#Import A Car Directly From Japan

[junk-story]

Atsushi and Me – Tanaka Junichi, Director - Ongaku to Hito Special Edition

This interview is on pages 68-69 of the magazine. Footnotes can be found at the bottom of the text.

At the time we first met, the areas where he was immature as a vocalist were numerous. However, he had a unique worldview. For so-called rock vocalists, sexy vocalizations and a husky voice is becoming characteristic, but Sakurai-kun’s voice wasn’t those things, and it had popular-music-like elements to it. There were some who said his voice rivaled The Checkers.1

But, when I met him for the first time at a yakiniku shop in Harajuku, Sakurai-kun said that he liked Peter Murphy (of Bauhaus). So I think he wanted to combine the best parts of Japanese music with bands like Bauhaus and The Cure’s English dark wave to make a style of music not seen before in Japan. That was the sort of conversation we had. Maybe at that time, he thought what he wanted to do could take shape.

The realization of that was “TABOO”, but after that, a change came about in Sakurai-kun’s self-expression. The apex of that was “Kurutta Taiyou”. BUCK-TICK began to function as a place where Sakurai-kun could vent the love and hate and regrets he was holding about his home and his mother. After that, the color of Sakurai-kun became stronger, and what came from within him, the lust for life and desire for death, things like that became his themes, and their music was also influenced by that. At the time, they often heard the opinion at Victor that “it would be better to write things that are easier to understand”, and if they had, they might have been a bigger hit, maybe even hitting the million-seller mark, but, I suppose it’s because he wasn’t hindered in expressing himself that they were able to continue until now. In the first place, they weren’t even looking for that. And his songs, which came to have these themes at their core, had refined his expressiveness, and he was able to develop himself.

I worked for about 36 years recording Sakurai-kun’s songs, but he left all of it to me.2 “I’m doomed to my fate3, so I’ll sing a number of takes in my best form, and afterward, please use your favorite”, he’d say. I almost never had any requests about the take I chose. This is really an incredible thing. Most singers give me detailed requests, but he didn’t. I guess he realized that other people saw things differently than he did, and if he thought they did, I think he thought it was best to elevate that different expression atop the stage. Also, I think he was considerate about not making others feel bad.

Yes, he was a considerate and kind person. For example, when he was traveling to a big city studio, he was coming by car and got stuck in traffic, so he was also late. At times like that, although many musicians would have come in unashamed, Sakurai-kun was prostrate. “Everyone, truly, I’m so sorry…”, he’d say, and he’d bow his head to everyone all the way down to the studio’s assistant. He was someone who understood general thinking. And, he wasn’t that conscious of his commercial success. He also had no desire for fame. For that kind of person to continue being in a band, and think they want to make a career of it, that’s an extremely curious thing. Well...more than the music, more than the band, I suppose the important thing was that he was doing it with the other members. That’s why he was slow to start things outside of that, and he’d find it bothersome. (laughs) There were also things like that, and his solo album, “Ai no Wakusei”, was outsourced by me to various people, and Sakurai-kun only did the singing for it. Because when he’d communicate directly, he’d start to think about what to say, get nervous, and end up thinking about various things. (laughs)

Even after the band separated from Victor, behind the scenes, I did the recording for a number of songs. This is presumptuous of me to say, but I think I was the only one they could leave to doing it for them. However, what I think now...he would sing five takes, and he wanted to hear from me which of the takes was really the best one. Although I can’t confirm that now...but I’d like to think...that he knew the take that I thought was the best, was the best take for BUCK-TICK.

However, from the start, there were also times where he wasn’t the kind of person who could do that. (laughs) The time from “darker than darkness – style 93 – ” to “Six/Nine” was quite tumultuous. He wouldn’t show up to do vocal recordings. (laughs) This was an era without cell phones, so all we could do was wait, and after 10 hours passed, he finally came. (laughs) When we finished recording the vocals, I was listening and heard they’d driven to Mount Fuji. (laughs) There was everything with his mother, and I imagine he was pushed to a breaking point mentally. But from that, the “death” part of love and death came to expand significantly.

At that time, he was experiencing the chaos of the adult world, and I wonder if he didn’t come to have a hard time knowing what was real. So he wanted to run away from everything; his work and private life were both a mess. He drank alcohol like a drunk, like he was trying to forget reality. To put It nicely, he was pure. He wasn’t a person who could get along well in this world. However, he’d tasted that life, so the lyrics of that time had that reality in them. It may just be what I imagine, but “darker than darkness – style 93 – ” is all real. It’s not something that was made.4 I want everyone to listen to it again like that. And it’s also because of that experience that his love, hope, and kindness of not wanting to die emerged after that. And he started expressing his feelings more honestly.

Therefore, his love for family was incredible. Especially for the daughters. He had something he needed to protect, so he started to want to live. Sakurai Atsushi didn’t abandon himself to despair. I wanted to listen to more songs like that from him. If he had, then maybe a chapter where we met again would have begun. With a man who aged well.

Other than that, what I remember is nothing but stuff when we were drinking. (laughs) Because it was incredible, in any case. The live would end, and from about 11 PM we’d take off. After that, it was typical to spend time at Roppongi’s BOO!WHO?WOO!, and the shop has a small window that you can see the outside from, so you know when dawn is breaking. Nevertheless, Sakurai-kun was lively. Meanwhile, “Waratte ii tomo!”5 starts on the television. And then it got dark outside again. We were drinking that entire time. How much alcohol can a person go on drinking? I remember wondering.

Also, he was a person who was loved by everyone. By that I mean falling in love. When we were returning from London and at the airport counter checking in, the attendant saw Sakurai-kun, got heart eyes, and gave us a seat upgrade, and we were able to have an elegant return trip home because of it. (laughs)

1 Band from the same era (worth checking out!) 2 He allowed Tanaka to call the shots. 3 This turn of phrase didn’t really work well in any way I translated it...but sort of like, “there’s nothing to be done for it” – here he is, all he can do is his best! Like that. 4 Just in case this isn’t clear – he means this wasn’t constructed or fake in any way – this is truly where Sakurai was mentally at the time. 5 A long running variety TV show that was hosted by Tamori. It started at noon, to give you a reference of the time he’s talking about here.

[girlactionfigure]

*ISRAEL REALTIME* - "Connecting the World to Israel in Realtime"

▪️HOSTAGE DEAL.. PMO - “There are still significant gaps in which the parties will continue to discuss this week in additional mutual meetings.”

▪️TERROR INCIDENT, HAIFA.. Initial report - police neutralized an attack in Haifa, a soldier was injured - condition serious, car ramming followed by axe attack. Police forces rushed to the scene, the incident is under investigation, more details later. Terrorist shot. (Police)

▪️TERROR INCIDENT, GUSH ETZION.. Attempted stabbing attack in Gush Etzion: a terrorist tried to stab soldiers at a military station near Tekoa and was killed.

▪️ORDER 9 ARRESTED - 4 ANTI-AID PROTESTORS ARRESTED.. stopped on their way home, accused of puncturing aid truck tires - not arrested for blocking (per police).  The head of Order 9 was arrested, the trucks are driving without interruption in the meantime.

Order 9: Dear Friends,  Please don't let our spirit fall in front of the many forces.  We are on an extremely important national mission.  Stop the aid trucks to the enemy.

We have two detainees, dear reservists after over 100 reserve days in order 8 and now in order 9.

Everyone is now arriving at the entrance to Kibbutz Magen, we are 20 meters from the trucks. We will not stop and we will not fold!

No aid goes through until the last of the kidnapped returns.

Activists of the Order 9 movement arrived this morning at the Kerem Shalom crossing in order to block the hundreds of supply and aid trucks for Hamas.  When the first activists arrived near the crossing, Sefi Ben Haim, one of the leaders of the protest, was arrested along with other activists.

At this time, many police forces are preventing the families of the hostages and the families of fighters from blocking the trucks, and they are on their way to the murderous terrorist organization that holds the one-year-old Kafir Bibs together with 135 other hostages.

There is no logic in putting the trucks directly into the hands of Hamas terrorists. This is a test hour for every citizen of the country. In order to continue to stop the supply to Hamas, thousands more are needed here, and this is in our hands. No aid should go through until the last of the hostages returns.

▪️FIRE ORDERS CAUSING PROBLEMS?  Roy Sharon on Khan 11 about the tightening of the opening fire instructions in the perimeter, more evidence from the field:  "It's a very frustrating story that keeps getting worse. Our hands are tied - sometimes in front of Gazans who have been identified with certainty as terrorists. And not just in my sector or unit. There are hair-raising cases with neighboring forces. This brings us to the brink of rebellion.  These are hundreds of incidents.”

▪️AFTER US SOLDIERS KILLED.. American fighter jets and aircraft carriers have been put on "alert and ready" in the Middle East.  US congressmen and senators calling for retaliation against Iran.  Iran supported Shia militia “Islamic Resistance” claimed responsibility.  Another report says the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades are responsible.  “Sources” increase the injured to 50.  “Senior US military official” killed in attack.  Iran denies any connection to the attack.

▪️HOUTHIS, WE HIT A US SHIP.. “Last night we scored a direct it on an American supply ship, the Lewis B Puller, a logistics ship of the US Navy, in the Gulf of Aden.”

▪️SYRIA & RUSSIAN JETS.. sorties along the southern Syrian border.

▪️UNWRA.. Japan & Austria join the funding pause.  Note I say pause, everyone has used the work “temporary”.

[chussyracing]

what has been happening in the world of motorsports?

there is a massive list under the cut, so although i already deleted a lot of it which was not that relevant or important, open on your own risk (key topic of each is in bold)

Guenther Steiner became the official F1 Ambassador of Miami GP this year

Silverstone GP announced their line up for the music show during the race weekend (truthfully i only heard about Olly Murs), Miami GP did the same btw with Ed Sheeran headlining the show (or at least being the only one I know)

Williams repaired the chassis (that can add up to 7 kgs) and managed to fit on Logan's car being only 100 grams heavier. They don’t expect to have a new chassis ready till Miami.

