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For the majority of drift enthusiasts — who live outside of Japan or its surrounding countries — getting a chance to drive on one of the many tracks at the Ebisu Circuit complex comes few and far between.
From the cost of travel to renting your own personal JDM drift car, expenses can add up quickly without help from the locals. But for those lucky enough to witness the home of drifting first-hand, often understand the importance it holds within the drift community.
So when automotive YouTuber TJ Hunt got the opportunity to check out drifting nirvana, he gave his viewers an in-depth look — all while filming from the driver's seat of the Japanese sports car -a Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R - he just purchased.
TJ Hunt Experiencing The Iconic Ebisu Circuit For Drifting
After getting to rip through some of Japan's most iconic mountain tunnel passes, TJ and friends arrive at Ebisu Circuit - located about 150 miles from Tokyo, in the mountainous region of the Fukushima Prefecture, Ebisu features seven different track layouts across a multitude of elevation changes.
In other words, it's a drift lover's paradise.
Needing the help of Google Translate to get in, TJ finally makes his way up the mountain in the R34.
As they pass through the different tracks, TJ reveals he won't be taking his GT-R on track — but better yet will be taking ownership of his very own 'drift missile' custom sports car.
The Custom JZX100 Is A Proper Drift Missile
For those unfamiliar with the term, a drift missile is a rather rudimentary concept where drivers focus on performance, rather than aesthetic.
Because as we know, mastering the drift is one of the most arduous experiences for any driver — meaning you're going to need a car that can take a beating.
So rather than entertain the idea of tracking his Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R, TJ decided to take ownership of a mismatched JZX100 Toyota Mark II.
In what is basically the epitome of a drift missile, underneath the ratty hood of the Mark II we find a pristine 1JZ engine with full turbo set-up — ready to take on hours and hours of laps around Ebisu.
But before TJ can thrash around the track, the Mark II needs a new bucket seat and a roll cage, giving TJ the opportunity to experience the vast amount of car parts for sale in the region.
After taking us through "Facebook marketplace, but in real life" TJ rounds out the video with a small collab with fellow JDM car enthusiast SAMMIT, before signing off for the day — hoping in anticipation that his Mark II will be ready the next day.