Visiting Ryota Yuasa

Visiting Yuasa was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in the car world. When he handed me the window you see above, it became one of those moments that stay with you for life.

I grew up obsessed with this era through old magazines and grainy photos, never imagining that one day I’d become friends with someone who had actually lived it,  someone who played a real part in shaping that scene. The fact that Yuasa wanted to share pieces of that history with me made the experience feel even more special.
Meeting the people connected to that world, including Tadakoro, who openly credits Yuasa as a huge influence on where he is today, gave me a deeper appreciation for how much passion and history still live within this world.
I’ll keep the talking to a minimum here and let the photos from the recent video speak for themselves. Here are some of the things that caught my eye during the visit.
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Visiting Osaka Auto Messe

Here are some photos from meeting up with Ryota Yuasa at Osaka Auto Messe. Visiting Messe had been on my list for many, many years, and when the opportunity finally came up, it turned into something even more special.

I picked Reuben up in Osaka, and together we met up with Ryota Yuasa and his partner at the event. It was Ryota’s first time attending a car show in many years, so getting to cruise through the halls with him was a really special experience. Watching him catch up with old friends, hearing his thoughts on different cars, and listening to his perspective on the event made the whole day unforgettable.

These are some of the moments and cars that caught my eye throughout the show. Enjoy the photos. Cheers.

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Polands Japanese Car Scene

Here are a few photos from my visit to Japfest in Poland. The first proper Japanese car show I ever attended was Japfest in Ireland way back, so it was epic to see how they did it over here. I was shocked because I came in with no expectations, and had mostly seen BMW stuff over the years, so this was a pleasant surprise. I’ll let the photos do the talking with the rest of this. I hope you enjoy a walk through the Polish Japanese car scene. Enjoy.

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How I Got a Racing License in Japan 🇯🇵

They let me race at Fuji Speedway. This is how I got approved for a racing license in Japan 🇯🇵

Japan’s AE86 Legends at Fuji Speedway 🇯🇵

The world’s biggest AE86 festival at Fuji Speedway, AE86 culture at its absolute peak.

The Side of Japanese Car Culture Tourists Never See

A day in Japan’s real car world. We follow a modified R34 through shaken before dropping it off at auction, and see how Japan’s strict car system really works.

Inside The Crazy Abu Dhabi Car Scene 🇦🇪

After finishing our road trip through Europe, we somehow ended up in Abu Dhabi.

We Found the Wildest Car Warehouse in Europe

The final stop of our road trip led us to an insane hidden workshop in Belgium. This place has to be seen to be believed.

Everything Went Wrong… But We Kept Going

A crash nearly ended the trip, but we weren’t done yet.

We Bought a Car on an Island… Now We’re Driving It Across Europe

After days on the island, we finally commit and drive our 45-year-old Corolla off it. No turning back now.

I Didn’t Expect THIS on a Holiday Island

I had no idea Gran Canaria had a car scene like this. From late-night meets to wild drives and hidden garages, this island completely surprised us.

I Flew to a Remote Island for a 45 Year Old Corolla… This Is What I Found

Picked up a 45-year-old Corolla on a remote island. Didn’t expect what came next. Episode 1 of the Shitbox Safari begins now.

Why Do I Keep Doing This to Old Toyotas?

Working on the KE70 again… I don’t know why I do this to myself, but here we are. Enjoy the chaos.

Reuben’s Laurel Is BAD… Here’s the Plan

Reuben’s Laurel is in rough shape after the damage. In this video, we break it down, assess what’s left, and decide the future of the build.

KE70 Tear-Down Chaos! The Surprise Inside…

Tearing into the KE70 and finding a few surprises inside… interior out, wiring chaos, vents confusion, and a bit more progress on the build.