By Rob Fortier – Images by the Author
For the second, maybe even the third, time since I started attending Mooneyes’ annual Hot Rod & Custom Show (HRCS) in Yokohama, Japan, way back in 1999, I got the “luxury” of spending Thanksgiving 35,000 feet in the air. Other than a cold turkey sandwich and the lady sitting next to me having a “mild” seizure mid flight, it was nothing too exciting. The exciting part began once we landed at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport the next day and the five-day Japanese adventure commenced!
Thanks to Mooneyes’ Shige Suganuma, I’ve been able to take part in the phenomenal HRCS for the better part of the last quarter-century. What began as a “modest” indoor show held within just a portion of the Pacifico Yokohama exclusively for just what the name implies—hot rods and customs of all makes and sizes, foreign and domestic—has since blossomed into just as much of a custom motorcycle show that now consumes the entire Pacifico facility. It’s without exaggeration one of the most impressive gatherings of vehicles AND people you could ever possibly attend (in other words, I highly recommend it as a bucket list for all who haven’t already experienced it!).
While the show is Sunday only, Saturday’s setup is a must-see show in itself, as seeing all the elaborate displays getting assembled and put together and the vehicles themselves rolling in is really something—not to mention having the ability to see so much before the 25,000-plus people come pouring through the doors and remain packed in the Pacifico till show’s over Sunday afternoon!
Each year, Mooneyes selects a special invitee vehicle from the United States. This year Coby Gewertz and his South City Rod & Custom–built 1934 Ford, “St. Christopher,” was the special four-wheeled guest. There’s also a yearly themed exhibit featuring “foreign” models. Last year was the gathering of classic haulers entitled “Plenty of Blazing Classic Trucks,” as many of you may recall, while this year a section was devoted purely to classic Chevys dubbed “Experience the Enchanting Chevrolet,” showcasing some of the best Bowtie muscle cars, hot rods, and of course a select few classic trucks!
Again, it’s been an absolute honor to experience this amazing event over 6,000 miles from home for so many years—especially having been part of the 30th anniversary year before last. Here’s to many more Mooneyes Hot Rod & Custom Shows!
