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Takeda Intakes & Exhausts:
Takeda is a leading brand by aFe POWER dedicated to delivering premium induction and exhaust products designed to maximize the performance of Asian-import sport compact vehicles. Takeda Cold Air Intakes and Exhaust Systems blend style and innovative design to deliver aftermarket performance parts perfectly suited to the import market.
A Journey Through Time: The JDM Market in the US
The Japanese Domestic Market – or JDM – in the United States boasts a rich and storied history, rooted in innovation, culture, and a deep connection to the automotive enthusiasts who drive it. Though today it includes a wide range of vehicles from various Asian manufacturers, the heart and soul of this segment traces back to Japan’s legendary automakers—names that have become synonymous with reliability, performance, and driving excitement.
The Rise of the Modern Japanese Sports Car
Japanese sport compacts began making their mark in the U.S. following World War II. Automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan entered the American market with cars that prioritized affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency.
Nissan 370Z
Toyota GR86
Toyota MK5 Supra
Mazda Miata
Honda Civic Type R
Subaru BRZ
Infiniti Q50
Toyota GR Corolla
Subaru WRX
Lexus IS300
A major shift occurred in the US as many enthusiasts opted for Honda and Toyota over American Muscle. With their efficiency, affordability, and tuning potential, these smaller cars quickly garnered a cult following and became a true force to be reckoned with. In contrast to the massive V8, cubic inch, brute-force performance of Muscle Cars, these relatively lightweight and often turbocharged sport compact cars offered a new level of agility, creativity, and skill.
When the oil crisis of the 1970s hit, Japanese cars became more ubiquitous because of their affordability and efficiency. By the 1980s, Japanese automakers leaned further into sportier designs, taking inspiration from American and European styling while preserving the unique Japanese driving experience. This fusion created an identity that captured the imaginations of a new generation of drivers, setting the stage for what many consider the golden era of Japanese sport compacts.
The Golden Era: Icons of the ’90s and Early 2000s
For enthusiasts, the 1990s marked a turning point. Japanese automakers released some of the most iconic sport compact cars of all time. Models like the Nissan GT-R Skyline R34, Toyota Supra MK4, Mazda RX-7, Honda/Acura NSX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV, Toyota 86, Honda S2000, and Subaru WRX STI 22B redefined performance and made history. These models, enhanced with carefully selected aftermarket upgrades, gained attention for dominating motorsports competitions across the board, from drifting, time attack, drag, and autocross. Organizations like NIRA, IDRC, and NOPI Nationals recognized this potential– A lightweight, tuned, and turbocharged four-cylinder engine could compete with— and even outperform—a heavy V8 muscle. It’s a topic still debated and put to the test today. Fueled by Fast & Furious, Initial D, and Gran Turismo, these vehicles became symbols of legacy, community, and skill. From aesthetics to aerodynamics, with upgrades like turbos, suspension, and exhausts, customization became the name of the game.
A Lasting Legacy
As Japanese sport compacts grew in popularity, they found homes across the automotive spectrum. From traditional motorsports like road racing and drifting, born on the mountain roads of Japan, these cars proved their versatility and inspired entire communities. Unlike classic American muscle cars, which became increasingly expensive as they achieved collector status, Japanese sport compacts remained relatively affordable for decades. This accessibility allowed young enthusiasts to enter the scene and modify their vehicles to reflect personal tastes, to make custom builds.
Other automakers have since followed suit. The Korean Domestic Market – or KDM – has been leaning towards performance with models like the Genesis G70, Kia Stinger, and Hyundai’s Elantra N and Veloster N. American automakers like Ford introduced hot hatches like the Focus ST and Fiesta ST that join the club of the defining fast, lightweight, and agile cars that make up Sport Compact market.
TAKEDA and aFe POWER:
Upgrades Built for Enthusiasts
TAKEDA by aFe POWER was created in 2009 to cater to the sport compact market, blending performance, style, and innovation to meet the needs of enthusiasts who demand the best for their builds. Takeda is an aFe POWER brand whose product lineup mirrors the flagship designs of aFe POWER but is tailored specifically for compact import vehicles.
Takeda Cold Air Intake Systems
In 2009, when aFe started the Takeda brand, some of the first intakes designed were classically styled “filters on a stick.” Takeda Retain is the classic short ram intake, Takeda Attack features a long tube design that routes under the bumper, and Takeda Link is a hybrid option combining a short ram with a bolt-on second tube.
