Kanjo Honda Civic Culture Was Born Out of Rebellion and Belonging

The Kanjo Honda Civic culture, born from rebellion and belonging, is kept alive in a father‑son project by Mark and Chase Petriw. The car is a Kanjo‑style fifth‑generation Honda Civic, known to enthusiasts by its EK chassis code, and it wears a purposeful livery that nods to Japan’s infamous street‑racing subcultures. It is powered by a K20 engine—the same family that powers the RSX Type S and Civic Si in later generations—and is installed to reproduce the fast‑paced vibe of Kanjo runs rather than perform on the street. Mark has owned Skyline GT‑Rs in the past but sold them due to family obligations, leaving room for this tribute.

To be clear, this project isn’t about street racing or any actual thefts. It’s a fun‑to‑drive tribute to Japanese street‑racing culture built to wow local shows, echoing the way a vintage hot‑rod can engage a crowd. The project reflects the broader desire to honor niche subcultures while sharing the family’s passion for cars. The car’s build captures a blend of retro aesthetics and modern internals, embodying a cross‑generational exchange of ideas and skills that energizes local shows and online communities.