The genesis of Japan's miniature kei cars

The EU's leaders recently accepted an industry proposal for a new class of small, low-cost cars as European manufacturers struggle to remain competitive while being forced into electrification. Named E-car, this takes inspiration from Japan's thriving kei jidosha ('light vehicle') class, which arose from a very different scenario in 1949.

- KRIS CULMER

Prewar Japan lagged far behind Western nations in its motorisation, but it did produce vehicles – albeit predominantly motorbikes and three-wheeled trucks, of which annual production peaked at just 15,000. The default transport for commerce remained ox-drawn carts; for individuals it had quickly become the bicycle. Japanese-built cars were expensive and few.

Under Allied occupation after losing World War II, Japan was prohibited from making cars – although it was hardly capable of doing so anyhow, its industrial base having been all but erased by years of ceaseless bombing.

Circumstances changed when combat broke out in Korea in 1948. This spurred the Allies to import greater quantities of heavy oil and iron ore to Japan, resulting in increased availability of the materials needed for vehicles. Then, in October 1949, the Japanese Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced a Basic Policy for the Automobile Industry, ending material rationing and encouraging corporate rationalisation.