Tokyo Auto Salon 2025
27 January 2025
On The Ground: Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

If there’s one event that truly embodies the spirit of car culture, it’s the Tokyo Auto Salon.


A place where petrolheads gather in droves, to check out the latest trends in customisation, performance tuning, and automotive innovation.

This year, the 43rd edition of Tokyo Auto Salon returned to Makuhari Messe, bringing together 389 exhibitors and an eye-watering 857 vehicles on display.

Over the course of three days, the show welcomed 258,406 attendees, setting a new benchmark for one of the world’s most revered tuning exhibitions.  

Numbers aside, Tokyo Auto Salon is proof that the custom car scene is still alive and thriving, fuelled by innovation, creativity, and a deep passion for automobiles.  

Tokyo Auto Salon has always been a barometer for the global aftermarket industry, and this year was no different.

From widebody wonders to EV conversions, hardcore track machines to VIP sedans dripping in luxury, every corner of the show floor had something to capture the imagination.

One trend stood out: performance electrification is now a movement. Major tuners showcased hybrid and electric performance builds, proving that EVs are just as modifiable, thrilling, and downright rebellious as their petrol-powered counterparts.  

Meanwhile, traditional JDM icons made a strong comeback, with modernised takes on classic favourites drawing crowds. And, of course, the supercar and hypercar scene continued to push the boundaries of excess, with some of the wildest liveries and aero kits we’ve ever seen.

One of the most talked-about themes was Adaptive aerodynamics. This year, exhibitors showcased active aero solutions that adjust dynamically based on driving conditions. The kind of stuff you’d usually see in motorsport is now making its way into street builds.

The buzz around drift culture was undeniable, with live drift showcases happening just outside the venue.

Watching high-horsepower machines slide effortlessly at impossible angles, accompanied by the unmistakable scent of burning rubber, was an experience in itself.  

Meanwhile, inside, interactive booths allowed visitors to experience the latest automotive technology firsthand.

From virtual simulators replicating real-world racing dynamics to AI-assisted tuning software, the future of car modification is more digital than ever.  

And of course, Tokyo Auto Salon wouldn’t be complete without celebrity appearances. This year, top-tier racing drivers, professional drifters, and automotive influencers were present, sharing their insights, stories, and, of course, signing endless posters for die-hard fans. 

In a world where EVs, AI, and automation are reshaping the industry, TAS 2025 proved that the aftermarket scene will always find a way to push the boundaries of innovation while keeping the passion alive.  

And with Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 already confirmed for 9-11 January 2026, one thing is certain: the custom car world is only getting started.  

Until next year, TAS. Keep the spirit of tuning alive.  


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