After a successful first event last year, Clean Culture Japan recently returned for a second edition.
Building on the foundations, but staying true to the Clean Culture event format that originated in the US – Jun Takahashi from Hardcore Tokyo and his team created a sequel that was bigger and better, even featuring a live drift element.
While Clean Culture Japan 2023 was held in May, the 2024 edition was set in the sweltering heat of late summer. In the four years I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve noticed that the summers are getting longer and harsher. My Anglo-Czech blood still struggles with the heat, despite having lived in Australia for over a decade.
Despite the circumstances, attendance at Longwood Station in Chiba was impressive: double that of the first year.
I arrived around 3pm – unfortunately after the drift demo – just as the heat was starting to weigh down the crowds. Luckily, Longwood Station is a fantastic venue with several large, air-conditioned halls, perfect for escaping the sun and having a drink.
This was just when the sound on the main stage was in full swing, with Honda Civics, Nissan Skylines and even an Aston Martin battling it out for the loudest 2-step/limiter bash award.
While the crowd was having fun, I went to check out some cars.
I saw a few vehicles from Weboption’S Wangan Base Yokohama show that was held the night before. It was great to see them in a new light, especially these two with their dazzling orange paint jobs.
As expected, the selection was eclectic, with super clean cars with impeccable finishes.
Like a Daft Punk album, Clean Culture Japan was all great, with no filler. Every single one of the 350+ cars on display was meticulously presented, except for a half-finished Mazda Eunos Roadster (Miata/MX-5) with an oversized GT wing and a roof box. At least it made for some entertainment!
Speaking of entertaining, Souki-san showed off three of his creations. While his leopard-pattern car and Skyline now have new owners, I think he’ll be enjoying this Y30 Gloria for a while after five years of work.
Clean Culture Japan has it all: beautiful cars, a great location, sound recordings and now live drifting action.
Speaking of drifting, who wants to see a feature on the Rocket Bunny Racing Formula Drift R32?
Huge thanks to Jun and the Hardcore Tokyo team for an unforgettable show. See you next year!
Toby Thyer
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