Alpine and RB are other two teams confirmed not to have spare chassis (Bruno Famin said it during the team principals’ press conference and Mekies said they need to see if Daniel is doing bad or if there is something wrong with the car, so they will wait till China for a new chassis and give it to Daniel first).

the problem that Max experienced in Australia was not directly related to BREMS brake system aka the same brand that already started an investigation to Charles' brake issue in Bahrain, our comm the gossiper he is, said that this one is on the Red Bull crew and the way they assembled the right rear brake duct

There have been some rumours coming from New Zealand media that Daniel Ricciardo has been given an ultimatum to start performing in next two races otherwise he could get replaced by Liam Lawson, looks like that was either started by a source close to Liam to put pressure on Daniel or it has been an incorrect translation/misinterpretation of what Helmut Marko said

Marko confirmed that Ayumu Iwasa will be replacing Daniel in FP1 in Japan (Ayumu is a Japanese driver in Red Bull junior academy who drove in F2 last year and changed over to Super Formula this year), Yuki also hinted at this in the post race interview in Australia but then stopped himself, saying he is not allowed to share that yet

But concerning Daniel, while Marko demented the quote about two races left to prove himself, he didn't rule out the possibility of Daniel being replaced mid-season

Honda opened up a new base for their engines in the UK

Toto Wolff told Fox News Australia more details of how Lewis announced his move to Ferrari to him over a coffee and how he warned Lewis to look closely at Mercedes rear wing because that's a perspective he will have starting with the new season

David Sanchez hired for McLaren at the end of last season from Ferrari has been fired (or “leaves the team after mutual agreement from both sides about his misalignment”). They didn't agree on his job position, so he leaves after 3 months. Emanuele Pirro also left McLaren from the role of head of McLaren’s junior academy (there was no apparent reason for this stated, like in David’s case) after one year only.

It seems like Charles will be opening an ice cream parlour LEC in Milan. Press con / grand opening is supposed to be around 10th/11th April, so that’s when we will learn more pieces of information, probably. So far we know it will be with Federico Grom and Guido Martinetti, who founded an ice cream shop chain in Italy.

Max’s chief mechanic Lee Stephenson will be working for Sauber from now on as he ended his journey with Red Bull after Australia.

Toto Wolff spoke again about the replacement of Lewis in Mercedes in 2025 and mentioned he wants to get it sorted around the summer and reminded that Max is on his shortlist. There are rumours about most of Mercedes employees being interested in getting Max in the team and into the ambassador role for them. Also, a side note: Toto originally wasn’t meant to be at this GP but changed plans last minute for unknown reasons.

Liberty Media bought MotoGP commercial rights (for a similar amount as they did with F1: 4,2 billion Euro). The championship is in a similar position where F1 was, and they want to try to put more spotlight on it and bring the fans like they did with F1.

Honda is opening a new engine factory in the UK in preparation for the Aston Martin partnership starting with 2026.

A Japanese billionaire built a private circuit for 180 mil Euro, and it was Herman Tilke’s team who designed it (it is only available for teams of prestigious Magarigawa club).

There was a rumour in the media a few days ago that Aston Martin approached Adrian Newey with a huge financial offer in Jeddah and are just waiting for the answer, however Mike Krack said to media in Suzuka that is not the case and they are happy with their team so they didn’t even need to make any offers in the first place. (Although the rumour has been reported by pretty reliable sources that said it was Lawrence Stroll himself who approached him.)

There was a slight change in the rules concerning tyres for this year and that caused the lack of running in FP2. There was a rule that if Friday sessions are declared as wet, the teams have a selection of 5 intermediate tyre sets and 2 wet ones. However, there used to be a rule of additional intermediate set of tyres being available for Friday if it rained, which would then have to be given back to Pirelli, but that rule isn’t applied this year. This is why teams decided to save tyres for Sunday, in case they are needed (and they will be according to some weather predictions).

Australian GP saw the most fans over the weekend in their history, the official numbers state 452 thousand of fans.

in Australia: Checo had a tear off stuck in his car, Lewis’ issue was reliability concern and the damage to the engine was terminal so he had to take a new one, Fernando was handed an after race 20s penalty for the incident with George, Este was another one with a tear off issue

After Ben Sulayem was cleared of the allegations of trying to mess up with the race results or the accreditation of individual circuits, he came out to say they are despicable moves against him, just trying to discredit him. In support, the US group of FIA club members wrote an open letter than they stand behind him, that he has their support in the decisions and also that they suggest to take legal action against people who were the ones to complain to the ethic committee.

Seb has been vocal over the last days to promote a new drink Perple (but he spoke about a lot of current f1 topics). Speaking of potential comeback, Porsche apparently postponed the announcement of their Le Mans lineup (was meant to be on 28th March) and he named the car he tested with, so there is a high possibility of him driving. He covered 118 laps, and I didn’t find any times comparison but there is a report that they were impressive.

FIA Prize Giving for 2024 will be held in Kigali in Rwanda on 13th December this season – first time ever for this country.

Pierre started a new line of his own merch with his own face on it from karting days and there has been quite some talk about that move copying Lewis’ significant merch (I like to shit on Pierre but personal opinion: this is really NOT that deep and Lewis doesn’t actually have a trademark for this kind of merch). Yuki is releasing new line too and there is a lot of blue color which I appreciate. Guyanu made a partnership line with Lululemon. Lewis was a face of latest issue of GQ and ate that photoshoot.

Valtteri mentioned he is in talks with Audi for a contract beyond this season and more importantly he spoke about the pit stop issues and warned fans they will struggle with this issue for a while still, because they need both time and funds to fix it so expect multiple other races like this.

BBC spoke to close victim of Horner case. She can't speak about it during the investigation, is angry and scared and feels silenced. Multiple sources approached her to see if she would like to sell her story and make money on it, but she refused because she doesn’t want fame, just justice. She will also go to the employment tribunal.

Kimi Antonelli will be testing W12 on 16th April (and later test W13 to get a feeling of the "good" car first).

Daily Mail reports Mercedes will be partnering with Adidas (instead of Puma and Tommy Hilfiger) to design their merch and race wear.

F1 now has a multiyear partnership with Playseat to provide official racing simulators

Charles made a new road safety campaign

It’s Oscar’s birthday today!

The Las Vegas GP report showed its economic influence etc. but also weak spots like infrastructure

Logan Sargeant’s docu named Racing the Odds came out on ESPN

Teams are being restricted from how much behind-the-scenes content they can show and it’s all related to Liberty Media and Drive to Survive, because Netflix wants a monopole over the exclusive content.

I saw a lot of talk after Australia about team orders with the main point about McLaren’s ones that they ordered Lando to be let in front, because he was on fresher tyres and could catch up with Charles. McLaren’s TP Andrea Stella came out and said it is not the case and they wanted to avoid the drivers crashing into each other and losing the valuable double points and podium

Lando Norris was on Chicken Shop Date. I don’t understand the significance of it but a lot of news sites I like to check reported it, so I figured out it may be a big deal in the world of people who have social media outside of Tumblr?

We have a few returning faces: Masi was in the Australian GP paddock and Binotto is rumored to visit the paddock for Japanese GP and Felipe Massa was at an FE race while suing F1 which seems a bit strange.

[ausetkmt]

On the morning of June 12, 2022, Ángela Astudillo, then a law student in her mid-20s, grabbed her water bottle and hopped into her red Nissan Juke. The co-founder of Dress Desert, or Desierto Vestido, a textile recycling advocacy nonprofit, and the daughter of tree farmers, Astudillo lives in a gated apartment complex in Alto Hospicio, a dusty city at the edge of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, with her husband, daughter, bunny, and three aquatic turtles.

Exiting the compound, Astudillo pinched the wheel, pulled over next to a car on the side of the road, and greeted Bárbara Pino, a fashion professor, and three of her students, who were waiting inside.

They headed toward a mountain of sand known as El Paso de la Mula. Less than a mile from her home, squinting into the distance, Astudillo saw a thread of smoke rising from its direction. With her in the lead, the two vehicles caravanned toward the dune, the site of the second-largest clothes pile in the world.

As they got closer to El Paso de La Mula, the thin trail of smoke had expanded into a huge black cloud. Astudillo stopped the car and texted the academics behind her.

It looks like it’s on fire. Hopefully, it’s not there. :( :( :(

She then dialed them directly and asked, “Do you still want to go?”

Pino, director of Santiago’s Fashion System Observatory at Universidad Diego Portales, had planned this trip for months. Astudillo had volunteered to be their guide. The mound of discarded fabric in the middle of the Atacama weighed an estimated 11,000 to 59,000 tons, equivalent to one or two times the Brooklyn Bridge.

By the time the team reached the gates of El Paso de la Mula, more than half of the clothes pile was on fire. Smoke obscured everything, hanging like an opaque black curtain. Municipal authorities turned the group away, forbidding them to stay on the premises. But Astudillo knew the landscape, so she directed the team to the dune’s far side, where access was still unimpeded.

There, the students surveyed the inferno. It was “like a war,” Pino said. She felt waves of heat. Black smoke unspooled from the burning clothes. The air was dense and hard to breathe. Smoke coated the back of their throats and clogged their nostrils with the acrid smell of melting plastic. They covered their faces, trying not to breathe it in. Then the group heard a series of loud pops as mini explosions burst from within the vast expanse of burning garments.

