Japanese Car Import Record Broken in 2025, Suzuki the Largest Contributor

Suzuki Jimny Nomade 5 doors. (Photo: Suzuki)

JAKARTA - Japan has recently received more and more imported cars. But interestingly, these cars are not from foreign brands, but are produced by Japanese companies themselves in their factories abroad, then sent back to be sold in the domestic market.

In 2025, the number of vehicles produced by Japanese companies' overseas factories imported into Japan reached 111,513 units. This figure is up 19 percent from the previous year, breaking the old record that has lasted for almost three decades, namely 107,092 units in 1995.

This surge in re-imports is largely supported by Suzuki. The manufacturer recorded the most drastic increase by bringing 43,266 units to Japan throughout 2025, or more than seven times the previous year.

The main driver is the presence of the five-door Jimny Nomade, a model that the Japanese market has long been waiting for and is produced in India. In addition, Suzuki also included the Fronx SUV from India to strengthen its product line in the country.

However, not all manufacturers followed Suzuki's move, with some major brands actually reducing the volume of re-imports last year. Citing Nikkei Asia, Wednesday, January 14, Honda recorded a 18 percent decline to 37,022 units, which was influenced by the reduction in the delivery of the WR-V SUV from India.

Nissan experienced a sharper decline, falling 33 percent to 9,595 vehicles. Meanwhile, Toyota also experienced a similar correction, falling 33 percent to 9,587 units.

Even so, Toyota's year this year is expected to change significantly. The automotive giant recently confirmed that it will start importing three US-made models to Japan by the end of this year.

Toyota is said to be bringing in the Camry sedan, the Highlander SUV, and the full-size Tundra pickup truck. This decision is claimed to be an effort to meet the diverse needs of customers, as well as to help strengthen Japan-US trade relations.

However, the move is not necessarily smooth. The price factor will be the main determinant. If the import price is too high, demand is potentially limited. In addition, Japanese consumer tastes have been known to lean towards compact vehicles and minivans, so changing their preferences to large SUVs like the Highlander could be a long-term job.