Showcasing Plenty of Blazing Classic Trucks!
By Rob Fortier – Photography by Eric Geisert
Since 1999, one of the most anticipated shows that I’ve had the honor of attending has taken place 5,500 miles away from my doorstep: Yokohama, Japan, for the annual Mooneyes Hot Rod Custom Show (MHRCS) at the spacious Pacifico Exhibition Center adjacent to the amazing Hotel InterContinental. While I haven’t been every single year since my first visit nearly a quarter century ago, I have been fortunate enough to have experienced quite a few MHRCS in person—each one curated by the man behind the Moon(eyes), Shige Suganuma, with special exhibits/guests from around the world.
Read More: THE 2024 REUNION TRUCK SHOW
The one year I was not able to make it—this past year—just happened to be the year Shige dedicated the MHRCS to, what else, classic trucks, with not only a huge gathering of fullsize imports (domestic trucks to us!), but a nice array of mini-trucks (domestics to them) and utility vehicles. “Plenty of Blazing Classic Trucks,” as it was aptly named, featured just that as the 2023 event’s Car Show Spotlight.
In my absence, my good friend and fellow Japanese traveling companion, Danny Takahashi, did the honor of selecting the Classic Truck Performance Magazine Pick, which went to Hiroki Hosoda from Square Kustoms with his beautiful Chevy Apache big-window Stepside (which also took home Best Truck from the display!), while CTP contributor Eric Geisert was kind enough to get us coverage from the event for you all to get a small sample of what I missed out on! Enjoy for now … I’ll be back for Shizukani (Be Calm & Not Loud, as they profess!) next year!
Click on this issue’s cover to see the enhanced digital version of Mooneyes 31st Annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show.