Despite the danger, Pino and her students rummaged, pulling out specimens to examine from among unburned portions of the pile. On prior visits to the clothes dump, Astudillo had uncovered clothing produced by the world’s most well-known brands: Nautica, Adidas, Wrangler, Old Navy, H&M, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Forever 21, Zara, Banana Republic. Store tags still dangled from many of her findings. The clothes had come to the Atacama from Europe, the United States, Korea, and Japan. Now, as Astudillo began taking pictures and uploading them to Instagram, Pino wandered the mound, horrified and fascinated by the grotesque volume and variety of apparel: ski jackets, ball gowns, bathing suits. She plucked out a rhinestone-encrusted platform stiletto in perfect condition. She crouched to search for its match, but the wind was getting stronger. If it shifted, the team realized, they’d be trapped in the spreading fire.

For 14 years, no rain has fallen in Alto Hospicio or the surrounding Atacama Desert region. Those dry conditions, coupled with the nonbiodegradable, predominantly synthetic, petroleum-derived fibers that modern clothes are made with, meant that the pile never shrank. Instead, for more than two decades, it grew — metastasized — with every discarded, imported item that was added.

In 2021, six months prior to the fire, a photographer from Agence France Presse, Martín Bernetti, captured a bird’s-eye image of this sprawling mound of apparel, essentially an oil slick, strewn across the edge of the Atacama desert.

The aerial image was picked up by news outlets across the globe, from the front page of the New York Postto the BBC, and continues to circulate today. But the mountain of clothes depicted by that 2021 drone photo is utterly gone. As Astudillo, Pino, and the three students witnessed, and unwittingly tasted: The blaze tore through the pile, throwing black plumes of toxic ash into the air.

The town of Alto Hospicio sits on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, a bedroom community for the seaside vacation city of Iquique below. Imagine if Atlantic City in New Jersey were simultaneously hemmed in and backed by a high Nevada plateau, and if the two locales were connected by a two-lane switchback highway.

Each day in Iquique’s port, giant cranes pluck containers full of discarded clothing from the decks of ships and deposit them onto flatbed trucks. No one really knows exactly how much clothing passes through the port every year; estimates range from 60,000 to 44 million tons. Next, they head to the nearby Free Trade Zone, known locally as “Zofri,” where trailers back into the warehouses of 52 used-clothes importers and forklift operators transfer sealed bales of clothing, or fardos, inside.

Chile is the biggest importer of secondhand clothing in South America, and between 2020 and 2021 it was the fastest-growing importer of used clothing in the world. The port of Iquique is an established tax-free zone, incentivizing this booming industry of castaway textiles.

From Zofri, bales of clothing are sold, uninspected, to merchants betting that at least some of the items inside are sales-worthy. “When you buy, you are buying with your eyes closed,” one former merchant said. Sometimes 80 percent of the garments in a bale are usable. Sometimes the opposite is true. Because bales are so cheap, however, most merchants need only sell 40 percent to turn a profit.

According to the global environmental advocacy group Ekō (formerly known as SumofUS), an estimated 85 percent of the used clothing imported into Iquique remains unsold. Chilean federal law states it’s illegal to dispose of textiles.

Considered Iquique’s backyard, Alto Hospicio is one of the poorest cities in Chile, widely known as a place to abandon pets and dump trash. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the small desert town is where more than a dozen teenage girls mysteriously vanished, until their apprehended killer led authorities to bodies buried in desert graves.

In 2001, Manuela Medina*, a former gardener, saw an opportunity in Iquique’s growing textile abundance. Relocating to Alto Hospicio, she established an unauthorized compound on government lands at the base of El Paso de la Mula, the huge sand dune at the far side of an unregulated shantytown. Every few days, she hired a fletero — a driver with a jalopy — to travel the switchback roads, out of the brown dunes of Alto Hospicio, to arrive in the colorful oceanside city of Iquique, which sits a thousand miles north of the country’s capital, Santiago.

Near the dock where cranes unload massive container ships, inside Iquique’s free trade zone, Medina ventured into the contiguous warehouses, asking secondhand clothing importers, “Do you have any garbage?”

Back at her compound, Medina unloaded her wares in piles on the ground where she had the luxury of storing them indefinitely — the Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, meaning items don’t undergo normal degradation from elements like rain. Here, Medina sold her piles to merchants and others for $10 each.

As more and more bales of ropa americana, or secondhand clothes, arrived in Iquique, the clothes flooded importers’ warehouses and overflowed vendors’ stalls in open air markets, including La Quebradilla — one of the largest open air markets in South America, located just a few miles from Medina’s unauthorized compound.

Soon,importers and secondhand merchants began to deliver surplus used clothes directly to Medina. Fed by daily truck deliveries, and then by multiple daily tractor trailer load deliveries, Medina’s pile grew.

By 2020, Medina’s gargantuan desert dump had become an open secret in Chile, stretching across dozens of acres. Others followed her model, creating mini-dumps across the desert and along roadsides, but Medina’s pile remained the largest.

On March 29, 2022, Paulin Silva, an environmental lawyer, stood before the Primer Tribunal Ambiental de Antofagasta, a regional tribunal in northern Chile that specializes in resolving environmental issues within its jurisdiction. She was presenting a lawsuit, brought on behalf of herself as a resident of Iquique, against the municipality and the federal Chilean government for their inaction over the sprawling, unregulated clothes dumps. For her submission of evidence, she asked the tribunal to join her in touring the mound of clothing.

For weeks, her informal team of supporters (a geographer, her sister, and her brother-in-law) had been documenting the problem, joking among themselves, “In which dump are we going to party tonight?”

Since obtaining her law degree, Silva has prosecuted a handful of environmental cases, but this one was personal, and she felt empowered to tackle it: “I have the education; I am a lawyer; I can do something,” she said. She’d grown up in northern Chile, a pencil thin country bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Her father is from Alto Hospicio and her mother is from Iquique. At 35, she’s several years older than Astudillo, the co-founder of the nonprofit Dress Desert, whom Silva asked to be a witness for the case. When Silva was a child, she observed people dumping clothes everywhere — the streets, yards, and city squares. Because this was the only place she knew for so much of her life, she thought, “It’s normal for people to live with … garbage accumulated around them.”

This local “clothes-blindness” was documented by Astudillo’s colleague, Bastián Barria, an engineering student and her co-founder of Dress Desert. In November 2020, he and others conducted a survey to ascertain local attitudes regarding the clothing waste. Of the almost 400 people in Alto Hospicio he surveyed, representing less than 1 percent of the town’s population, more than half did not think there was any issue.

When Silva was 18, she moved a thousand miles south, to Valparaiso in central Chile, to study law and that was where she remained until the pandemic, when she returned home. That’s when she realized the dump situation had worsened. Exponentially.

During the decades between Silva’s girlhood and today, clothing production worldwide doubled, while utilization — the number of times an item of clothing is worn before it is thrown away — declined by 36 percent. Countries like Chile, Haiti, and Uganda became depositories for fast fashion discards. In 2021 alone, Chile imported more than 700,000 tons of new and used clothing — the weight equivalent of 70 Eiffel Towers.

“Even if we stopped clothing production throughout the world tonight,” said Francisca Gajardo, an Iquique-born fashion designer, “we still have more garments than we need or that the Earth can safely hold. It won’t go away nicely, and we’re not stopping today.”

Nine days after the giant fires, around 4 p.m., Silva was having a light meal, the Chilean equivalent of afternoon tea known as once (pronounced “on-say”), with her family in northern Chile. A few days prior, the Primer Tribunal Ambiental de Antofagasta had informed her it was ready to view her case evidence by touring the clothes pile in person. Silva took out her phone to share the good news on Instagram with Desierto Vestido, but before she could, she saw the images of the burning clothes Desierto Vestido had just uploaded and shared.

Silva sprang from her chair to process what was happening to the evidence in her case just a few miles away. She suspected why the court had been willing to view the landfill: “Because obviously the matter was burned,” she told Grist.

While no official cause of the fires has ever been reported, local residents claim it began late on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday. Days later, toxic air still clung to the area. Astudillo, who visited the site regularly, described the pile as “volcanic” — with clothes smoldering under the sand, venting smoke full of textile chemicals from synthetic materials. She warned, “You can’t be outside for long.”

In the days following the fire, on June 22, instead of leading the tour of the prosecutorial evidence, Silva filed a statement to the Primer Tribunal Ambiental de Antofagasta: “With sadness and shame I inform you that 11,000 tons of clothes in the textile dump were burned.”

Although Paulin provided the court with Dress Desert’s smartphone video recordings of the clothes in flames, the defense argued that the Instagram account where they’d posted the videos could not be verified and confirmed. Lacking a certifiable timestamp, the films were inadmissible.

One year later, in August 2023, the Primer Tribunal Ambiental de Antofagasta called a trial hearing so that all parties involved in the case — the Consejo de Defensa del Estado, the body that judicially represents the state in Chile, the municipality of Alto Hospicio, and Silva — could present evidence.

During the hearing, the Mayor at Alto Hospicio, Patricio Ferreira, said that one of his priorities is to “transform this problem into an opportunity to generate employment.” He alluded to discussions he had with European businessmen to explore initiatives related to recycling.

Silva got people to testify in her favor, activists and academics who have given statements to different media outlets about the environmental problem generated by the textile landfill in the Chilean desert. But on the day of the hearing, none of them arrived.

“At the end of the day, in practice, I am alone in this action,” she said.

Chile’s government recently voted to adopt recycling measures that make certain producers accountable for their waste. Known as the extended producer responsibility law, or REP using its Spanish acronym, the legislation passed in 2016 and took effect in January 2023. Currently, Chilean companies that make tires and packaging (such as bags, plastics, paper or cardboard, cans and glass) must comply.

Eventually, according to the Ministry of the Environment, Chile intends to incorporate clothing and textiles as a priority product into the REP law.

However, in the case of clothes, many describe the REP as a “paper solution” that lacks tangible enforcement, said Pino, from the Universidad Diego Portales.

