The annual Car of the Year Japan award, also known as Japan Car of the Year (or JCOTY), is given to newly released, or redesigned vehicles released to the Japanese car buying market from November 1 of the previous year, to October 31 of the current, and each award spans two calendar years. The award has been presented since 1980. The recipient of the award, for 2016–2017, is the Subaru Impreza
The Japan car of the year 2016-2017 nominate cars are schedule to announce on October 31, 2016.
One unique event that happened, was that the Jeep Cherokee (KL) made the list of the Top 10 Cars In Japan, before being eliminated in the final round (it placed 8th). This was the first time an American car ever made that list. The supervisory board is made up primarily of Japanese automotive journalists.
The award is not associated with the more recent Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference (RJC) RJC Car of the Year award, which has been issued since 1992.