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Japanese Car Specs by Model: Look Up Specs by Specification No.

Updated: 2026-10-06

Before you service a used car from Japan, you often need its Japanese car specs: engine, dimensions, weights and inspection standard values. Many people search for “car specs by chassis number”. In Japan, the more reliable keys are the Specification No. (型式指定番号) and the Classification No. (類別区分番号). This guide explains which specs you can read directly from the documents, how to look up the rest by variant or by maker and model name, and what limits to keep in mind.

Japanese car specs: start with the documents you already have

The Export Certificate (輸出抹消仮登録証明書 or 輸出予定届出証明書) already contains many basic specifications. The official form prints each field in Japanese and English. If you have this document, read it first.

Field on the Export CertificateJapaneseSpec it gives you
Model型式Model code
Engine Model原動機の型式Engine type code
Engine Capacity総排気量又は定格出力Displacement (L) or rated output (kW)
Classification of Fuel燃料の種類Fuel type
Length, Width, Height長さ・幅・高さBody dimensions (cm)
Weight / G/Weight車両重量 / 車両総重量Vehicle weight and gross vehicle weight
FF, FR, RF, RR Weight前前軸重 などAxle weights
Fixed Number / Maxim. Carry乗車定員 / 最大積載量Seating capacity and maximum load
Type of Body車体の形状Body type
Specification No. / Classification No.型式指定番号 / 類別区分番号Keys to look up the exact variant

These values describe this individual car as registered. For other specifications, such as inspection standard values, you need a data source. The field-by-field reading of the form is in our Japan Export Certificate guide.

Car specs by chassis number: what works in Japan

Most cars built for the Japanese market do not have a 17-digit VIN. They have a chassis number (車台番号) in “model-serial” form, up to 17 characters. An MLIT sample shows the chassis number R35-DSG-00001 for the model CBA-R35. The model part, R35, tells you the chassis model. It does not tell you the exact variant.

The exact variant is identified by two numbers. The Specification No. is the number MLIT gives when it designates a vehicle type. The Classification No. is a 4-digit number (3 digits are allowed for the time being) that separates variants within that type. It is not used twice within one type. So a search by these two numbers gives you the specs of one variant, not a range.

More about the chassis number format is in our Japanese chassis number check.

Search keyWhat you getGood for
Chassis numberModel family (from the model part)Checking that papers match the car
Maker and model nameA list of candidatesCars without the two numbers; first rough search
Specification No. + Classification No.One Japanese-market variantExact specs, parts and service work

Where to find the numbers for a Japanese car specs search

  • Export Certificate: has fields named Specification No. and Classification No.
  • Electronic inspection certificate card (電子車検証): the two numbers are not printed on the card face.
  • IC tag of the electronic inspection certificate: all current data is stored here.
  • Record printout (自動車検査証記録事項): printed with the two numbers. MLIT gives it out at the Transport Bureau when the card is issued or updated, until the end of December 2027.

The two numbers exist only for type-designated vehicles, which are mainly mass-produced passenger cars. MLIT calls other cars “general vehicles” (一般車). For these, search by maker and model name, and check the results against the car.

Japanese car specs by maker and model name

Sometimes you do not have the documents yet. For example, an exporter may be checking a car before purchase, or a shop may receive a car with only a photo of the card. In that case a search by maker and model name is a good first step. It gives you a list of possible variants.

To narrow the list, compare these points with the car:

  1. The model code on any document, and the model part of the chassis number.
  2. The engine model code (原動機の型式).
  3. Displacement, drive system and transmission.
  4. Body type and seating capacity.
  5. First registration date, which shows the period of production.
Name search is a start, not the end

A model name search can return several variants that look alike. Before you order parts or set torque values, confirm the variant with the Specification No. and Classification No. when the car has them.

What Service Data includes, and its limits

The Carise English page describes “Service Data” as data that contains the main specification values of the vehicle, engine, chassis and so on, together with inspection standard values. The page also gives three important limits. Read them before you rely on the data.

PointWhat the Carise page says
Main contentMain specification values of the vehicle, engine, chassis and so on, and inspection standard values
Inspection and maintenance contentContent other than specifications is provided for imported vehicles only
Japanese vehiclesUse “maintenance manual information” and “technical information” as alternative references
2015 edition onwardOnly main specifications and inspection standard values are provided

So for a Japanese car, expect specification values and inspection standard values. Do not expect full repair procedures. For those, use the maker’s maintenance manual information and technical information.

Carise also lists a New Car Price Search. Its database is described with fields such as manufacturer options, recycling fees, acquisition tax and other fee data, vehicle images, displacement, model code, vehicle weight, transmission, drivetrain and equipment. On the English page this category is marked “coming soon”.

How Carise helps

Carise (https://www.j-carnet.net/) is a data search system for the automotive industry, operated by JAPANCARNET CO., LTD. (日本カーネット株式会社). Its Specifications Search lets you search vehicle specifications by Specification No. and Classification No. (called “model designation and category classification number” on the Carise page). A search by manufacturer or model name is also available. The category is listed as “Specifications Search Data + Service Data”.

The Carise English page does not show a price for this category, and the Japanese page marks it “coming soon”. Please ask through the contact form before you plan your work around it.

Two other searches are available with prices shown on the English page:

Conditions:

  • The screens are in Japanese only. Use your browser’s translation feature.
  • Contracts are only for companies in auto-related businesses.
  • You can try the service for up to two months.
  • Phone support is in Japanese only.
  • Payment is by credit card (Stripe).
  • Use the specifications for your own repair, quotation and inspection work. The Terms of Use prohibit commercial use of the information obtained, so do not resell, publish or pass it on.

Apply or contact: Carise application form.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get Japanese car specs from the chassis number?
Only partly. The model part of the chassis number shows the chassis model. For the exact variant, use the Specification No. and Classification No.
What is in Service Data?
Main specification values of the vehicle, engine, chassis and so on, and inspection standard values. Inspection and maintenance content other than specs is for imported vehicles only.
Can I search without the two numbers?
Yes. The Carise Specifications Search also accepts manufacturer or model name. Check the results against the car.
Does the electronic inspection certificate show the Specification No.?
Not on the card face. It is in the IC tag and on the record printout. Exported cars have it on the Export Certificate.
Is the screen in English?
No. Carise is in Japanese only. Please use your browser’s translation feature.

Sources

Checked on 6 October 2026. Figures and procedures may change; check the latest official information.

Look up Japanese-market data with Carise

Carise is a data search system for businesses that repair, sell or export Japanese vehicles. Search genuine parts prices and specifications by model designation and category number. The screens are in Japanese; you can try it for up to two months.

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