In parallel, the Ministry of the Environment is developing a circular economy strategy for textile waste. Unlike the REP, the agency crafts public policy for the public and private sectors to prevent overproduction.

The ministry has been holding workshops and conversations to collect input from stakeholders, including academics, business executives, retailers and nonprofit leaders. It is also tabulating the results of a preliminary survey on consumer clothes-buying habits. The details of this circular economy strategy is expected to be published in March this year.

At the minister’s invitation, Pino has shared her fashion expertise — both in the markets and in the desert — with the group. “These two things are wonderful initiatives,” she said about both efforts, but she lamented that they fail to address the issue of used clothes.

A decade ago, when the REP was first being discussed, Denisse Morán, president of the Tarapacá Recyclers and the head of ServiREC, a recycling cooperative that operates within Iquique’s free trade zone, sought out her local representative to request that the law apply to both clothing producers and clothing importers.

“Oh, because you are from Iquique?” she recalled him asking her.

“Not only because I am from Iquique,” she replied, “but because we all wear clothes.”

For years, many residents in Alto Hospicio saw the piles of textiles as more of an opportunity than an eyesore or environmental threat, something that supported the local economy.

When Jazmín Yañez arrived in town from southern Chile in 2018 almost penniless and on the brink of homelessness, for example, someone gave her a few cast-off garments and household garbage — from towels, kitchen implements to furniture — to sell. Ever since, Yañez, now 28, has waged a zealous campaign to salvage, fix, and reutilize all “waste” materials. She operates an informal store from the kitchen of her house called Stop Recicla: “Your trash is my treasure,” where she sells, exchanges, and gifts items such as rugs, used clothing, school supplies, costumes, and electronics to impoverished mothers, like she once was.

It’s this trash/treasure duality that kept Astudillo and other locals from viewing the region’s booming used clothing trade as a problem. But six months before the fires, in January 2022, Nathalia Tavolieri, a Brazilian journalist, invited Astudillo to El Paso de La Mula, where she encountered Manuela Medina’s mountain for the first time.

Astudillo had seen numerous clothing dumps strewn and mounded throughout the desert, but nothing as big as this immense tangle of blouses and pants. “It was terrible,” she said, weeping as she recalled her first visit. “Maybe if I had been older, maybe I could have done more things [to stop this from happening].”

The experience galvanized her. She had already co-founded her nonprofit Dress Desert, or Desierto Vestido, two years before, to raise awareness and creatively respond to the country’s burgeoning waste clothing issue. As part of the project’s efforts, she and 20 other members host workshops and conversations. They upcycle castaway materials into new garments and craft household items. Seeing the vastness of Medina’s clothing pile, Astudillo stepped up her resolve, because “many people don’t see — or don’t want to see.”

“It was very, very hard,” she said, “to know that we live in a place that is so polluted and damaged by everyone’s waste.” Several months later, Astudillo brought Gajardo, the clothes designer and a fellow Iquiquean, to the dump, and gained an ally in her efforts. Despite growing up and shopping at the region’s numerous outdoor secondhand clothes markets, Gajardo was appalled by the scope of the waste. She developed rashes from rummaging among the fabrics.

“The fact that we have a desert, the fact that there’s a place to receive this, doesn’t mean that the place has to become the dump of the world,” she said. Since then, Gajardo’s conviction to never design clothes from virgin materials has deepened. Additionally, through her brand You Are the New Generation, she offers workshops in reusing garments, and visited Kansas City, Missouri, last year through the U.S. State Department’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative to teach people to make new clothes by harvesting old ones.

Other entrepreneurs have attempted to turn the clothes problem into revenue, but have faced a series of setbacks.

Franklin Zepeda is a celebrated Chilean entrepreneur who toured Europe’s textile recycling plants before returning to the region in 2013 to establish Ecofibre, now known as Procitex. (Its name is an acronym meaning Proceso Circular en Textil in Spanish).

With seed funding from CORFO, the Chilean economic development agency, and later from private capital, Zepeda was able to route textiles imported into Iquique to his plant, where they were disassembled, shredded, doused with flame retardant, and transformed into insulation panels. Zepeda got praise for this work in several major international news outlets, but he shuttered his plant in Alto Hospicio in 2021 because of unfavorable economics, including the taxes on shipping the insulation panels to other regions of the country.

Dario Blanco, manager of the ZOFRI User Association AG (AUZ), a trade association that brings together businessmen from the Iquique free zone, believes that the solution to the region’s problem of discarded clothing is out there — it will just take the right company and policies. And there are plenty of entrepreneurs, fashion designers, and environmentalists working on the issue of textile waste, both in Chile and internationally.

As Bloomberg reported in May,New York, California, Sweden, and the Netherlands are developing legislation similar to Chile’s extended producer responsibility law that went into effect this year, mandating that the fashion industry fund recycling programs via tariffs calibrated to the quantity of garments produced.

In order to help New York City uphold its existing law limiting or forbidding textiles in the waste stream, FabScrap, a nonprofit founded in 2016 by a former New York Department of Sanitation worker, receives 7,000 pounds of pre-consumer textile waste each week. Sorted by volunteers, the nonsynthetic scrap items are sent to a New Jersey facility that shreds the material, producing “shoddy,” a stuffing used to fill punching bags, sofas, and soft toys.

A Czech company called RETEX has been attempting to bring its fabric-macerating technology to Alto Hospicio. Blanco says that in exchange for securing a contract with Chile, the company promised to hire local workers. But, Blanco admitted, negotiations like these have fallen through in the past. For example, he said, a Spain-based company, Egreen, planned to open a fabric-waste processing plant, but the deal was scrapped late last year.

Read Next: How clothing forms the fabric of society, both past and future

The governor’s sustainability adviser at the Regional Government of Tarapaca, Pablo Zambra, recently formed a 25-member committee that includes stakeholders such as Astudillo and Barria from Dress Desert and Morán, the president of the Tarapacá Recyclers, to publicize economic incentives for circular economy initiatives. Collectively, they hope RETEX will succeed in doing what Zepeda’s company failed to do: turn a profit. As of this writing, no importers are involved.

Meanwhile, every day, container ships continue to offload more cargo.

In the fall of 2022, Alto Hospicio’s mayor, Ferreira, acknowledged the unsolved problem but blamed clothing manufacturers, citing a “lack of global awareness of ethical responsibility.”

“Our land has been sacrificed,” he said.

Pino agrees that the fashion industry and its consumers are culpable. “We have to worry about the complete cycle: before, during, and after our clothes,” she wrote in an editorial published in 2021.

She believes a more comprehensive solution is necessary, including regulating the entry of textile materials to Chile, educating consumers about prolonging garments’ lives, promoting Chile’s homegrown fashion industry, and supporting research to design new uses for fabric waste.

Ecocitex, founded in 2020 by engineer Rosario Hevia in Santiago, has sprung up as another Chilean company addressing a surfeit of garments.

Ecocitex operates in a manner contrary to the country’s organized and informal secondhand clothes markets. It invites people to recyclehigh-quality clothing or pay$1.50 per kilogram to leave poor quality clothing and walk away empty-handed.

During the pandemic, Andrea Espinoza Pérez, a civil industrial engineer at the University of Santiago, initiated a study on the ecological impacts of projects like Ecocitex. She wanted to know: Did factory-processed, used clothing produce fewer emissions than the original clothing manufacturing process? With data provided by Ecocitex’s founder Hevia, scientists determined that the clothes deconstruction processis effective because it keeps waste clothes out of landfills, and it replaces the demand for virgin materials. However, the study found that Ecocitex’s procedure is highly energy-intensive — using about 73 percent of the energy required to produce the same product from raw materials.

Meanwhile, neither Zepeda’s Procitex nor Hevia’s Ecocitex in Chile, nor Fabscrap’s efforts in New York and Philadelphia, have matched the direct profitability of Medina’s now-defunct business. (Medina has started a new business storing tires.) In fact, all have relied heavily on a variety of underwriting measures, including subsidies, nonprofit funding, subscriptions, or volunteer labor to generate their products.

In recent years, Zepeda has earned his living as an employee of Chile’s largest retailer, CENCOSUD. He collects surplus clothes donated by customers, and produces insulation panels for buildings that are sold by the same retailer.

As for Ecocitex, in June, the business caught fire and the building was destroyed. The cause is still under investigation. Undeterred, Hevia has launched a campaign to rebuild. Meanwhile, she is raising funds by selling blankets made from recycled fibers to a mining company.

By last January, the height of the Chilean summer, the gigantic, unsightly clothes dump at El Paso de la Mula, the one Agence France Presse had shown the world, was nowhere to be found.

All that remained was a smattering of ashes and the tread marks of bulldozers. Here and there, across Medina’s unofficial backyard, small piles of garments peeked out of the sand dunes. But according to municipal officials, dumping and burning continues. Rey, an indigent man who lives by the side of a desert road in a blue and yellow tent emblazoned with “National Geographic,” attests that he and others accept money from nonprofit refuse-disposal contractors or freelance truckers in exchange for setting fires to whatever waste is discharged from a truck. This way, the trucker can keep more of his hauling profits, which would otherwise be whittled down by the official dump fees.

Astudillo says that beyond the limits of Manuela’s dune, there are as many as 200 micro-garbage dumps, and consequently, miles and miles of ashes in the desert — not just scattered over the ground, but also in the air. She told Grist in late December that this is an everyday thing. “You go out to buy bread and you smell the burning smell. You smell the materials that make up the clothes: oil and plastic. After 5 in the afternoon, I no longer let my 7-year-old daughter leave the apartment, and I close the windows to prevent smoke from coming in.” She also confirmed the abandoning of clothes continues: “They throw it away, they burn it immediately.”

