LeMay – America’s Car Museum, it’s that great big shiny metal structure resembling that of an armadillo we’ve all come to know and love while driving by it countless times on I-5. But behind the Museum’s one-of-a-kind exterior, something new and extraordinary is on display, their largest exhibit to date.

The new exhibit, which is now open as of March 16, is called: “Shinka – An Immersive Japanese Automobile Exhibit.” The word “Shinka” is a Japanese term that translates to “evolution” or “progress.” The name of the exhibit itself represents the theme and direction ACM has taken with this new display, highlighting the history, progression, and sheer impact that Japanese car manufacturers have made on the automotive industry and the rest of the world throughout history, ultimately helping to shape it into what it is today. 

“We are excited to bring such a unique and immersive exhibit to the community here in the Pacific Northwest.” Says Gary Yamamoto, Executive Director of LeMay – America’s Car Museum. “With Shinka, we took our definition of ‘car exhibit’ to new heights in a way we never have at this Museum before. When you visit ACM to see the new Shinka exhibit, you should expect to find vehicles and elements on display that stimulate many different senses at once. We are working hard behind the scenes to make Shinka a one-of-a-kind display and we look at it as an experience more so than an exhibit, one you have to appreciate in person to feel the full affect.”

Shinka is the largest undertaking in ACM’s 12-year history. The exhibit spans the entire top floor of the Museum’s distinguished Showcase Gallery and consists of nearly 50 vehicles on display ranging from Japanese originals like the legendary Toyota 2000GT to the iconic cars of the ‘90s like the Nissan Skyline GT-R, and even a mix of modern-day performance like the new Acura NSX.

Though the vehicles are the focus, there are also many additional immersive and artistic components on display, complimenting the cars throughout the exhibit while also paying homage to various parts of Japanese culture including modern anime, historical Samurai, peaceful Japanese country-side rural landscapes, and bustling Tokyo streets and nightlife. 

In an ever-evolving world that is the automotive industry and car culture, America’s Car Museum, which sits just three hours away from the “Mount Fuji of the West,” is thrilled to bring an exhibit to the Pacific Northwest community that reflects the currently blazing hot market of Japanese vehicles and JDM culture. 

To learn more about the exhibit or purchase tickets to see Shinka in person, please visit americascarmuseum.org.