The Origins of Drift: Japan, 1970s
It all began in the 1970s , on the winding roads of the Japanese mountains , called "Touge" (峠). Young drivers passionate about speed, often influenced by illegal street racing, developed a new way of driving: sliding the rear of their car around corners while maintaining control .
The goal is not just speed, but style , precision , and vehicle control .
Kunimitsu Takahashi: The Pioneer
A former motorcycle racer turned race car driver, Kunimitsu Takahashi is often cited as one of the first to use drifting techniques in competition to gain an edge in corners.
His techniques inspired a whole generation of Japanese pilots… including a certain Keiichi Tsuchiya .
Keiichi Tsuchiya, the "Drift King"
In the 1980s, Keiichi Tsuchiya began drifting... in the middle of a car racing championship. But that's not all: he filmed his drifting sessions on the open road and compiled them into a cult VHS tape: "Plus Option" , which toured Japan.
Thanks to him, drifting became a movement in its own right. He was also behind the first official drift competition: the D1 Grand Prix , launched in 2000.
Drifting explodes into global culture
2000s: internationalization
With the release of movies like Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift and the rise of video games (Need for Speed, Gran Turismo, etc.), drifting is attracting a global audience.
The United States created its own championship: Formula Drift (Formula D) , while D1GP continued to thrill Japan.
Today: more than a sport, a lifestyle
Today, drifting is no longer limited to Japanese circuits or mountains. It's a global culture :
- Fashion : Drift-inspired streetwear
- Car accessories : stickers, deep dish steering wheels, JDM rims
- Events : competitions, gatherings, live shows
Why is drifting so fascinating?
- For the necessary mastery : it is a sport of balance
- For the artistic side : each drift is unique
- For culture : between performance and underground lifestyle
You live drift, you wear drift?
In our store, you can show off your passion in style. Discover our collection inspired by drifting, from the Touge era to today's urban scene.
See the Drift collection → StreetWear
Conclusion: Drifting, between tradition and modernity
From its rebellious beginnings in the Japanese mountains to today's international competitions, drifting has always retained its soul: a blend of freedom, style and mastery.
And you, do you prefer pure drifting, Manji-style? Or duels in Touge mode? It doesn't matter: if you feel the passion, you're already part of the community.