless engineering

What People Dislike

Illegal highway runs

Frequently Asked Questions

🎫 🚗 About Smokey Nagata

Smokey Nagata, whose real name is Kazuhiko Nagata, is a legendary figure in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) tuning scene. He is the founder of the renowned tuning shop 'Top Secret' and is famous for his extreme modifications and high-speed testing of cars, particularly his Toyota Supras. Instagram+1

He earned the nickname 'Smokey' from the massive clouds of tire smoke his cars would produce during high-speed runs and burnouts, often on public roads. Instagram+1

Top Secret is a highly influential tuning shop founded by Smokey Nagata. It's known for its extreme performance modifications, custom builds, and pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, especially for JDM vehicles. Instagram+1

His most iconic creation is arguably the gold 'Top Secret' Toyota Supra, famously equipped with a V12 engine. He has also worked on various other JDM legends like the Nissan GT-R. Instagram+2

Nagata is also known for his daring high-speed testing on public highways, including a notable run on the A1(M) in the UK where he reached speeds of 317 km/h (197 mph) in his modified Supra. Instagram+1

🎫 ⚙️ Top Secret Builds & Engineering

Top Secret is famous for its extreme engine swaps, most notably fitting a V12 engine into a Toyota Supra, showcasing their commitment to unparalleled performance. Instagram+1

Smokey Nagata has pushed his cars to incredible speeds, with his Supra reaching 197 mph (317 km/h) on a UK highway. Instagram+1

Top Secret is renowned for its radical engine conversions, aerodynamic enhancements, and pushing the limits of speed and performance on JDM cars. Instagram+1

Their builds are characterized by a fearless approach to engineering, often involving engine swaps and performance tuning that defy conventional limits, all under the 'Top Secret' banner. Instagram+1

Top Secret cars are often showcased at major automotive events like the Tokyo Auto Salon, giving enthusiasts a chance to see these legendary machines up close. Instagram

🎫 🏁 High-Speed Runs & Legacy

In 1998, Smokey Nagata drove his modified Toyota Supra at 197 mph (317 km/h) on the A1(M) highway in the UK in the early morning hours to avoid traffic, a feat that cemented his legendary status. Instagram+1

He has inspired countless enthusiasts with his dedication to performance, innovation, and a rebellious spirit, proving that dreams can be realized through engineering and passion. Instagram

Yes, following his high-speed run on the UK highway, Nagata was arrested by British police. Instagram

While specific future plans are often kept under wraps, Nagata continues to be a driving force in the tuning world, with his influence and legacy inspiring new generations. Instagram

Documentaries, car magazines, and online automotive communities often feature his incredible journey and the legendary builds from Top Secret. Instagram

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🚗 JDM Enthusiasts & Tuners

For JDM enthusiasts, Smokey Nagata is a near-mythical figure. His 'Top Secret' brand and legendary builds, especially the V12 Supra, are cornerstones of the culture. Instagram+1 Explore the history of his daring highway runs and the engineering marvels that came out of his shop. Understanding Nagata's philosophy of pushing boundaries is key to appreciating his impact on the tuning world. Instagram+1

🏎️ Speed Demons & Performance Seekers

If you're fascinated by extreme speed and engineering, Smokey Nagata's story is a must-know. His high-speed exploits and the incredible performance of his modified cars, like the Supra reaching 197 mph, are legendary. Instagram+1 Dive into the technical details of his builds and the sheer audacity it took to test them on public roads. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of the 'Top Secret' Supra

The 'Top Secret' Toyota Supra is more than just a car; it's a monument to Kazuhiko 'Smokey' Nagata's audacious vision. This iconic gold Supra, famously powered by a V12 engine, represents the pinnacle of JDM tuning and Nagata's relentless pursuit of speed. Instagram+1 The modifications are extreme, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for a Supra, making it a symbol of the 'Top Secret' philosophy: no limits. Instagram+1 Its presence at car shows and in automotive media continues to inspire awe and admiration among car enthusiasts worldwide. Instagram

Nagata's decision to swap a V12 into the Supra was a bold statement, showcasing his engineering prowess and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. This build isn't just about raw power; it's about the artistry and dedication involved in creating a truly unique and legendary machine. The 'Top Secret' Supra embodies the spirit of JDM tuning – a blend of performance, style, and a touch of rebellion. Instagram

High-Speed Runs and the 'Smokey' Persona

Kazuhiko Nagata's reputation for high-speed highway runs is legendary, earning him the moniker 'Smokey' from the dramatic tire smoke his cars produced. Instagram His most notorious exploit occurred in 1998 on the UK's A1(M) highway, where he piloted his 1,000-horsepower Toyota Supra to an astonishing 197 mph (317 km/h) in the early morning hours. Instagram+1 This daring feat, while illegal and resulting in his arrest, cemented his status as a fearless innovator in the automotive world. Instagram

These runs weren't just about reckless speed; they were a form of extreme testing and a demonstration of the capabilities of his 'Top Secret' creations. Nagata's willingness to push these boundaries on public roads, though controversial, highlighted his absolute confidence in his engineering and tuning skills. Instagram This persona, combined with his incredible builds, has made him an enduring icon in JDM culture, inspiring a generation to dream big and challenge the status quo. Instagram

The Philosophy of Top Secret

Top Secret is more than just a tuning shop; it's a philosophy. Founded by Smokey Nagata, the company embodies a spirit of unconventional engineering and a relentless pursuit of performance. Instagram Nagata's approach is characterized by a disregard for conventional limits, often leading to radical modifications and extreme testing methods. Instagram The shop's name itself suggests a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring what's possible behind closed doors, or in Nagata's case, on open roads. Instagram

The legacy of Top Secret is built on a foundation of innovation and passion. From engine swaps to aerodynamic wizardry, every build reflects Nagata's dedication to creating automotive masterpieces. Instagram The shop has become synonymous with extreme JDM tuning, influencing countless builders and enthusiasts worldwide. Its impact on car culture is undeniable, inspiring a generation to embrace creativity and push the limits of their own automotive endeavors. Instagram

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