On December 12, the Primer Tribunal Ambiental de Antofagasta issued its final ruling in the case with Silva, commissioning a unit of experts to carry out an on-site report on the accumulation of textile waste in different areas of Alto Hospicio, and to propose a solution to the accumulation of waste.

The municipality of Alto Hospicio, which claims it does not have the workforce to adequately address the problem, has also installed nearly 100 cameras along the main roads as a means of tracking polluters, and has begun doling out fines as high as $350 for illegal dumping. So far, trucks have been apprehended transporting domestic and industrial garbage, as well as bulky items such as mattresses, washing machines, and furniture.

Drone footage recorded by Cheng Hwa, one of Pino’s students, the day of the June 2022 fires captures the municipality fighting what was in essence an oil fire. Hwa, who grew up in Iquique and now works in tech for the hospitality industry, had long been aware of the desert dumps but didn’t comprehend the magnitude until he witnessed them at close range.

He’s haunted by what his drone footage made visible. “How the desert of sand starts to turn into a desert of clothes,” he said. “It has no limit; there is no closure … Clothes begin to appear on the ground until the horizon is completely covered.”

In Iquique, he often glances up toward the high plateau of Alto Hospicio. “You can’t see the dump, but [you can see] the column of smoke on days that [clothes] burn. That cloud of smoke lets you know … It makes [the issue] visible on a day-to-day basis.”

Thirty miles south of Iquique, toward the city’s main airport, on her family’s farm, Astudillo and her parents drop pieces of used clothing on the ground, but in a purposeful way. Over the past 20 years, Astudillo’s father has experimented with growing trees in the infertile, saline soils. Many of his efforts failed until he began using certain fabrics to mulch his trees. This improves the quality of the soil, enabling it to retain moisture. For the past year, Astudillo has been working with one of the Zofri importers, who asked to remain anonymous. She consults with his staff about the clothing bales and recommends ways of sorting the material into specific categories based on fiber content, some of which she collects personally. Those items — a pair of cotton shorts, a T-shirt, a blouse — become mulch for a pine and eucalyptus forest rising in the desert.

Recently, as Astudillo was leaving the farm, she stashed a few perennials in her truck and drove them to Manuela’s compound in Paso de La Mula. Just beyond Medina’s courtyard, where sky- blackening fires had once burned, Astudillo troweled a small hole for the plants. As she dug, she dislodged several odd socks and a faded blue sweatshirt — discarded clothes that had survived the fires, but were buried by bulldozers.

Astudillo filled the hole, amending the desert sand with compost and garden soil. “For me it’s like a Band-Aid for a wound that is so big in that place,” she said. Then she tucked in cardinal flowers — a native plant whose petals resemble shooting flames.

Editor’s note: During visits to her compound in Alto Hospicio, Manuela, the owner of the secondhand clothing dump, told Grist reporters her name was Manuela Medina. However, other outlets have used the surname Olivos. Her legal name is Manuela de Los Angeles Medina Olivos.

[hirocimacruiser]

Impul 932S based on the Z32 300ZX 2by2

Translation of article first pic from RevSpeed issue number 1.

IMPUL 932S FAIRLADY Z 300ZX 2by2

Photos/Tatsuo Sakurai Text/Hitoshi Sezai

Beautifully shape the silhouette of a normal car. This Impul 932S perfectly embodies the important elements of a complete tune. Bring your own Z and order your favorite tune-up kit. That's the system in this case. What kind of running are you interested in?

The concept is "street + α"

As expected, the fastest man in Japan, “Kazuyoshi Hoshino,” produced it. Cool anyway. A body with a full aero kit usually has different tastes, but most people must have the same impression about this Impul 932S. However, you may feel a little resistance to the rear wing, which is on par with the F40, but this is also completely invisible when viewed from directly behind. The style seen from the back is too flashy, and it's frustrating, but as long as you're in the same lane, it'll overlap with the body, so you can rest assured.

In addition to the rear spoiler, there are four body parts: a rear bumper kit, a side step kit, and a front bumper kit. It's good that it hasn't collapsed. The fit is so high that it makes you think it's an original body. I was worried that there would be a lot of unnecessary lines around the front bumper if it was normal, but with this part, all of them have been eliminated and put together neatly. The difference between a complete car and a tuning car is the difference in product characteristics. Just like the manufacturer's off-line model, you should be able to get along with it without worry.

Naturally, the interior is also original, and the leather seats remain normal. The degree of perfection is still high enough, so the pedals, steering, etc. have been changed to Impul originals. Other than that, there is no noticeable difference. A 300km/h full-scale meter has been adopted for the meter, which matches the potential increase, but it is also so neat that it can be mistaken for normal.

The concept of the Impul 932S is “street + α”. Circuit champ, Japan's fastest man's theme is street priority. Rather than blazingly fast on the circuit, it's faster than anything else as a regular foot and as a means of transportation. The image of the car that Hoshino actually wants must be included in the 932S.

Smooth acceleration up to 200km/h, driving normally on normal roads. An engine tuned according to such a specific concept is very rational. The base is VG30DET, and only the computer has been modified. The engine remains normal, the boost is increased to 0.9 to 0.95, and the limiters are cut to bring out the full potential of the VG30DET. This alone increases power by 70ps, and power is 350ps.

has been upgraded. Attraction that users can choose

The engine is completely normal. Even the muffler shouldn't have been touched, but you can definitely feel the power increase. Because the sound is so natural, if you open the throttle as usual, the torque will suddenly appear from slightly over 2500 rpm. Beyond 3000 rpm, it shows acceleration that makes you forget that it is an AT.

It shifts to a sharp dash system. If you continue to step on the throttle, the range from 4000 to 6000 rpm will pass in an instant, and at the same time your back will be pressed against the seat back with intense force. In this rev range, it shows a sharp boost that is comparable to any NA, and the boost-up effect is maximized. An engine with good materials is compressed by a boost of nearly 1 bar and it is a momentum that rushes up. The pick-up is also excellent, and the running on winding roads is truly unbeatable.

Power peaks at just over 6500 rpm, and the power curve is gentle at the top end. However, the good matching with AT could be realized only if there was a sense of torque in the low and medium speed range. It can be said that not being overly constrained by peak power has, on the contrary, improved acceleration performance without sacrificing everyday performance.

The suspension uses original parts for all shock absorbers, coil springs, and stabilizers. Tires are a combination of Impul original wheels and Potenza RE11. 235/45ZR17 front and rear 255/40ZR17 is a very wide setting. The appearance is completely along the line of the wheel arch, and the fit is extremely high. The height of the car has been lowered a lot, so the power is unparalleled.

However, when it comes to running, it feels a bit oversized in terms of ride comfort and sweet steering feel, but this also becomes visibly thinner as the speed range increases. In other words, it can be said that it is perfect if the theme is only running in the high speed range rather than everyday life, and it demonstrates its power only when it is at full power.

According to Impul's comments, the 16-inch model is close to the concept, but the 17-inch model is a challenge to the possibilities in the sense of pursuing performance. It has already been confirmed that 16 inches is the best in terms of everyday use as the concept. Therefore, arrange the tire size

Since the attractiveness changes greatly depending on the user, it would be good for the user to make a choice. The 932S, which combines many possibilities and charms, is sure to be accepted by millions of users, and it feels like Kazuyoshi Hoshino's proud product.

PIC CAPTIONS

The difference from normal is the 300km/h full scale speedometer and Impul stering wheel

There are two types of wheels, Impul R1 and Impul R-70I. The photo is R1.

It's nice to know that just replacing the computer will change the way you drive.

A rear wing that greatly enhances the appearance of the Impul 932S.

The aero parts show a very beautiful finish

[whipplefilter]

WILD SPEED: FIRE BOOST LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I was in Japan for the release of Fast X, and seeing it in the Japanese dub was such a 10/10 experience it makes me want to be in Japan for the release of Fast 11 as well. Ludacris sounds like a cartoon frog. Jason Momoa was even more of a nutball. Vin Diesel and Tyrese sounded identical.

I am really proud of myself for understanding (and remembering so many direct lines of) the Japanese version. And you might say, “lol Whipple, how much dialogue is there even in a Fast and Furious movie” and you’d be right but you’d also be wrong, because you would have failed to take into account how arcane the plot points in a Fast movie can be. Why WAS there a nautical bomb rolling through the Vatican? What IS the complicated genealogy linking all of these newly introduced characters?

The movie itself was sublime. I teared up in the first 10 minutes at the sight of a Charger doing tight doughnuts in an LA parking lot, rolling straight into the aerial views of LA. The final scene before the credits roll was immaculate. This movie offers the very best of the Fast franchise--the wild stunts, the familia, the shots of girls’ butts and cars. But most of all the earnest, completely unironic investment in its own fun. It is exactly what it is an happily so; it has “yes and”-ed its own premise with such joyous abandon the ending compels no response to news of a Fast 11 other than “WELL OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE TO.”

It was so great @ippoddity saw it again last night at the drive-in, and will definitely see it again in IMAX if we have the time. I think it’s important to this narrative that you know that we have matching Fast and Furious tattoos that are primarily based off the very same movie that Fast X proceeds from most directly, the majesty that is Fast 5. ToT

The Wild Speed: Fire Boost experience, for posterity:

It’s our last full day in Japan. We wake up at our hostel, go out for fresh tofu breakfast that my mother didn’t think was necessary until we got the tofu and she admitted it was amazing.

We say goodbye to the hostel dog and check out, walk to the train station. On our way out of town, we stop at the local folklore museum and an onsen, both of which are a grand time. A lot of walking is involved.

