Last year was my first visit to the massive Anime Matsuri event in the heart of Houston, Texas. The appeal of chasing cars on a cartoon Congress withdrew me for 2024.
The atmosphere in Anime Matsuri is unique. Subcultures that I am not so familiar with are combined with subcultures that I really appreciate.
While I, like every Italian of my generation, grew up watching over-dubbed Japanese cartoon on Italian television I am nowhere near a Anime Otaku (nerd) However, I am a certified car otakuand although I felt like a fish out of water during this year’s Anime Matsuri 2023, I was starting to find my way.
It’s probably due to the significant improvements in the car segment this year. The local Aston Martin distributor returned and showed off stunning models such as the DBX 707 – perhaps my favourite SUV – and a metallic blue DB11.
But it is, unsurprisingly, the authentic Japanese side of the story that the organizer of Anime Matsuri does best.
For 2024, they showed off another incredible Super GT race car from Japan, continuing a strong partnership with TOM’s. Getting an up-close look at the GT500-class Lexus LC was a highlight, especially checking out all the intricate carbon fiber detailing around the exterior aerodynamics.
The official Toyota range included this lively it will be so GR Corolla, a model that has become quite popular in the US, partly because the GR Yaris is not sold here. In fact, I spotted more GR Corollas during my week in Texas than I did in the last eight months in Japan!
The biggest surprise? Finally seeing a Tesla Cybertruck up close and in real life. And not one, but two at the show and many more on the streets of Houston.
Besides the unique design, the enormous size of the Cybertruck was particularly striking, especially its length.
I even have the Gundam-liverried Cybertruck for a spin after the show. Don’t let the looks fool you – it drives impressively well and is so quick to get going.
Anime Matsuri excels in celebrating all that Japan has to offer – including animation, manga, and cosplay, while seamlessly transitioning into car culture.
This crossover is something the organizers recognize and will build on. Initial D, for example. Who does not do know about the popular manga/anime series?
Now let’s dive into the JDM splendor on display this year…
It was great to see this Nissan S14 again; a great example of how simple, coherent modifications can stand the test of time. The C-West aero and flared fenders combined with Takata NSX-inspired green RAYS Volk Racing TE37s work so well. It was also cool to see the Speedhunters sticker still proudly displayed.
Here is a building that screams ‘Texas’: a rear-wheel drive R35 GT-R with a race time of 6 seconds.
Known as the Kimbo GT-R, Built by The Shop Houston, this beast features a 4.1-liter VR38 with a massive single turbo setup, allowing it to develop 2,000 horsepower.
I spent a long time taking in all the details, of which there are many. Almost nothing remains of the original car; the front is a tube frame, while the rear has a massive 9-inch diff. A Turbo 400 automatic transmission replaces the original GR6’s dual-clutch setup. I was particularly fascinated by the inverted intake manifold, which was ingeniously fed by ducting from the charge-air cooler in the passenger footwell. Now I have to see these machines on the dragstrip!
In Texas, you either go big or don’t go at all, as this carbon-fiber-trimmed Audi RS3 proves.
The unique hood offered a glimpse of even more carbon!
This GT-R looked nothing like a drag car, but an extremely well-executed street machine with quadruple-digit horsepower. It was refreshing to see a Japanese car approached with a distinctly American flair.
Then came a real surprise…
It’s great to see more and more enthusiasts looking back into history and learning, understanding and experimenting with lesser known JDM models from the 80s, like this R30 Nissan Skyline.
Are you ready for some Honda action?
I really liked this EK Civic because it combined a subtle Japanese touch with the simple execution of the bodywork, the functional stance and the Volk Racing CE28N’s with Endless brake calipers.
Under the hood, the car was anything but conventional: it was equipped with a B-series engine, combined with a generous dose of forced induction.
This build would be one of my top picks for the 2024 Anime Matsuri. It’s a perfect mix of well-chosen parts and a healthy appetite for power.
Additionally, this EF had a no-nonsense approach with simple aesthetics and aggressive lowering. Those bright taillights and big wheels harken back to a specific time in Civic culture.
I’ve always been very pleased with Recaros!
I saw this Camry at the show last year, but this time I appreciated it even more because the owner talked about the amount of work that went into it.
From the smooth, custom-built, wider front and rear fascias to a TRD supercharger putting the 2GR-FE engine to work, this is without a doubt the sleekest Camry build I’ve ever encountered.
This Lexus IS 300 on TE37’s caught my attention several times last weekend, and for obvious reasons: it’s cool!
And this IS station wagon, known in Japan as the Altezza Gita, looked stunning tilted to the ground on air suspension.
Nissan was represented by a wide-body Nissan Z33 that looked ready to hit the drift track. There’s been a surge in Zs built for drifting in the US, and that’s starting to spill over into Japan. It’s all about affordability; these are probably the least expensive RWD chassis to get into right now.
I’m sure Ichishima-san from Spoon would appreciate this EK9 Honda Civic Type R.
The Volk Racing SE37’s really did it for me! This is one of my favorite JDM wheels from the past, but it is unfortunately no longer available. What do you think? Am I the only one who likes the SE37?
This Honda S2000 gave off a time attack vibe with its aggressive front diffuser, aero fenders, vented hood, and GT wing. I first saw it with the hood open, but the owner kindly opened it to reveal a stunning supercharger setup.
Thanks to the 25-year import rule, more JDM cars are flowing into the US every month, increasing appreciation for Japanese car culture.
Of course, this also applies to non-Japanese things.
If you thought I was done with Civics, think again. This EK Coupe was a bold contrast with black paint and yellow accents.
Built for circuit racing, this K-swapped hatchback featured extensive suspension modifications, a stripped interior and an ATL fuel cell where the passenger seat once was.
It’s crazy how the Civic has evolved over the years. When I saw an EK9 next to the new FL5 Type R I wondered why cars keep getting bigger!
That wraps up my Anime Matsuri 2024 coverage. I’m excited to see what the lineup looks like next year as this incredible convention continues to grow.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com