Because the solar units over the Yokohama skyline, a row of Mid Night time Membership vehicles are parked up only a few inexperienced expressway indicators from the notorious Wangan Bayshore route. Throughout the group, I spot High Secret’s Kazuhiko ‘Smoky’ Nagata and VeilSide’s Hironao Yokomaku on the primary stage, reflecting on Japan’s golden age of efficiency tuning. It’s a scene that feels barely surreal in the absolute best approach.
Welcome to the inaugural Wangan Base Yokohama – Choice Avenue Night time Competition.
Hosted by Net Choice, the net house of Japan’s famed Choice journal, it’s the primary automotive present at Yamashita Pier, an energetic transport hub constructed on reclaimed land within the ’50s. Tonight’s festivities centre round Shed 4 on the pier’s Western Jetty, providing panoramic views of Yokohama metropolis.
Arriving at 4pm, I picked up my media bib and handed by the primary gates to seek out the occasion already heaving with folks. Whereas it had began at 2pm, Wangan Base Yokohama was an evening pageant that completed at 10pm, so the big early crowd stunned me given the warmth. It might solely get greater from right here.
With an occasion of this scale, it’s onerous not to attract comparisons to the Tokyo Auto Salon. The pier round Shed 4 is an identical dimension to the exhibition halls of the Makuhari Messe on the alternative facet of Tokyo Bay.
Whereas TAS takes place within the lifeless of winter – usually amidst snow – Wangan Base Yokohama was hotter than an engine bay within the peak of Japan’s summer season. Aid got here as day turned to nighttime, although I hope subsequent yr’s occasion is scheduled for autumn.
Sure, don’t fear in the event you missed out this time; the 2025 occasion is already confirmed.
Think about Tokyo Auto Salon centered solely on tuner vehicles, with no producers, and was held outdoor at a disused industrial transport pier. Add an plane hangar and meals vans, and also you’ve acquired Wangan Base Yokohama – Choice Avenue Night time.
There have been too many standout vehicles to element, however this 2JZ-swapped RA65 Toyota Celica convertible was a spotlight.
One other deal with was the 20-something Mid Night time Membership vehicles lined up on the gangway to the pier. When Mid Night time greets you on the door, you recognize one thing particular is about to go down.
I used to be satisfied to see a number of Mid Night time vehicles in individual for the primary time. If I had to decide on a favorite, I’d fortunately take the keys to this blue FD3S Mazda RX-7. It’s not the unique Mid Night time automotive from the mid-’90s, however a second iteration owned by the identical gentleman.
One other first-time sighting, although lengthy admired, was the Revolfe S.A.-built Z32 Nissan Fairlady. It’s styled like the iconic Air Respiratory Analysis (ABR) Hosoki S130Z Fairlady, with the proprietor’s consent, in fact.
Because the solar disappeared, the golden hour turned to blue after which pitch-black night time. For about 10 minutes, the group murmured considerations: ‘Isn’t it too darkish?’ ‘I can’t see a factor.’ I shared their ideas till work lights and industrial-sized rigs have been switched on to light up the venue.
Inside Shed 4, it was extra like a typical automotive present, minus the industrial aptitude of Tokyo Auto Salon. Tuner cubicles from manufacturers like Tomei, High Secret, and Countless crammed the house with merchandise and demo vehicles.
I’d say 99% of the vehicles on show have been constructed for driving, not simply appears to be like – one other potential first. Massive occasions usually give attention to vehicles that look good however haven’t seen any actual motion.
Liberty Stroll showcased their best hits; I believe Kato-san has earned the proper to be only a little bit shiny.
I’m undecided if Wangan Base Yokohama signifies the rebirth of tuner tradition in Japan – because it by no means actually went away – however the occasion is nice information for the native scene. Net Choice put an enormous effort into it, and plan to proceed internet hosting reveals of this calibre into the longer term so long as venues allow. This specific location is without doubt one of the greatest within the space.
On the finish of the night, the rollout was equally as spectacular because the present itself, with vehicles parading down the pier and spectators waving them off.
If you happen to plan to go to Japan for the vehicles, think about packing sunscreen as an alternative of a beanie and gloves. Wangan Base Yokohama – Choice Avenue Night time Competition represents a contemporary and thrilling glimpse into genuine Japanese efficiency automotive tradition, and the inaugural occasion was merely epic.Â
Toby Thyer
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tobythyer.co.uk
