Let's go on an exploration to discover Daihatsu!

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Trace the DAIHATSUMEI etched into history and journey onward to the stories that await.

Now, let’s open the door to adventure.

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ESSE

ESSE

Reporting from the Exploration Team! We’ve discovered that they created a car that seriously took on the “essence” of the K-car. Its name was the “Esse”!

TANTO

TANTO

Report from the TANKENTAI! We’ve discovered that Daihatsu’s TANTO pioneered the “extra-space mini vehicles” category—the standard for K-cars!

Midget

Midget

This time, the Daihatsu Expedition short video features one of Daihatsu’s famous cars that everyone knows!
Combining the best features of motorcycles and three-wheeled trucks—the small three-wheeled vehicle “Midget”!

The first-generation Charade

The first-generation Charade

Codename: G Project. Daihatsu's solution that saved ordinary people's lives during the oil crisis? The first-generation Charade. Daihatsu Tankentai reveals all!

The first-generation COPEN

The first-generation COPEN

Daihatsu TANKENTAI (Explorers) fans, thank you for your support! This time, we are introducing Japan’s treasure: the first-generation COPEN! Feel the passion that Daihatsu poured into this small sports car!

Hijet

Hijet

In 2014, the mini truck industry was shaken up! Breaking all conventions, an incredible lineup of 8 colors was released! The Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers) is here to introduce it!

The first-generation Opti

The first-generation Opti

Part 2 of the Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers) is a short video of the first-generation Opti—nicknamed “MOVING ART!” Come see the simple charm that comes from its small size!

The first-generation MOVE

The first-generation MOVE

Part 1 of the Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers) is a short video featuring the first-generation Move! This car was created to make everyday life more convenient and more enjoyable for young families!

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post Thoroughly Explore
articles

Small Cars That Crossed the Sea – Explore the Legacy of Daihatsu in Europe!

2026.10.14

Compact Cars That Crossed the Sea – Explore the Legacy of Daihatsu in Europe!

Did you know that Daihatsu used to sell cars in Europe?
In a market teeming with renowned vehicle manufacturers, what challenges did Daihatsu take on over the years?
Through this feature, we have gained insight into Daihatsu’s history—which is little known in Japan nowadays—and the cars that continue to be loved by people in Europe.

Big Dreams in a Small Car

2026.07.14

Big Dreams in a Small Car ~The Past, Present, and Future of the Midget~

“The Midget is like family.”
These were the words of Kon Omura-san, who appeared in the first-generation Midget commercial.
This is the third installment of articles written by our in-house team members of the Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers). In this article, we focus on interviews with Kon Omura-san and other key figures to explore the appeal of the Midget, a car that has continued to stay close to people’s lives.

Sonica: The K-car that Quietly Sparked a Revolution

2026.04.13

Sonica: The K-car that Quietly Sparked a Revolution

Cars are convenient tools for casually driving through the city.
Daihatsu has revolutionized this “common knowledge” by breaking the framework of the K-car.
With a low, elongated body and a focus on driving performance, Daihatsu has created a K-car that makes you proud to own it—without compromising on quality.
That car is the Sonica.
In this article, we trace the story of the vehicle that quietly, yet decisively, shook up the very concept of the K-car!

The Story of the Bonds Formed by the BEE

2026.02.27

The Story of the Bonds Formed by the BEE—Daihatsu TANKENTAI!

Born in 1951, shortly after the war, the BEE was Daihatsu’s first passenger vehicle. Though a small three-wheeled vehicle, with its innovative structure, it continues to captivate people today as a symbol of that era’s groundbreaking challenges. We explored the passions and power of connection inherent in MONODUKURI!

Launch of the “Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers)” Segment!

2025.10.02

Launch of the “Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers)” Segment!

Great news for fans of our two-part article “Introduction to Daihatsu’s Excellent, Interesting, and Unique Cars!” The “Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers),” which was initiated through this article, is finally launching as its own regular segment!

Introduction to Daihatsu’s Excellent, Interesting and Unique Cars!: Small, Playful, and Fun! Part 2

2025.09.18

Introduction to Daihatsu’s Excellent, Interesting and Unique Cars!: Small, Playful, and Fun! Part 2

Due to the strong reception received for the Daihatsu-TANKENTAI (Explorers) activities, we are now presenting Part 2! We’ll be introducing another fun Daihatsu vehicle! This time, though, it’s a little bit more “socially-aware.” We’ll feature a certain vehicle that supported both society and workers during the period of rapid economic growth in Japan. We’ve also dug up some valuable footage from back then!

Introduction to Daihatsu’s Excellent, Interesting and Unique Cars!: Small, Playful, and Fun!

2025.09.01

Introduction to Daihatsu’s Excellent, Interesting and Unique Cars!: Small, Playful, and Fun!

For this article, we’d like to take a short break and introduce you to fun vehicles that Daihatsu’s 118 years of history has produced! If you’re a baseball fan or Hanshin Tigers fan, you’re sure to have something similar before. We’ll also be including a story from those days!

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