Tokyo Auto Salon Is Coming!

Annual Japanese SEMA-style event on January 11-13, 2019 at Makuhari Messe

JDM fans around the world will recognize the start of each new year as most wonderful time of the year, not only because it’s the holidays but because the Tokyo Auto Salon (TAS) is right around the corner. It features mostly modified cars and aftermarket parts from the Japanese market, kind of like the SEMA Show in America. Every year the latest Japanese domestic market trends are set in motion at Tokyo Auto Salon, and since ENEOS is the “Original JDM Motor Oil,” we thought we’d take an sneak peek at what’s to come from the 2019 show.

TAS differs from SEMA primarily because it is not a trade show, and is accessible to the general public. This means enthusiasts have a direct line to the parts and vehicle debuts at TAS – such as the new Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ widebody kit from K-one Racing, for example. The company is feverishly working to complete the conversion before the doors open, while Artisan Spirits will debut its Sports Line Black Label GT aero kit for the Lexus LC 500. And no TAS preview would be complete without at least a nod to the Japanese van culture; it’s not uncommon to see a company like ADVANZARE introduce new fare for JDM-only minivans at TAS, like the Toyota Vellfire and Alphard for 2019.

Familiar aftermarket parts outfit Cusco will show its one-off Toyota Yaris RC AWD, which will compete in the 2019 Asia Pacific Rally Championship. They will also have a Suzuki Jimny, one of a handful built to mark the launch of the fourth generation of the venerated mini-SUV.

In addition to entries from reputable tuners such as Cusco, Liberty Walk and Wald International, Suzuki will re-imagine the retro off-roader in wood

paneling as its Sierra Pickup Style Concept, and channel its inner Hummer in the Survive Concept. Furthermore, the automaker will also introducing its Swift Sport Yellow Rev Concept at the show.

Along with Suzuki, the domestic vehicle manufacturers play an important role at Auto Salon, keeping their fingers on the pulse of enthusiast appetites. This year Subaru will debut high-performance STI concept variants of the Forester crossover and Impreza hatchback, while Honda is unveiling its sporty S660 Kei car-based Modula Neo Classic Racer and micro Trip Van. Nissan will debut the limited edition Midnight Opal GT-R, in addition to the crazy tracked Juke Adventure Concept.

But the one car many are arguably awaiting is the debut of the Toyota GR Supra Super GT Concept – a car that is assumed to preview a racecar for Japan’s Super GT series.

The 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon takes place January 11-13, 2019 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Japan. We bring you a report from the show once the doors open.

Images courtesy of Advanzare, Artisan Spirits, Cusco, Honda, K-one Racing, Liberty Walk, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota and Wald International