What is a Lexus called in Japan?
In Japan, a Lexus is generally referred to as Lexus, but several models carried Japan-only names such as Celsior, Windom, Altezza, Soarer, Harrier, and Aristo.
Brand presence in Japan
The Lexus brand opened dedicated showrooms in Japan in the mid-2000s, aligning with the global branding. Before and during that transition, some models were marketed in Japan under different, locally familiar names. This history explains why older Japanese-market references differ from the global Lexus labels.
Domestic-market model names
The following are the most well-known Japanese-market names used for Lexus models sold in Japan. These names appear in historical catalogs, dealer literature, and enthusiast guides.
Common Japanese-market names for Lexus models
- Celsior — Japan-market name for the Lexus LS (LS400/LS430 in other markets).
- Windom — Japan-market name for the Lexus ES (ES300/ES250 in various years).
- Altezza — Japan-market name for the first-generation Lexus IS (IS 200/IS 300).
- Soarer — Japan-market name for the Lexus SC (SC300/SC400).
- Harrier — Japan-market name for the Lexus RX (first generation).
- Aristo — Japan-market name for the Lexus GS (GS300/GS400).
These domestic names reflect a period when certain Lexus models shared platforms with Toyota or were marketed under different badges in Japan. Today, Lexus showrooms in Japan primarily use the global Lexus branding, with enthusiasts still recognizing the historical Japanese names.
Recent developments
Since the mid-2000s, Japan’s Lexus sales have followed the global branding model more closely. The legacy Japanese-market names remain a point of reference for older generations of vehicles and automotive historians.
Summary
In summary, while Lexus is the standard brand name in Japan today, several classic models carried Japan-specific names such as Celsior, Windom, Altezza, Soarer, Harrier, and Aristo in the domestic market. Understanding these aliases helps identify the exact model when looking at historical Japanese listings or collector discussions. The contemporary approach in Japan mirrors the rest of the world with the Lexus badge, but the old names still echo in automotive culture.
What is Lexus called in Japan?
Lexus models were sold under the Toyota name in Japan before the Lexus brand officially launched there in 2005. Therefore, a Lexus LS was called a Toyota Celsior, a Lexus GS was a Toyota Aristo, and a Lexus IS was a Toyota Altezza. While now a luxury brand in its own right, many Lexus vehicles are based on existing Toyota models and are still marketed as Toyota in Japan.
Here are some examples of Lexus models and their former Toyota names in Japan:
- Lexus LS: Was sold as the Toyota Celsior
- Lexus GS: Was sold as the Toyota Aristo
- Lexus IS: Was sold as the Toyota Altezza
- Lexus RX: Was sold as the Toyota Harrier
- Lexus GX: Was sold as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
- Lexus SC: Was sold as the Toyota Soarer
What is the Japanese equivalent of the Lexus?
The Toyota Century (Japanese: トヨタ・センチュリー, Hepburn: Toyota Senchurī) is a lineup of full-size luxury cars and limousines produced mainly for the Japanese market, serving as Toyota's flagship car within Japan; globally the unrelated Lexus LS series is Toyota's flagship luxury model.
Is an altezza a Lexus?
The Japan-sold AS200 Altezza sedan and AS300 Altezza Gita correspond to the Lexus IS 200 and IS 300 models respectively, as sold in markets outside of Japan. The Lexus IS' primary markets were North America, Australia, and Europe.
How do Japanese people say Lexus?
In Japanese. We Alexis lexis nexis wasn't recognized as a brand here in North America until about 2005. And the word Lexus. Although not confirmed by Toyota or Lexus. Themselves.