Two more trains and two hours to Kawasaki, and a movie theatre in a mall that is attached to the train station. It turns out buying movie tickets in Japan is easy (if you can read Japanese)--it’s a digital kiosk and you don’t have to talk to anyone! The seats were VERY comfy and had additional lumbar support. People talk about how expensive movie tickets are in Japan but they were pretty much on par which how much it costs to see a movie in Los Angeles. I’m not a movie-goer, and my Fast 9 ticket was a $5 Wednesday matinee, but can you really put a price on the opportunity to see the Japanese dub of Fast X?

It turns out Japanese movie theaters have MERCH of all the movies they’re showing, and what says Japan more than an A4 clearfile?

And since we saw it in Kawasaki, we also learned that the Kawasaki train station plays Ryu Sakamoto’s “Sukiyaki,” because he’s from there. Fun local ambient sound tidbit!

what if.. 🤔😏 we kissed 😚🥰 the Toyotathon astroturf circle at the mall Haha 😂 just kidding...🤣😜 unless? 😳  

MAJESTIC. FAST. FIRE BOOSTED.

[lastofthepencilpushers]

Qué Sera...Sera?

A 1990 Toyota Sera imported directly from Japan

Check out the gullwing doors and supercharged engine on that thing...Cool, huh?

Of course, I wouldn't know if the automatic transmission disqualifies it as a tuner car? Either way, it still looks sporty.

Photographed at the 2022 Houston Autorama

[nipponautospares]

Welcome to Nippon Auto Spares Ltd: Your Trusted Partner in Japanese Car Parts

Nippon Auto Spares Ltd, the UK's leading specialist in Japanese import car parts, is proud to announce its commitment to providing high-quality, reliable, and hard-to-find Japanese car parts to a global customer base.

Since its establishment in 1995, Nippon Auto Spares has built a reputation based on trust, expertise, and a dedication to excellence. Car enthusiasts, mechanics, and vehicle owners worldwide rely on Nippon Auto Spares for their automotive needs. Visit their recent blog here.

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[usedcarsforsalejapan]

Mitsuoka Car for Sale: Where Elegance Meets Innovation

Mitsuoka, a Japanese car manufacturer renowned for its unique, retro-inspired designs and custom craftsmanship, has garnered a devoted following worldwide. Unlike mainstream brands, Mitsuoka produces a limited number of vehicles, each with a distinctive style that blends nostalgia with modern engineering. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a car that stands out, a Mitsuoka offers a one-of-a-kind driving experience. Here’s a guide to buying a mitsuoka car for sale and understanding what makes these cars so unique.

Why Buy a Mitsuoka Car?

Unique Designs Mitsuoka’s designs are a homage to classic cars, such as the Jaguar Mark II and other vintage European models, yet are built on reliable Japanese platforms. Models like the Mitsuoka Viewt and the Mitsuoka Himiko offer a retro aesthetic, making them attractive to car enthusiasts who crave exclusivity.

Handcrafted Precision Unlike mass-produced vehicles, Mitsuoka cars are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Each car undergoes extensive custom modifications, including redesigned exteriors and luxurious interiors. This level of craftsmanship ensures that every Mitsuoka is unique, setting it apart from typical cars on the market.

Modern Reliability and Safety Though Mitsuoka cars look vintage, they are powered by modern engines and come equipped with advanced safety features. Many models are based on platforms from reliable brands like Nissan or Mazda, ensuring dependable performance and ease of maintenance.

Head-Turning Appeal Driving a Mitsuoka is an experience in itself. The brand’s rare and striking appearance catches attention on the road, making it a top choice for those who prefer cars that reflect their personality and style.

Popular Mitsuoka Models to Look For

Mitsuoka Viewt The Viewt is one of Mitsuoka’s most recognizable models, designed to resemble the classic Jaguar Mark II. Based on the Nissan March, it offers the reliability of a Nissan combined with the charm of a 1960s-era British sedan. Its retro front grille and sleek lines give it a timeless elegance.

Mitsuoka Himiko Named after an ancient Japanese queen, the Himiko is Mitsuoka’s convertible roadster with vintage styling and modern Mazda MX-5 underpinnings. The Himiko’s long bonnet and elegant curves make it look like a classic European roadster, appealing to those who appreciate open-top driving with a classic twist.

Mitsuoka Rock Star Inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, the Mitsuoka Rock Star is a striking car with a distinctly American muscle car vibe, yet with Japanese engineering. It’s powered by the Mazda MX-5’s engine, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride, perfect for those who love iconic American car design but desire Japanese reliability.

Tips for Buying a Mitsuoka Car

Check Availability in Your Region Since Mitsuoka is a niche brand with limited global distribution, finding a Mitsuoka dealership might require some research, particularly if you’re outside Japan. Many Mitsuoka models are exported and available through specialty importers in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, and select European countries.

Consider Import Options For buyers interested in rare models or better deals, importing a Mitsuoka directly from Japan can be a feasible option. Several online platforms specialize in Japanese imports, allowing you to browse options, compare prices, and arrange shipping. Be sure to check import regulations and costs for your country, as these can affect your total investment.

Inspect the Car’s Condition and History As with any rare vehicle, reviewing the car’s history and condition is crucial, especially when buying used. If possible, request a full inspection report, including any modifications and maintenance records. Given that Mitsuoka cars are often well-cared-for by enthusiasts, finding a pre-owned model in excellent condition is common.

Calculate Ownership Costs While Mitsuoka cars offer modern reliability, their unique parts and custom modifications can result in higher maintenance costs than a typical car. Make sure to factor in potential costs for parts and servicing, especially if your model requires custom replacements.

Where to Find Mitsuoka Cars for Sale

Dealerships and Authorized Distributors Some authorized dealerships outside Japan may carry Mitsuoka cars or assist with special orders. Dealers often provide certified pre-owned options, making this a convenient choice for first-time Mitsuoka buyers.

Japanese Export Websites Several Japanese car export websites like Goo-net Exchange, BE FORWARD, and Tradecarview list Mitsuoka cars with shipping options to various countries. These platforms let you browse a wide selection and arrange for transport with relative ease.

Collector Car Auctions and Online Marketplaces Rare car auction sites and marketplaces like Bring a Trailer or Car and Classic often feature Mitsuoka cars for sale. Auctions can be an exciting way to acquire a Mitsuoka, especially if you’re seeking a specific model or color.

Specialty Car Dealers Many dealers specializing in classic or exotic cars may also carry Mitsuoka models. These dealers often handle importing and paperwork, making the buying process smoother, although the prices may be higher.

Final Thoughts on Owning a Mitsuoka Car

Owning a Mitsuoka is about more than just transportation; it’s about driving a car that makes a statement. With their retro styling, handcrafted quality, and modern reliability at SAT Japan, Mitsuoka cars offer a unique blend of old and new that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of unique automotive designs, a Mitsuoka is sure to add character and style to your car collection.

In a world where cars increasingly look the same, a Mitsuoka stands as a refreshing reminder of what cars can be—a reflection of personality, craftsmanship, and a love for design.

[cartheorybd]

CarTheoryBD: The Ultimate Solution for Japanese Auction Car Imports in Bangladesh

The Bangladeshi car market has undergone significant transformation over the last decade, with increased demand for authentic, high-quality vehicles. At the forefront of this change is CarTheoryBD, a trusted name that has reshaped the car import process by offering premium Japanese auction cars. Founded by Sazedur Rahman, CarTheoryBD has positioned itself as a pioneer in delivering vehicles directly from Japan’s top auctions, ensuring that every car is thoroughly inspected and meets international standards.

A Decade of Expertise and Commitment

With over 10 years of experience in the industry, CarTheoryBD has mastered the intricate processes involved in sourcing and importing cars. Specializing in both new and reconditioned vehicles, the company has grown to offer an extensive inventory of popular Japanese brands like Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mitsubishi. This wide range of choices ensures that every customer, regardless of their budget or preferences, can find a vehicle that meets their needs.

Unlike other importers, CarTheoryBD focuses on transparency and reliability, ensuring that every car is fully inspected and certified before making its way to the Bangladeshi market. Customers can rest assured that they are getting an authentic vehicle that will offer years of reliable performance. This commitment to authenticity is what has set CarTheoryBD apart from competitors.

Japanese Auction Expertise: A Unique Advantage

Japanese car auctions are renowned for their strict standards, and CarTheoryBD has made it a priority to become an expert in navigating these auctions. By leveraging their strong relationships with auction houses in Japan, CarTheoryBD offers customers access to high-quality cars at competitive prices.

Participating in a Japanese auction can be a daunting process for most buyers, but CarTheoryBD takes care of everything from bidding on the perfect car to handling all the import paperwork. This means that customers don’t have to worry about the complexities involved in international car purchases. Instead, they can focus on selecting their ideal car, while CarTheoryBD manages the rest.

An Extensive Range of Vehicles for Every Need

CarTheoryBD’s selection of vehicles is one of its key strengths. Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new model, a reliable family SUV, or a budget-friendly reconditioned vehicle, CarTheoryBD offers an impressive inventory to choose from. The company’s reconditioned cars undergo a meticulous refurbishment process to ensure that they meet the highest standards of safety and quality, making them a reliable and affordable option for Bangladeshi buyers.

For those looking to buy new cars, CarTheoryBD offers direct imports from Japan, giving customers access to the latest models at highly competitive prices. These cars are sourced directly from manufacturers or auction houses, ensuring that customers receive only the best. Each vehicle is evaluated for quality, safety, and performance before being made available for purchase, ensuring that the customer drives away with a car they can trust.

Customer-Centered Approach

At the heart of CarTheoryBD’s success is its dedication to customer satisfaction. The company takes a personalized approach to each sale, ensuring that every customer receives individual attention and guidance throughout the car-buying process. CarTheoryBD’s sales team is known for being knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive, helping customers navigate their options, explain the features of different vehicles, and find the best car for their lifestyle and budget.

