Ichiban-Karibatsu-gumi, or simply the K-Boys, is a flashy Japanese-Gaijin street racing and drifting crew based in East Eden, Eden City, New Zealand. Known for their extravagant displays of wealth and style, the K-Boys have gained notoriety both on the streets and on social media.
Their love for JDM cars, bold drifting techniques, and high-speed antics is matched only by their obsession with the hypebeast lifestyle, prominently featuring streetwear brand Bigness in their image.
Etymology
The group would form from the belated workers of two former automobile powerhouse companies, Karin and Maibatsu, eventually settling with "karibatsu-gumi" after years of internal strife and animosity. After a total of six heated debates, five of which ending in bloodshed, bruised egos, and tire smoke, they finally settled with 'Karibatsu' with 'Kari' taking precedence after Karin workers won three out of the five decisive drag races. They use the prefix 'Ichiban', meaning 'number one', 'first', 'best' in Japanese, inspired by their thrill for racing victory. The suffix '-gumi' was chosen to sound more sinister, as the usage of '-gumi' is deeply rooted in Japanese criminal history, often associated with traditional yakuza syndicates or other organized crime groups.
History
1990s
The Karin automobile manufacturing company was the last Japanese corporation to cease local production in Wilson, East Eden, New Zealand, shutting its doors in October 1998. Despite earlier closures by competitors such as their prominent rivals, the Annis Canary Manufacturing Plant, and their close associates at the Maibatsu Corporation, Karin executives had hoped to sustain local production until 2000.
However, financial pressures and declining viability ultimately forced their hand. The abrupt closure left workers without income and stranded in foreign lands, marking a bitter end to Karin's presence in the region and further fueling tensions within the industrial community of East Eden.
2000s
While the upper executives of other Japanese car companies promptly fled New Zealand for the comforts of the Rising Sun, Kaito Furudate, the acting CEO of Karin Motor Company's New Zealand branch, chose a different path. Opting to stay indefinitely in the country, Furudate found solace in the long, open highways and scenic routes of New Zealand, a stark contrast to the congested traffic jams of Japan.
Inspired by his love for New Zealand's open roads and a desire to preserve the spirit of Karin in the country, Kaito Furudate took an unexpected step. Rather than leaving the past behind, he reached out to the displaced workers of the former Karin Motor Company plant. Together, they transformed the abandoned factories and testing tracks of East Eden into something new... a thriving street league.
On these reclaimed grounds, Furudate and his team created a space for drifting, racing, and camaraderie, turning what was once a symbol of economic loss into a playground for speed and adrenaline. The old workers, once left without purpose, found a renewed sense of identity and joy, pushing the limits of their vehicles and perfecting their drifting techniques. What began as casual meets soon evolved into a full-fledged underground scene, with the legacy of Karin living on, not in production lines, but in the tire marks left on East Eden's forgotten tracks.
2010s
By the time Kaito Furudate reached his 60s in the 2010s, age began to catch up with him. His reaction speeds slowed, and the once-daring drifter knew it was time to step back from the scene he had helped build, instead being their lead mechanic. In a surprising and symbolic move, Furudate handed the reins of the street league to Shoyo Nishida, a rising star and member of their rivals, the Raizoku.
Nishida left the Raizoku because their focus was solely on speed and drag racing, prioritizing straight-line dominance over the artistry of drifting and the joy of driving. For Nishida, racing was about more than just being the fastest, it was about style, skill, and having fun. With this mindset, he joined the Karibatsu, bringing along some of his closest crew members who shared his vision. Over time, the Karibatsu embraced Nishida's influence and transformed into the K-Boys, reflecting their modern, rebellious attitude and love for drifting.
Nishida's leadership, coupled with his mastery of drifting, earned him the prestigious title of "DK" - Drift King. Under his guidance, the league thrived, blending the legacy of Karin with the playful energy and technical flair Nishida brought from his Raizoku days. His ability to unite rival factions and inject new life into the league cemented the K-Boys as a dominant force in East Eden's underground racing scene, creating a vibrant new chapter in its history.
2020s
Insignia
Unlike the more traditionally inspired outfits favored by Japanese gangs like the Raizoku, the K-Boys purposely reject traditional Japanese aesthetics in favor of bold, modern streetwear trends. Clad head to toe in outrageously priced "durippu" brands like Bigness, Chianski, and Güffy, the K-Boys take pride in flaunting their ill-gotten gains. Their extravagant fashion choices reflect their love for luxury and their rebellious disregard for convention, making them stand out as one of the flashiest crews in East Eden's underground racing scene.
Despite their flashy attire, featuring big-name American brands and diamond-encrusted jewelry, the K-Boys take anonymity seriously due to the illegal nature of their activities. To conceal their identities, members are often seen wearing medical masks, designer gaiters, and protective face coverings, many of which prominently feature luxury brands like the infamous Bigness. This mix of extravagance and caution has become a signature of the K-Boys' style, blending their penchant for high-end fashion with the necessity of staying under the radar.
Classic and vintage vehicular manufacturer jackets and merchandise, particularly those of Karin or Maibatsu origin, are the most sought-after clothing items of all. Wearing these insignia is similar to wearing gang patches, and members take pride and prestige in their vintage jackets.
Membership
The Karibatsu-gumi was founded in 1998 as an ethnically Japanese car society, primarily comprised of migrant workers imported to work for the Karin and Maibatsu manufacturing companies. Following their subsequent closures in 1998 as a result of the removal of import tariffs, former workers who remained in New Zealand formed cliques and car crews dedicated to and identified by their former car manufacturers. The K-Boys is one of the few ethnically Japanese-based car societies that has allowed non-Japanese to join. Non-Japanese were traditionally only used as rival opponents, mutuals, underground connections, or associates.
This has skyrocketed the popularity of the group, as many different races and cultures who connect through drag racing, Japanese Domestic Markets, and off-road racing have united under their banner. While outsiders or gaijin have been allowed to participate or support other gangs such as the Raizoku, no other Japanese car society has openly allowed foreigners and non-Japanese nationals since the Karibatsu opened their memberships in 2015. This has had both positive and negative consequences.
Members
Shoyo Nishida
Money Nakanishi
Aki "Money" Nakanishi grew up in the shadow of the Maibatsu plant in East Eden, where his father, Akie Nakanishi, worked before the plant's closure. When Maibatsu shut its doors, the family faced hardship, but Akie passed down his love for cars and drifting to Aki, introducing Aki to drifting and racing. Akie was also close friends with Kaito Furudate, the founder of East Eden's Karibatsu street league, and often brought Aki along to witness the legendary races firsthand.
Aki quickly became a drifting prodigy, joining the Touge Union, a renowned team of mountain-pass racers. During his time with the team, Aki earned the title of Drift King (DK) through his daring and precise technique. However, the Touge Union eventually disbanded as the racing scene evolved. When his close friend Shoyo Nishida formed the K-Boys, Aki followed, bringing his skills and charisma to the next chapter of East Eden's racing history.
Princess Shoko
Shoko Sugawara is the brains behind the K-Boys' racing operations and the longtime girlfriend of Shoyo Nishida, the Drift King. While Shoko doesn't drive herself as is a passenger princess, she plays a crucial role in the success of the K-Boys. With a sharp mind and a knack for organization, she handles everything from setting up races, making sure their cars are ready, and coordinating bets and pink slips. Shoko's involvement ensures that the K-Boys stay ahead of the competition, running like a well-oiled machine.
Triva
- The Karibatsu are heavily inspired by Aki Kimura from the Need for Speed franchise.
