— From classic icons to future mobility, explore the heartbeat of Japan’s car culture —
■ The History of JDM Car Shows in Japan
Japan’s car meet culture began in the 1960s and 1970s, when the country’s rapid motorization led car enthusiasts to form owner clubs and hold small “love-your-car” gatherings.
By the 1980s, informal night meets started appearing around expressway rest areas such as Daikoku PA and Bayshore Route, giving rise to what we now call the JDM scene.
As car magazines and tuning shops joined in, these gatherings grew into nationwide festivals celebrating not just cars, but also lifestyle, fashion, and photography.
In the 2000s, specialized meets for certain models like the GT-R, AE86, and Silvia flourished, while Japan’s car culture started gaining recognition overseas.
Today, JDM car shows in Japan span a huge range — from nostalgic classic car festivals to high-tech EV and mobility expos. They represent the evolution of Japan’s love for cars: a fusion of craftsmanship, technology, and community.
■ Top 10 Must-See JDM Car Shows & Events in Japan (2025 Edition)
① Japan Mobility Show 2025
【Date】 October 30 – November 9, 2025
【Venue】 Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake, Tokyo)
【Vehicles】 Passenger cars, EVs, commercial vehicles, eVTOLs, and future mobility concepts
【Highlights】
Japan’s largest mobility exhibition, formerly the Tokyo Motor Show, now rebranded to cover the entire world of “mobility.”
Major automakers — Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki — will unveil new EVs, hydrogen concepts, and autonomous tech.
Startup booths, test rides, and the “Out of KidZania” family experience area make it a festival for all ages.
It’s not just a car show — it’s a vision of how Japan imagines the future of movement.
Perfect for those who want to experience the next generation of JDM innovation firsthand.
② JAF Motorsports Japan 2025 in Yokohama
【Date】 March 22–23, 2025
【Venue】 Yamashita Pier, Yokohama
【Vehicles】 Racing cars, drift machines, gymkhana cars, and simulators
【Highlights】
A free-to-enter, family-friendly motorsports festival hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
Guests can enjoy race car demos, passenger rides, and hands-on e-motorsports experiences.
The event aims to make racing approachable for everyone, from kids to hardcore fans.
Held by the seaside, the open atmosphere attracts over 40,000 visitors annually.
This is the best JDM car show to witness Japan’s grassroots motorsport energy up close.
③ Kyushu Old Car Festa in Ibusuki Kaimon
【Date】 April 20, 2025
【Venue】 Kaimon Sanroku Fureai Park, Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture
【Vehicles】 Classic cars and motorcycles built before 1990
【Highlights】
Set at the foot of Mount Kaimon — one of Japan’s most scenic mountains — this is southern Japan’s largest old car event.
Over 300 vehicles, including rare Japanese classics and replicas, gather for a relaxed day of nostalgia and local food.
Free admission, with food trucks, live music, and community booths.
The stunning natural backdrop makes it one of the most photogenic JDM car shows in the country.
A perfect mix of local tourism, retro design, and authentic car culture.
④ R’s Meeting 2025 (GT-R Festival)
【Date】 October 26, 2025
【Venue】 Fuji Speedway, Shizuoka Prefecture
【Vehicles】 Nissan GT-R (R32–R35), Skyline GT-R lineage
【Highlights】
The world’s largest GT-R-only event — a pilgrimage for fans of Japan’s most legendary sports car.
Organized by GT-R Magazine, this event gathers over 2,000 GT-Rs from across Japan and abroad.
Owners’ parades, tuning shop booths, demo runs, and talks by engineers and drivers fill the day with GT-R passion.
If you love Skylines and the heritage of Japan’s performance icons, this JDM car show is your holy grail.
⑤ Yaho Tenmangu Classic Car Festival
【Date】 December 14, 2025 (TBD)
【Venue】 Yaho Tenmangu Shrine, Kunitachi City, Tokyo
【Vehicles】 Pre-war classics to early-Heisei Japanese and European models
【Highlights】
A truly unique JDM car show held at one of Japan’s oldest shrines — the birthplace of the country’s first road trip in 1908.