The customer experience extends well beyond the point of sale. CarTheoryBD offers after-sales services such as routine maintenance and repairs through its advanced service center. The facility is staffed by highly trained and certified technicians who use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and genuine parts to ensure that every car runs at optimal performance. Customers who purchase cars from CarTheoryBD can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their vehicle will be well cared for throughout its lifetime.

Flexible Financing and Warranty Programs

CarTheoryBD understands that buying a car is a significant financial commitment, which is why they offer flexible financing solutions tailored to each customer’s unique financial situation. The company’s financing options are designed to make car ownership more accessible, whether you’re purchasing a brand-new car or a reconditioned model. Customers can choose from various financing plans, ensuring they find a payment option that fits within their budget.

Additionally, CarTheoryBD provides comprehensive warranty programs that cover both new and reconditioned cars. This ensures that customers are protected against unexpected issues, allowing them to buy with confidence. The company’s warranties are among the most extensive in the market, offering protection for essential components and mechanical systems.

Building Long-Term Relationships

CarTheoryBD is not just about selling cars; it's about building long-lasting relationships with its customers. By offering exceptional customer service, quality vehicles, and transparent transactions, the company has cultivated a loyal customer base. Many customers return to CarTheoryBD for repeat purchases or to recommend the company to friends and family.

The company’s commitment to fostering trust and transparency has earned it a solid reputation in the Bangladeshi market. This dedication to integrity is what drives CarTheoryBD to continually raise the bar for car imports in the country.

[thekillerstove]

To be fair to the guy with the bigger truck in that last pic, the reason the small-mid size truck went extinct in the US is because of emissions standards. Around the early 90s, trucks below a certain size became grouped into the same strict emissions standards as small cars like coupes and sedans. At first the automotive industry struggled to create designs that met these new stricter standards, while also maintaining the truck's ability to haul heavy material in the bed, but eventually they decided the solution was just to abandon the small-mid sized truck market and only build heavy trucks with much more lenient standards. If the guy needs a truck for any reason, something as big as a Ford F-150 is as small as it gets, as Kei trucks like the one on the left are not even street legal in the vast majority of states (they usually struggle to top 70mph), and need to be imported directly from Japan.

Also, even on farms where Kei trucks thrive as farm vehicles, they would not be legal in the US if not for the 25 year exemption on emissions standards. Basically vehicles 25 years or older are exempt to federal emissions standards, so these small Kei trucks, which surprisingly don't even meet the standards, need to be that old when imported. That Honda Acty has only been stateside for 2 years, max.

Watching the way some men are having a Very Normal Reaction to the term "pavement princess" is hilarious to me. I saw one guy make a tiktok where he showed his truck said "see, I put OFROADER stickers in three places and I went in this gravel road! It's not a pavement princess!"

Pavement Princess is the name for a jacked up super truck, you know the ones, that really mostly only exist in suburban areas with custom paint jobs and the brightest LEDs you can buy on the market and pickup beds smaller than a Honda Acty. They're gas guzzling, road destroying, pedestrian killing, ego-boosting machines.

And yes, the Cybertruck is absolutely a Pavement Princess.

Like, damn, maybe we finally do have a slur for cishet white men.

[satjapan12]

Japanese Used Cars in Kenya: Unlocking Quality and Affordability with SAT Japan

Introduction

Japanese used cars have become synonymous with quality, reliability, and affordability in markets worldwide. In Kenya, the demand for Japanese imports has surged, with consumers recognizing the value they offer. SAT Japan stands at the forefront of this trend, providing access to a wide range of top-notch used cars. Let's delve into why Japanese used cars, particularly those offered by SAT Japan, have captured the Kenyan market's attention.

Why Choose Japanese Used Cars?

Quality and Reliability

Japanese automakers are renowned for their commitment to quality and innovation. This reputation extends to their used vehicles, which undergo rigorous inspections to ensure roadworthiness. With Japanese cars, buyers can expect longevity and minimal maintenance issues, making them an attractive option for Kenyan consumers seeking dependable transportation.

Affordability

Compared to brand new vehicles, Japanese used cars offer significant cost savings without compromising on quality. SAT Japan sources its inventory directly from Japan, where strict vehicle inspection standards are enforced. As a result, buyers can access premium vehicles at competitive prices, making car ownership more accessible to a broader demographic in Kenya.

Wide Selection

Whether you're in the market for a compact sedan, a rugged SUV, or a fuel-efficient hybrid, Japanese automakers offer a diverse range of models to suit every preference. SAT Japan boasts an extensive inventory comprising popular brands such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, and Mitsubishi, ensuring that customers can find the perfect vehicle to meet their needs.

Understanding SAT Japan

Founded with a vision to revolutionize the used car export industry, SAT Japan has established itself as a trusted partner for buyers seeking quality Japanese vehicles. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, SAT Japan has earned a stellar reputation in the market.

The Process of Buying Japanese Used Cars from SAT Japan

Purchasing a vehicle from SAT Japan is a seamless experience, thanks to their comprehensive services tailored to meet customer needs. From vehicle selection to financing and shipping, SAT Japan ensures a hassle-free buying process from start to finish.

Advantages of Buying from SAT Japan

Quality Assurance

SAT Japan conducts thorough inspections on all vehicles to guarantee their condition and authenticity. Buyers can rest assured knowing that their purchase has undergone stringent quality checks, minimizing the risk of unforeseen issues.

Competitive Pricing

By eliminating intermediaries and sourcing vehicles directly from Japan, SAT Japan offers competitive pricing unmatched by local dealerships. This affordability allows customers to maximize their budget and secure a high-quality vehicle at a fraction of the cost.

Customer Support

SAT Japan prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides ongoing support throughout the purchasing process. From inquiries to after-sales service, their team of professionals is dedicated to addressing customer concerns promptly and effectively.

Popular Japanese Car Models in Kenya

In Kenya, certain Japanese car models have gained popularity among consumers due to their reliability, performance, and affordability. Toyota leads the pack with its diverse lineup of sedans, SUVs, and trucks, followed closely by Nissan, Honda, Subaru, and Mitsubishi.

Tips for Buying Japanese Used Cars

Before making a purchase, it's essential to conduct thorough research and follow these guidelines:

Research and Compare: Explore different models and prices to find the best deal.

Check Vehicle History: Obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report to uncover any past accidents or damages.

Inspect Thoroughly: Inspect the vehicle inside and out, paying close attention to mechanical components and body condition.

Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to assess its performance and handling on the road.

SAT Japan's Contribution to the Kenyan Market

Beyond providing quality vehicles, SAT Japan plays a significant role in the Kenyan economy by creating employment opportunities and supporting the transportation sector. Their presence contributes to economic growth and infrastructure development, driving progress across various industries.

Testimonials from SAT Japan Customers

Customers who have purchased vehicles from SAT Japan rave about their positive experiences and satisfaction with their purchases. From the quality of the vehicles to the professionalism of the staff, SAT Japan consistently exceeds expectations, earning praise and loyalty from satisfied customers.

Future Prospects of Japanese Used Car Market in Kenya

With increasing demand and evolving consumer preferences, the Japanese used car market in Kenya shows promising growth potential. As technological advancements and environmental consciousness shape the industry, SAT Japan remains poised to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape.

Conclusion

Japanese used cars for sale offer unmatched value and reliability, making them the preferred choice for Kenyan consumers seeking quality vehicles. With SAT Japan's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, buyers can trust in their expertise to deliver a seamless purchasing experience and unlock the benefits of owning a Japanese import.

[jdmimportcar]

JDM Import Car Miami: Embracing the Essence of Japanese Automotive Mastery

Introduction: 

In the heart of vibrant Miami, a new automotive trend is taking hold - the rise of Japanese Domestic Cars (JDM). Renowned for their unparalleled reliability and performance, JDM cars are capturing the attention of enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience. This article delves into the allure of JDM cars, the distinctive charm of right-hand drive vehicles, navigating the JDM market in Miami, and how JDM Import Car stands as the gateway to Japanese automotive mastery.

The Allure of JDM Cars

Exploring Japanese Automotive Mastery: 

Japanese cars have long been celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. JDM vehicles, in particular, embody the pinnacle of Japanese automotive engineering. Renowned for their reliability and high-performance capabilities, JDM cars have become a symbol of automotive excellence globally.

Miami as the Hub for JDM Enthusiasts

Miami, with its dynamic culture and diverse automotive scene, provides the perfect backdrop for the flourishing JDM community. Enthusiasts in the city are increasingly turning to JDM cars, drawn by their unique aesthetics, advanced technology, and the thrill of owning a piece of automotive history.

The Unique Experience of Right-Hand Drive Cars

Driving RHD in a LHD Dominated City:

One of the most distinguishing features of JDM cars is their right-hand drive configuration. While Miami predominantly embraces left-hand drive vehicles, the experience of navigating the city in a right-hand drive car adds an extra layer of excitement for JDM enthusiasts. The streets of Miami become a canvas for expressing individuality through these distinctive vehicles.

The Appeal of RHD JDM Cars

Driving a right-hand drive car is not just a choice; it's a lifestyle. The appeal lies in the novelty and uniqueness of the experience. JDM Import Car recognizes this appeal and ensures that RHD cars are not only accessible but also curated to meet the discerning tastes of Miami residents.

Navigating the JDM Market in Miami

Popular JDM Models in Miami: 

Miami's JDM market boasts an array of sought-after models. From iconic sports cars to practical daily drivers, JDM Import Car offers a diverse selection to cater to the preferences of every enthusiast. Popular models like the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra, and Subaru Impreza WRX are making their mark on Miami's streets.

Tips for Purchasing a JDM Car:

For those venturing into the world of JDM cars, a guide to navigating the market is essential. Understanding the import process, regulations, and key considerations for purchasing a JDM car ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. JDM Import Car provides valuable insights, making the journey of acquiring a JDM car in Miami a seamless process.

