Welcome to 2025! As at all times, January kicks off the Speedhunting yr with a powerful give attention to Japanese automotive tradition, particularly with the Tokyo Auto Salon simply days away. And we’re going large this yr.
However earlier than we get caught into Japan’s largest aftermarket tuning present and all of the automotive gatherings surrounding it, let’s begin with a practice that’s been firmly cemented over the past decade: the unofficial New 12 months Meet at Daikoku Parking Space.
Whereas fanatics flock to Yokohama’s most iconic automotive meet-up spot from the primary day of the yr, January 3 often has the largest turnout. For those who’re planning to attend, attending to Daikoku early is a should.
I rolled in earlier than 8:00am, and the place was already packed.
The range was merely outrageous – an ideal instance of what makes Japan’s automotive tradition so distinctive. Take the image above, as an example: a Nineteen Sixties Prince Skyline parked beside an ‘80s Ford van, with a Lancia Delta Integrale finishing the trio. That’s one thing you’ll solely see in Japan.
You’ll at all times assured an awesome mixture of automobiles at Daikoku PA, however further particular stuff exhibits up for the New 12 months Meet, just like the white McLaren P1 parked simply behind a Ferrari 575 Superamerica.
We noticed this Strosek 964 a couple of years again however it’s at all times a pleasure to see these uncommon examples of automotive awesomeness.
I received’t interrupt the circulate of the pictures right here; they actually communicate for themselves.
Moments like these actually drive dwelling the significance of preserving gathering spots like Daikoku.
The place else are you able to witness such an natural celebration of pure automotive ardour?
It’s humorous I point out this, as a result of simply as I used to be soaking all the things in, the police confirmed up, blaring via the PA system, telling everybody it was time to go away.
I’m undecided what triggered this early-morning filter out — possibly the truck drivers weren’t too thrilled about their parking spots being taken — however it shocked lots of people.
I heard loads of feedback like, “What, already?” and “Critically, right this moment?”
Regardless of the bulletins, most individuals weren’t in any rush to pack up and go.
There have been nonetheless a few hundred automobiles I hadn’t seen but, and some latecomers managed to sneak in earlier than the police blocked off Daikoku PA’s spiralling entry ramp from the freeway above.
I made my approach as much as the highest of the parking space — the same old hassle zone — and certain sufficient, the truck areas have been totally taken over.
The Lamborghini crew, who had been incessantly revving their engines for an excellent 10 minutes, had parked in dramatic fashion. Amongst them was even a Reventón – nonetheless fully inventory, and by far the quietest of the bunch.
With the fixed barrage of police bulletins, screaming engines, and exhaust bangs, the entire scene felt chaotic, however in the very best approach. It made for an unforgettable begin to the yr.
By this level, the entry roads out and in of Daikoku have been gridlocked. Automobiles leaving have been compelled to hitch an impromptu roll-out parade by which many house owners did launches as they exited.
The hold-up was truly a blessing in disguise – it gave me extra time to find automobiles I’d missed, like this beautiful De Tomaso Pantera.
And even a Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso (Bianca variant). How cool is that?
By 10:00am, the place was nearly empty – a brand new document for the Daikoku PA New 12 months Meet!
A police officer approached and informed me to cease taking images and depart, however as I used to be doing so, I noticed one final automotive I couldn’t resist grabbing a few pictures of.
I imply, how usually do you see a real Lancia 037 Stradale – in Martini Racing livery no much less? Nuts!
The cherry on high? On the way in which dwelling, I acquired to have just a little enjoyable taking part in with it on the freeway from behind the wheel of my newly-acquired BMW M4 Cabrio. Weighing in at simply over a ton, the Lancia nonetheless held its personal when the Abarth supercharger hit full enhance.
And that’s a wrap on my first motoring journey of 2025! I can solely hope the remainder of the yr is nearly as good as this albeit transient morning at Daikoku Parking Space was.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
