Last 12 months was my first visit to the large Anime Matsuri event in the guts of Houston, Texas. The allure of hunting out cars at an anime convention drew me back for 2024.
Anime Matsuri’s atmosphere is exclusive, mixing subcultures I’m only mildly accustomed to alongside ones I deeply embrace.
While, like every Italian of my generation, I grew up watching over-dubbed Japanese anime on Italian TV, I’m nowhere near an anime otaku (nerd). I’m, nevertheless, a licensed automotive otaku, and while I felt like just a little fish out of the water on the 2023 Anime Matsuri this 12 months, I started to seek out my groove.
It’s probably due to the significant improvements within the automotive segment this 12 months. The local Aston Martin distributor returned, displaying stunning models just like the DBX 707 – possibly my favorite SUV – and a metallic blue DB11.
But, unsurprisingly, it’s the authentic Japanese side of things that the Anime Matsuri’s organizer really nails.
For 2024, they again showcased an incredible Super GT race automotive from Japan, continuing a robust partnership with TOM’s. Seeing the GT500 class Lexus LC up close was a highlight, especially testing all of the intricate carbon fiber details around the outside aero.
The official Toyota lineup included this vibrant itasha GR Corolla, a model that’s turn into quite popular within the US partially attributable to the GR Yaris not being sold here. In reality, I spotted more GR Corollas during my week in Texas than prior to now eight months in Japan!
The largest surprise? Finally, I saw a Tesla Cybertruck up close and in person. And never only one, but two on the show and plenty of more on the streets of Houston.
Apart from the unique design, the Cybertruck’s sheer size – its length especially – really stood out.
I even took the Gundam-liveried Cybertruck for a drive after the show. Don’t let its looks idiot you – it drives impressively well and is so fast off the road.
Anime Matsuri excels at celebrating all things Japan – encompassing anime, manga, and cosplay, while seamlessly merging into automotive culture.
This crossover is something the organizers recognize and can proceed to construct upon. Take Initial D, for instance. Who doesn’t know in regards to the popular manga/anime series?
Now, let’s dive into the JDM goodness on display this 12 months…
It was great to see this Nissan S14 again; an excellent example of how easy, coherent modifications can stand the test of time. The C-West aero and widened fenders paired 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’s a construct that screams ‘Texas’: a rear-wheel-drive, 6-second drag R35 GT-R.
Often known as the Kimbo GT-R, this beast built by The Shop Houston runs a 4.1L VR38 with an enormous single turbo setup, allowing it to develop 2,000hp.
I spent a really very long time taking in all the main points, of which there are lots of. Almost nothing stays from the unique automotive; the front is tube-framed, while the rear sports an enormous 9-inch diff. A Turbo 400 automatic transmission replaces the unique dual-clutch GR6. I used to be particularly fascinated by the reversed intake manifold, ingeniously fed by pipes from the charge cooler within the passenger footwell. Now I want to see these machines run on the drag strip!
In Texas, you either go big or don’t go in any respect, as evidenced by this carbon fiber-clad Audi RS3.
Its unique hood offered a glimpse at much more carbon!
This GT-R was nothing just like the drag automotive but an especially well-executed street machine boasting four-digit horsepower. Seeing a Japanese automotive approached with distinctly American flair was refreshing.
Then got here an actual surprise…
It’s great to see an increasing number of enthusiasts looking back on history and learning, understanding, and experimenting with lesser-known Eighties JDM models like this R30 Nissan Skyline.
Are you ready for some Honda motion?
I actually liked this EK Civic because it combined a subtle Japanese flavor with the easy body execution, functional stance, and Volk Racing CE28Ns hiding Infinite calipers.
Under the hood, it was anything but conventional, sporting a B-series engine paired with a healthy dose of forced induction.
This construct would rank amongst my top picks on the 2024 Anime Matsuri, an ideal mix of well-chosen parts and a healthy appetite for power.
Next to it, this EF had a down-to-earth approach with easy aesthetics and aggressive lowering. Those clear tail lights and massive wheels hint back to a selected time in Civic culture.
Recaros all the time get an enormous thumbs-up from me!
I saw this Camry on the show last 12 months, but I appreciated it much more this time because the owner shared the extensive work that’s gone into it.
From the sleek custom widening front and rear to a TRD supercharger setup that gets the 2GR-FE engine moving, that is, no doubt, the cleanest Camry construct I’ve ever come across.
This Lexus IS 300 on TE37s caught my eye multiple times over the weekend, and for obvious reasons – it’s tough!
And this IS wagon, often called the Altezza Gita in Japan, dumped to the bottom on air suspension, looked amazing.
Representing Nissan was a wide-body Nissan Z33 that looked able to hit the drift track. The US has seen an increase in Zs built for drifting, and it’s began to rub off on Japan. It’s all about affordability; these are probably the most affordable RWD chassis to get into now.
I’m sure Ichishima-san at Spoon would appreciate this EK9 Honda Civic Type R.
The Volk Racing SE37s really did it for me! That is one in every of my favorite JDM wheels from back within the day, but it surely is now sadly discontinued. What do you consider them? Am I the one one which likes the SE37?
This Honda S2000 exuded a time attack vibe with its aggressive front diffuser, aero fenders, vented hood, and GT wing. I first saw it with the hood down, however the owner graciously opened it to disclose a surprising supercharger setup.
Due to the 25-year importation rule, more JDM cars flood into the US every month, fueling a growing appreciation for Japanese automotive culture.
That, in fact, goes for non-Japanese stuff, too.
In the event you thought I used to be done with Civics, reconsider. This EK Coupe boldly contrasted black paint with yellow accents.
This K-swapped hatch, built for circuit racing, featured serious suspension work, a stripped interior, and an ATL fuel cell where the passenger seat once resided.
It’s wild to see how the Civic has evolved through the years. Seeing an EK9 next to the brand new FL5 Type R made me ponder why cars keep getting larger!
With that, though, I’ll wrap up my 2024 Anime Matsuri coverage. I’m excited to see what the lineup will appear to be next 12 months as this incredible convention continues to grow.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