JDM Import Car's Commitment to Quality

The Process of Importing Cars from Japan: 

JDM Import Car prides itself on a meticulous importing process, ensuring that each vehicle meets the highest standards. The process involves sourcing directly from Japan, rigorous inspections, and compliance with import regulations. This commitment to quality sets JDM Import Car apart as a trusted name in the industry.

Ensuring High Standards for Every Car:

Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of JDM Import Car's mission. Testimonials from delighted customers attest to the quality of both the vehicles and the service provided. With a dedication to transparency and excellence, JDM Import Car has become the go-to destination for JDM enthusiasts in Miami.

Future Trends and Opportunities: 

As the JDM community continues to grow in Miami, exciting trends and opportunities are on the horizon. From exclusive JDM car meets to a surge in demand for rare models, the future looks promising for enthusiasts in search of that perfect JDM gem. JDM Import Car remains at the forefront, anticipating and embracing the evolving trends in the dynamic world of JDM cars.

Conclusion:  In the heart of Miami, the allure of JDM cars is not just a trend; it's a movement. JDM Import Car, with its commitment to quality, extensive selection, and passion for Japanese automotive mastery, stands as the gateway for enthusiasts to embark on a thrilling journey. Whether you're captivated by the precision of right-hand drive or the legendary performance of iconic models, JDM Import Car invites you to explore, experience, and embrace the essence of Japanese automotive mastery in the vibrant streets of Miami.

[fordpartaz]

Specializing in Providing Quality Ford Spare Parts

Accompanying the need to buy auto parts to replace when the car unfortunately breaks down, so which address sells the most quality and reputable items? 

If you want to find where the Ford parts giant is? Let's visit azpartsnow.com and choose Ford parts. 

We are happy to serve you with the best quality genuine OEM Ford parts (Ford Ranger parts, Ford Fiesta parts, Ford Everest parts, etc) at the most reasonable price and reputable service.

Specializing in providing quality Ford spare parts

Ford Parts are the original equipment for Ford vehicles and help restore vehicle performance and reliability. 

All Ford parts giant are backed by Ford Motor Company and built with the engineering expertise that can only come from a manufacturer with over 100 years of experience.

Azpartsnow.com is an address providing auto acura parts that is popular with many customers.

We always provide a full range of auto parts for many different car brands so customers can freely find and buy them as Ford ranger parts…

Auto parts here all have clear origins and sources.

Most are imported directly from quality countries with the most competitive prices on the market.

The best for your choice

Competitive price

Coming to azpartsnow.com, customers can be completely assured with genuine products of the best quality. 

In addition, if customers buy online, they will receive the goods as quickly as possible. 

Prices are always competitive in the market, bringing customer satisfaction.

Perfect service

We are happy to serve you with the best quality genuine auto parts at the most reasonable price and reputable service.

All products have clear origins and quality inspection documents; Affordable prices, and reasonable purchasing policies; Nationwide delivery support.

Professional staff

Coming to azpartsnow.com, all employees are always open and enthusiastic, replacing spare parts quickly, without wasting customers' time. 

This is also a reliable place to buy auto parts for you to choose from.

Not only does it impress customers with many unique products, azpartsnow.com also has very professional customer care and consulting services.

The prices here are considered cheaper than the general level, so the store is always crowded with customers. 

This is definitely an address that can satisfy customers, even the most demanding ones.

Contact us

If you are interested and need advice, please contact us immediately:

Address: 871 Ajikata, Niigata-shi, Niigata, Japan

Phone: +1(385)469-6789

Website: azpartsnow.com

Email: sales@azpartsnow.com

[biztrack]

How to Start An Import Export Business in Dubai with a Low License Cost?

The UAE strategic geographical location has helped the country emerge as an essential player in the international market. Along with its easy accessibility to air and water, Dubai’s stable trade relations and favorable economic atmosphere have contributed to its growing business popularity over the past decades.

Every year the UAE imports and exports a wide range of goods from and to countries like India, Japan, China, Turkey, the EU, and many others. That is why starting an import-export business is a lucrative business prospect. 

But before venturing on to start an import-export business in Dubai, any resident or foreign entrepreneur must possess an import-export license in Dubai, registered under a local company. 

To start an import-export business, you need to go through some necessary formalities which are very smooth. Let’s discuss what those are:

How to acquire an Import Export Licence in Dubai?

It is inspiring news that the import-export license in Dubai is not so difficult. Starting an import-export business and acquiring an import-export permit is a step-by-step procedure that requires you to focus on multiple aspects of your business. The type of trading activity, company name, setup, and visas all form an integral part of the entire process.

Decide Your Trading Activity

The first step to starting an import-export business is to decide on the specific trading activity, that is precisely what commodity you wish to trade. This is important because your import-export license may depend on the particular trading commodity.

Since the UAE exports and imports a great range of goods, including car parts, jewelry, beauty products, drinks, clothes, etc., it is necessary to determine the trading type and activity. 

Decide your business setup.

The UAE offers entrepreneurs various business setup options, and each setup comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Hence, you must choose a design that benefits you in your import-export activities.

The free-zone business setup is usually best suited for import-export business as it offers direct links and easier access to airports, ports, and highways. Moreover, the free zones also provide a 100% tax exemption on all import-export activities.

Apply for your import-export license

To get an import-export license in Dubai, you need to apply for it, depending on your business setup. For instance, if you plan to start an import-export business on the mainland, you can apply it directly through the Department of Economic Development (DED), or you can also apply to the emirate municipality.

Whereas, if you plan on setting up your trading business in one of the free zones, then the application for the import-export license must go to the managing authority of the respective free zone.

However, a company/business setup consultancy firm can help you in the entire process of starting a Business Setup in Dubai by managing the whole application and obtaining the import-export license.  

Customs Requirements

Customs requirements form an essential focus when planning on starting an import-export-trading business with Dubai’s broader world. Even though setting up your company in the free zone allows you to enjoy import-export tax exemption, it still demands an import code.

You can acquire your code by applying to the Federal customs authority, where you will be asked to provide some important documents, including a copy of your general trading license, passport, and trading activity details.

Visa

Foreign entrepreneurs can also acquire visas while applying for their licenses, which will enable them to sponsor dependent visas for their families or work access for their employees.

Starting an import-export business with a low license cost

The overall import-export license cost in Dubai depends on several factors. Your trade license cost may increase depending on the number of dependent and working visas and co-working facilities. Furthermore, you will also be required to pay a minimum duty of 5% if you want to sell imported goods in the local market.

The UAE’s favorable business environment and economic stability make it exceptionally easy to start an import-export business in Dubai. The not-so-complicated application procedures for the import-export license and its significant business structures and benefits make a good location for local and foreign entrepreneurs alike.

[hraeth-ethile]

Operation Nightfall is a conspiracy theory with roots in early internet forums, but with its origins rooted specifically in the booru website Clover.

In 2008, a poster by the name of Hoho stated that he knew about a military secret regarding the United States Army's supposed nuclear contingency plans after the Second World War.

In his initial statement, Hoho explained that he was the son of an army intelligence officer who was part of many different projects for the United States Military, and was directly involved in something called Operation Nightfall. According to him, the military operation began as a project by and for the United States, but soon came to include the United Kingdom and Australia. The operation's stated objective was a wartime contingency effort where, had the United States never completed its nuclear attack on Japan (for reasons such as weather, cost, futility, etc.) that it would keep the United States' nuclear program a complete and total secret from the world with the intent to test it on "unwanted groups with suspect loyalty or value to the good of the state's directives".

The Clover post continues, where, in this alleged postwar nuclear contingency, the United States had serious plans to test its first major nuclear attack on the majority-pagan town of Thousand, Wyoming, while the United Kingdom was going to test theirs on Belfast, Northern Ireland to fabricate a casus belli against the Irish state and bring total control over all of the Isles. Australia, too, would drop their atomic weapon on the Papua New Guinean capital city of Port Moresby in their own attempt to falsify a casus belli.

The conspiracy theory did not gain mainstream attention until 2012, when a Republican ex-naval commander and candidate for the mayoral office of Cheyenne, Wyoming directly mentions military action against Thousand after he was asked by one of his constituents about the "possibility of the United States government testing nuclear arms on its own citisens." The candidate, Brett Dwyer, responded with "the United States has never planned an attack on Thousand".

Jacob Mitchem, a campaign aide, was seen rushing up to Brett's side, where he was quickly escorted away while press teams pursued them on their way to a car that sped away with Brett and Jacob inside. Brett's speech was critisied by his Democratic opponent in Cheyenne as "the most potentially severe faux pas ever".

Brett Dwyer swiftly stepped away from the city election, and hid from the public for several months, during which the internet conspiracy from Clover picked up frantic traction, with tens-of-thousands of people signing a petition to investigate and indict the conspiracy's three Anglophonic countries in the first month alone.

While the United States, United Kingdom, and the Australian governments have never acknowledged either Brett Dwyer's speech or the conspiracy theory itself, the effects of it were felt for many years, with a drastic decline in army and air force recruits between between the months of May and July, as well as a surprise severe drop in local election turnouts throughout all three countries. The results of this were felt most harshly in the United Kingdom, however, where small but violent protests appeared in Londonderry and Dublin that led to at least one death and thirty-seven arrests. A BBC reporter, Jonathan Bridewell, gave his opinion on the events, saying, in part, that: "… this tension is more falsified than the thing these people have gone on about, which is proof, in my eyes at least - though I beg of it to be proof in your own - that the internet can be more than a means of communication, connecting people like never before in so many meaningful and important ways. It can be a weapon, too, and, like all weapons, it can kill and destroy wantonly. Directly, and indirectly, and with as much collateral damage as you have ammunition. We are seeing the start of something deadly, and dangerous, and possibly catastrophic, but only if we give it the ammunition it needs to be".