Welcome to 2025! As all the time, January kicks off the Speedhunting yr with a powerful deal with Japanese automobile tradition, particularly with the Tokyo Auto Salon simply days away. And we’re going huge this yr.
However earlier than we get caught into Japan’s largest aftermarket tuning present and all of the automobile gatherings surrounding it, let’s begin with a practice that’s been firmly cemented during the last decade: the unofficial New Yr Meet at Daikoku Parking Space.
Whereas fans flock to Yokohama’s most iconic automobile meet-up spot from the primary day of the yr, January 3 normally has the most important 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 automobile tradition so distinctive. Take the image above, for 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 all the time assured an amazing mixture of autos at Daikoku PA, however further particular stuff reveals up for the New Yr Meet, just like the white McLaren P1 parked simply behind a Ferrari 575 Superamerica.
We noticed this Strosek 964 just a few years again but it surely’s all the time a pleasure to see these uncommon examples of automotive awesomeness.
I received’t interrupt the stream of the photographs right here; they actually converse 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 every part in, the police confirmed up, blaring by the PA system, telling everybody it was time to depart.
I’m undecided what triggered this early-morning filter — possibly the truck drivers weren’t too thrilled about their parking spots being taken — but it surely stunned lots of people.
I heard loads of feedback like, “What, already?” and “Severely, as we speak?”
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 means as much as the highest of the parking space — the same old hassle zone — and positive sufficient, the truck areas had been absolutely taken over.
The Lamborghini crew, who had been incessantly revving their engines for a great 10 minutes, had parked in dramatic fashion. Amongst them was even a Reventón – nonetheless utterly 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 means. It made for an unforgettable begin to the yr.
By this level, the entry roads out and in of Daikoku had been gridlocked. Vehicles leaving had been pressured to hitch an impromptu roll-out parade through which many house owners did launches as they exited.
The hold-up was really 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 virtually empty – a brand new file for the Daikoku PA New Yr Meet!
A police officer approached and informed me to cease taking photographs and go away, however as I used to be doing so, I noticed one final automobile 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 prime? On the best way dwelling, I received to have just a little enjoyable enjoying 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 temporary morning at Daikoku Parking Space was.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com