Acura to Introduce Its Debut Model in the Japanese Market
Following a trade agreement initiated by former US President Donald Trump, Japan has opened its doors to imported vehicles manufactured in the United States. As a result, Honda is preparing to introduce two of its American-produced models to Japanese buyers.
From the latter half of 2026, the Acura Integra Type S and the Honda Passport TrailSport Elite—both assembled in the US—will be available at dealerships across Japan. These models were showcased earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon, generating interest among enthusiasts.
This launch represents a milestone for Honda, as it marks the first time an Acura-branded vehicle will be sold domestically in Japan. The Acura brand, which debuted in 1986, was originally created to cater primarily to markets in the United States and Canada. The Integra and its K20C engine are manufactured in Ohio, while the Passport and its 3.5-liter V6 engine are produced in Alabama.
The TrailSport Elite version of the Passport, positioned as the second most premium trim, carries a starting price close to $55,000. Jun Jayaraman, senior vice president of Honda of America's Manufacturing Management Center, expressed pride in the craftsmanship of American workers whose efforts are now reaching Honda customers in Japan.
In terms of sales, the Integra moved 20,178 units in the US last year, though this figure reflected a 17.3% decline compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the Passport experienced a substantial 70.4% increase in sales, with 55,231 units sold since its launch in early February.
While the new trade deal has facilitated the entry of US-built vehicles into Japan, the limited availability of just two trims suggests that widespread market impact may be modest for now. Nevertheless, this step could signal the beginning of a broader presence for American-made Honda and Acura models in Japan.
