While spotting a Chevy sports car on North American roads isn't too difficult, the same can't be said in Japan. Here, you're much more likely to be confronted by a sea of compacts from the likes of Toyota and Honda. But the Chevrolet Corvette C8 has finally landed in Japan. We knew early in 2020 that right-hand-drive versions of the mid-engine sports car would be built and Japanese customers were quick to place their orders for the hot Chevy. To celebrate the arrival of the C8 in Japan, five of the first RHD variants were driven on the Fuji Speedway as part of an online event. Customers were initially meant to be invited but due to the pandemic, an online event was streamed instead.

Other RHD markets like Australia and the United Kingdom will have to wait a bit longer than Japan to get their initial allocation of Corvette C8s. As has been well-documented, the production of the Corvette has been plagued by issues since its launch. Last month, Chevy said another parts shortage will temporarily halt Corvette production but the pandemic was an even bigger problem last year. In fact, it was rumored that RHD Corvettes would be canceled entirely because of challenges posed by the pandemic. Originally, the RHD Corvette was meant to launch in Australia in the first half of this year.

Japan's introduction of the Corvette included appearances by a 2LT Coupe finished in Zeus Bronze Metallic and a Convertible in Sebring Orange Tint Coat. An interview with chief engineer Tudge Jector also took place. Now that this well-received American sports car has hit Japan's shores, how about they return the favor? We'd love to see the likes of the new Honda Fit and the Toyota GR Yaris being sold stateside. Right now, both cars are forbidden fruit stateside as small sedans and hatchbacks continue to struggle in this market. At least the talents of the latest Corvette will now get to be enjoyed in another part of the world.