Osaka, Japan - Just like the Tokyo Auto Salon, there were many race cars to admire at the Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) before the season starts and, in this department, too, variety was king. There were Super GT machines, drift weapons, time attack monsters and even Formula cars, it was possible to see it all!
Unsurprisingly in Osaka as well as in Tokyo, the new Jimny was all the rage. The little bugger could be seen everywhere in numerous forms of modifications and I must say that I really like this little crossover!
- 2018 Osaka Auto Messe - Part 213 Feb 2018The second installment to our coverage of the second biggest tuner show in Japan!
- 2017 Osaka Auto Messe - Part 220 Feb 2017Part two of our OAM coverage focuses on the strong showing of JDM tuners at the show!
Imports have become a huge part of the tuning and custom scene and unlike the TAS filled with almost nothing but Lamborghini, the Osaka Auto Messe offered lots more. Audi, BMW, Volkswagen or Porsche like this impressive 930SC transformed by 4Laws. The entire body is made of carbon fiber, making the car lighter of a few hundred kilos… Definitely a car I would like to feature in details as the work done on it is truly impressive.
The Kansai region is also home to Bosozoku (Japanese motorcycle/car sub-culture) and at the show there were some really nicely customised motorcycles. One hall was mostly dedicated to this alternative culture with all their colourful slammed rides and two-wheelers - something that is exclusively Japanese!
The OAM was also the premise for TRD to unveil their version of the new Supra!
As much as their machines are loud and wild, the Kansai people are naturally warm and welcoming, just like the crew from No Good Racing, whom I disturbed while they were having their lunch break and still gave me their best pose!
Tokyo Auto Salon may still be the top event but the Osaka Auto Messe definitely is my favourite as it is less packed with people and simply more relatable to the public.
I liked the way styles were separated from one hall to another so the import fans could see most for their favourite vehicles in the same place for instance. It is so difficult to miss certain cars at the TAS while here in Osaka it wasn’t the case. I’m already looking forward to the next edition!