As time went on and Japanese import cars became modernized, many enthusiasts saw the appeal of a clean look and the cool air of a sealed airbox. Using the same rotational molding technology used to make aFe’s flagship Momentum Intake kits, Takeda Cold Air Intakes shifted into sealed airbox designs that look almost OE, but better, while offering protection and clean, cool air. Every intake is designed to work with the design of the car and enhance the overall aesthetics.
Just like aFe intakes, each intake is tested on the dyno to ensure it actually makes more power. Each intake is also equipped with a washable, reusable filter, with a choice of performance or dry filter. Takeda Intakes can stand as an essential component of a high-performance build, especially if upgrading with a tune, turbo swap, or exhaust.
Subaru WRX 22-24 H4-2.4L (t)
Honda Civic/ Civic Si 22-25/ Acura Integra 23-25
Infiniti G37 (Coupe) 08-13 / Q60 14-15
Mazda 3/CX-30 21-24 L4-2.5L (t)
Nissan 370Z 09-20 V6-3.7L
Ford Fiesta ST 14-15 L4-1.6L
Kia Stinger 18-23 V6-3.3L (tt)
Acura TLX 21-22 L4-2.0L (t)
Toyota GR Corolla 23-24 / GR Yaris 19-24
Lexus IS200t 16-17 / IS300 18-20 L4-2.0L
Toyota GR86/ Subaru BRZ 22-24 H4-2.4L
Hyundai i30 N 17-24 L4-2.0L (t)
Takeda Exhaust Systems
Sound First: Every exhaust is made with the sound-first mentality– the same care and attention to detail that defines aFe POWER. From the ground up, engineers spend the time to design exhaust sounds that enhance the unique characteristics of every car. Systems incorporate Helmholtz chambers and muffler tuning for a refined, performance-oriented sound and are constantly refined until the best sound is made.
Welding Craftsmanship: The craftsmanship of our highly-skilled and passionate in-house welding team practices advanced techniques like TIG welding and tight mandrel bends, like those found on the Civic Type R exhaust applications.
Stylish Tips: Takeda exhaust systems not only look good and are high-quality, but look good too. With multiple configurations for exhaust tips– single exit, dual exit, and staggered– in different finishes like polished, black, carbon fiber, or blue flame. Takeda clamp-on exhaust tips make it easier than ever to customize the look on your car.
Honda Civic Type R 17-21 L4-2.0L (t)
Subaru WRX 22-24 H4-2.4L (t)
Infiniti Q50 16-24 V6-3.0L (tt)
Honda Civic Si 17-20 L4-1.5L (t)
Infiniti G37 Coupe 08-13 / Q60 14-16
Honda Civic Type R 17-21 L4-2.0L (t)
Nissan 370Z 09-20 V6-3.7L
Toyota GR Corolla 23-24 L3-1.6L (t)
Honda Accord (Coupe) 13-17 V6-3.5L
Honda Civic Si 17-20 L4-1.5L (t)
Subaru Outback 20-24 H4-2.4L (t)
Infiniti Q60 17-22 V6-3.0L (tt)
More aFe POWER Performance Upgrades
While Takeda focuses on intakes and exhausts, aFe POWER offers an expanded lineup of performance parts for sport compacts and beyond:
Scorcher Power Module:
Tune without flashing your ECU– aFe POWER Scorcher Power Modules are plug-and-play piggyback tuners for turbocharged JDM, KDM, and Sport Compact Cars that intercept and modify factory sensor signals in real time without altering your ECU, safely increasing boost pressure and fuel delivery for immediate gains in horsepower and torque.
Charge Pipes:
Aftermarket aluminum high-flow boost tubes crafted to improve airflow, boost durability, and handle increased power levels. Made from aluminum, a more durable material than the factory intercooler tubes, and also with a larger diameter, aFe POWER Hot & Cold Charge Pipes increase turbo efficiency and airflow.
aFe CONTROL Suspension Components
For those looking to enhance handling and chassis dynamics, aFe CONTROL delivers:
With this diverse product offering, Takeda and aFe POWER give enthusiasts the tools to achieve their vision, whether it’s a high-performance track build, a canyon-carving weekend car, or a show-stopping street machine.
A Tribute to the Scene
It’s more than just cars— it’s a culture, a community, and a celebration of legacy, innovation, and individuality. Through Takeda and aFe POWER, we honor the spirit of this vibrant scene, providing enthusiasts with the products and performance they need to take their passion to the next level. From the Golden Era of the 1990s to today’s thriving car culture, Takeda and aFe POWER continue to deliver authentic products for the devoted enthusiasts chasing something faster, freer, and more you.
