Because the solar units over the Yokohama skyline, a row of Mid Night time Membership vehicles are parked up just some 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 Pageant.
Hosted by Internet Choice, the web dwelling of Japan’s famed Choice journal, it’s the primary automobile 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 via 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 arduous not to attract comparisons to the Tokyo Auto Salon. The pier round Shed 4 is the same dimension to the exhibition halls of the Makuhari Messe on the other aspect of Tokyo Bay.
Whereas TAS takes place within the lifeless of winter – typically amidst snow – Wangan Base Yokohama was hotter than an engine bay within the top of Japan’s summer season. Reduction got here as day turned to nighttime, although I hope subsequent yr’s occasion is scheduled for autumn.
Sure, don’t fear in case you missed out this time; the 2025 occasion is already confirmed.
Think about Tokyo Auto Salon targeted solely on tuner vehicles, with no producers, and was held outdoor at a disused business transport pier. Add an plane hangar and meals vehicles, and also you’ve received 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 understand one thing particular is about to go down.
I used to be happy to see a couple of Mid Night time vehicles in particular person 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 automobile 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, after all.
Because the solar disappeared, the golden hour turned to blue after which pitch-black evening. 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 business aptitude of Tokyo Auto Salon. Tuner cubicles from manufacturers like Tomei, High Secret, and Limitless stuffed the area with merchandise and demo vehicles.
I’d say 99% of the vehicles on show have been constructed for driving, not simply appears – one other potential first. Massive occasions typically give attention to vehicles that look good however haven’t seen any actual motion.
Liberty Stroll showcased their biggest hits; I believe Kato-san has earned the correct to be only a little bit shiny.
I’m unsure 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. Internet Choice put an enormous effort into it, and plan to proceed internet hosting exhibits of this calibre into the longer term so long as venues allow. This explicit location is among 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.
Should you plan to go to Japan for the vehicles, think about packing sunscreen as a substitute of a beanie and gloves. Wangan Base Yokohama – Choice Avenue Night time Pageant represents a recent and thrilling glimpse into genuine Japanese efficiency automobile tradition, and the inaugural occasion was merely epic.
Toby Thyer
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