Last week, I brought you a fast look inside Automotive Shop Glow – a custom LED taillight maker and RX-7 specialist shop based near the centre of Tokyo, Japan.
To coincide with the visit, the CSG team arranged for just a few customer-owned Mazdas to stop by. What higher to cap off the day than with a convoy cruise through town to envision out some famous Parking Area (PA) spots.
Coordinating five FD3S RX-7s, one RX-8, and one Eunos Roadster (Miata/MX-5) to drive together in Tokyo during rush hour was no small feat, but it surely was price it.
For individuals who don’t know, Japan has strict regulations on vehicle modifications, making it dangerous to take heavily modified cars onto the streets. You would possibly get away with it in case your automotive looks and sounds stock, but a lot of the Mazdas in our group didn’t.
I like a lot in regards to the Japanese modified automotive community, but at the highest of the list is their enthusiasm. Most of those guys and girls drive their cars hard, too.
We planned to go to just a few different spots around Tokyo to combine things up, but a lot of the cars were too low or wide for some roads and entrances, so we kept the route easy – Umihotaru after which Daikoku.
The drive from Automotive Show Glow in Nerima-ku to Umihotaru PA was smooth. Crazily, we managed to remain in convoy. Trust me, it wasn’t easy until we finally got on the highway.
Japan remains to be latest to me, but this wasn’t my first time driving on the Wangan or visiting these two PAs. Like everyone, I’ve seen countless pictures and videos online, but nothing compares to the actual thing.
Driving through the tunnel under Tokyo Bay, surrounded by loud rotaries, was insane. My eardrums were ringing, but who would want it every other way?!
Umihotaru PA has easy parking and is convenient for regrouping should our rotary convoy have develop into separated.
The last time I used to be in January after TAS when it was the center of winter and cold. This time, in the midst of summer, we were coping with 35°C (95°F) heat. It was a test not only for the cars to avoid overheating but in addition for the drivers and passengers. Luckily, the automotive I used to be in had working AC, and I used to be relieved to see the others did, too.
After a bunch photo with the cars, we headed to our final stop for the night: Daikoku PA. And yes, we made a scene!
I used to be amazed we almost got all seven CSG cars parked together in a line, especially considering how crowded the PA was. I’m not entirely sure how the fellows did it, but it surely just shows how friendly and understanding other enthusiasts are here; they genuinely appreciate and support what you’re doing.
Daikoku capped off an excellent afternoon at Automotive Shop Glow. Our friend Jack captured some 4K video of our cruise, so check that out by hitting play above.
Thanks, CSG, and thanks, Japan – I’ll see you again very soon!
Jacky Tse
Instagram: jtune_nz
Photography by Ash Bechan
Instagram: pixeltoon_media
Additional Photography & Video by Jack Prebble
Instagram: jackprebblemedia
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