Because the solar units over the Yokohama skyline, a row of Mid Night time Membership automobiles are parked up just some inexperienced expressway indicators from the notorious Wangan Bayshore route. Throughout the gang, I spot High Secret’s Kazuhiko ‘Smoky’ Nagata and VeilSide’s Hironao Yokomaku on the principle 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 Road Night time Competition.
Hosted by Net Choice, the web residence of Japan’s famed Choice journal, it’s the primary automobile present at Yamashita Pier, an lively 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 means of the principle gates to search out the occasion already heaving with individuals. Whereas it had began at 2pm, Wangan Base Yokohama was an evening competition that completed at 10pm, so the massive early crowd shocked me given the warmth. It may solely get greater from right here.
With an occasion of this scale, it’s laborious 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 useless of winter – typically amidst snow – Wangan Base Yokohama was hotter than an engine bay within the top of Japan’s summer time. Reduction got here as day turned to nighttime, although I hope subsequent yr’s occasion is scheduled for autumn.
Sure, don’t fear if you happen to missed out this time; the 2025 occasion is already confirmed.
Think about Tokyo Auto Salon targeted solely on tuner automobiles, with no producers, and was held outdoor at a disused business transport pier. Add an plane hangar and meals vans, and also you’ve acquired Wangan Base Yokohama – Choice Road Night time.
There have been too many standout automobiles 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 automobiles lined up on the gangway to the pier. When Mid Night time greets you on the door, you realize one thing particular is about to go down.
I used to be satisfied to see a number of Mid Night time automobiles 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 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 Respiration 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 gang murmured issues: ‘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 crammed the house with merchandise and demo automobiles.
I’d say 99% of the automobiles on show have been constructed for driving, not simply seems to be – one other potential first. Massive occasions typically concentrate on automobiles that look good however haven’t seen any actual motion.
Liberty Stroll showcased their biggest hits; I believe Kato-san has earned the appropriate 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 exhibits of this calibre into the long run so long as venues allow. This specific location is likely one of the finest within the space.
On the finish of the night, the rollout was equally as spectacular because the present itself, with automobiles parading down the pier and spectators waving them off.
If you happen to plan to go to Japan for the automobiles, think about packing sunscreen as a substitute of a beanie and gloves. Wangan Base Yokohama – Choice Road Night time Competition represents a contemporary and thrilling glimpse into genuine Japanese efficiency automobile tradition, and the inaugural occasion was merely epic.
Toby Thyer
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