Around 100 classic cars line up within the shrine grounds, blending sacred architecture with automotive history.
The event also includes a traffic safety ceremony, live performances, and vintage street displays along the nearby avenue.
It’s a peaceful yet powerful reminder that Japan’s car culture has deep spiritual roots.
⑥ Automotive Engineering Exposition 2025
【Date】 May 21–23, 2025
【Venue】 Pacifico Yokohama
【Vehicles】 Electric, autonomous, and concept vehicles; engineering components
【Highlights】
Japan’s largest automotive technology exhibition, where engineers and enthusiasts meet to discuss the future of mobility.
Topics include EV batteries, AI integration, ADAS, and sustainable manufacturing.
Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and suppliers like Denso and Aisin will reveal next-gen systems.
Unlike most JDM car shows, this one focuses on innovation, industry, and R&D — the hidden side of what makes Japan’s cars legendary.
⑦ Japan Mobility Show Kansai / Osaka Motor Show 2025
【Date】 December 5–7, 2025
【Venue】 Intex Osaka
【Vehicles】 Domestic and imported cars, EVs, motorcycles, concept vehicles
【Highlights】
The Kansai region’s answer to Tokyo’s massive motor show — a vibrant, hands-on exhibition with regional flair.
Featuring local manufacturers, dealers, and lifestyle brands, the 2025 edition will run under the theme “Nice Mobility!”
Expect test drives, stage talks, and gourmet booths alongside cutting-edge concept cars.
With over 250,000 visitors expected, it’s Western Japan’s biggest JDM car show experience.
⑧ Tenri Yamanobe Classic Car Festival 2025
【Date】 October 13, 2025 (National Holiday)
【Venue】 Tenri City, Nara Prefecture
【Vehicles】 Cars produced before 1999 (Heisei 11)
【Highlights】
Set in the historical heart of Nara, this classic car festival attracts around 200 vehicles from all over Japan.
Its scenic setting along the Yamanobe Road — Japan’s oldest road — gives it a distinctive atmosphere.
You’ll see rare European classics, vintage Japanese sedans, and enthusiast-built restorations.
More than just a JDM car show, it’s a cultural event blending tradition, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
⑨ Vintage Car Meeting in Oyabe
【Date】 Autumn 2025 (typically September–October)
【Venue】 Motorcar Museum of Japan, Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture
【Vehicles】 Vintage and neo-classic cars (1950s–1990s)
【Highlights】
A charming local event in Northern Japan, held next to the nation’s largest car museum.
Though smaller in scale, it’s praised for the quality of participating vehicles and the close connection between owners and visitors.
Japanese classics, European roadsters, and restored neo-JDM icons create an intimate atmosphere.
Perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed, regional take on Japan’s vintage car scene.
⑩ 20CCM × MMJ Collaboration Car Meeting
【Date】 June 8, 2025 (TBD)
【Venue】 Motorcar Museum of Japan, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture
【Vehicles】 Japanese classics, tuned cars, and custom builds
【Highlights】
A crossover between two communities — 20th Century Car Meeting and Motorcar Museum of Japan — combining old and new JDM worlds.
Visitors can admire pristine restorations alongside tastefully modified modern classics.
Photography enthusiasts love this show for its outdoor display against the museum’s red brick architecture.
This event symbolizes the bridge between Japan’s automotive history and its tuning culture — a true JDM fusion festival.
■ The Future of JDM Car Shows in Japan
Japan’s car shows have transformed from informal late-night meets into internationally recognized cultural events.
Today, they serve as living museums of craftsmanship, engineering, and emotion — places where past legends and future dreams meet.
Classic festivals keep the spirit of Showa-era Japan alive, while futuristic expos push the boundaries of EVs, AI, and sustainable design.
Foreign travelers now visit Japan specifically to attend JDM car shows — to see the Skylines, Supras, and RX-7s they grew up idolizing, and to experience the respectful, creative energy that defines Japan’s automotive scene.
As 2025 unfolds, one thing is certain:
Japan’s love for cars isn’t just about machines — it’s about connection, community, and the art of driving.
