The 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, which took place from January 12-14 in Chiba, Japan, marked our inaugural experience at this renowned annual event. As we disembarked at Kaihimmakuhari Station and made our way to the expansive Makuhari Messe convention hall, it became evident that we had been missing out on something truly extraordinary all these years. The atmosphere was charged with an energetic buzz, as media outlets and the general public eagerly awaited entry, while the distant sounds of VTECs and V12s reverberated along the surrounding roads.
Upon entering the venue, our anticipation was met with an even more incredible sight. According to the official press release, the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon attracted its largest crowd to date, with over 95,081 attendees on its busiest day, Saturday, compared to last year’s 73,343. In total, the event drew a staggering 230,073 visitors across its combined convention halls, representing an increase of more than 28% from the previous year. The showcase featured nearly 900 cars and over 4,300 exhibitors, displaying a diverse array of products, offerings, and builds.
Our experience at the event was nothing short of breathtaking. The sheer variety of cars on display was a spectacle in itself, featuring the widest selection of JDM builds in the world. Notable manufacturers such as Nissan and Toyota seized the opportunity to unveil their latest offerings, including NISMO editions of the Skyline, GT-R, and Ariya crossover, as well as the captivating Toyota “Cullinan” Century. Additionally, leading OEMs and tuning houses like BBS, RAYS, BRIDE, Ohlins, KW, Toyo Tires, Michelin, RE Amemiya, Mugen, and D.A.D showcased their latest products and showcars, enlightening us with new technological advancements.
Delving deeper into the event, we had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary market-limited cars up close, such as the Suzuki Jimny, Toyota GR Yaris, and Century. It was also a delight to see our friends from the United States enjoying the show. Tokyo Auto Salon not only features an array of cars but also hosts “booth babes,” models hired to attract attention to their respective booths, and provides opportunities to meet famous drivers and industry leaders, making it a rare and enriching experience. Unlike its stateside counterpart, SEMA, Tokyo Auto Salon allows the sale of merchandise, providing us with the opportunity to indulge in JDM parts and apparel shopping.
In conclusion, one does not need to be a car enthusiast or a JDM petrolhead to appreciate the Tokyo Auto Salon. However, for those who do fit into these categories, the event was undeniably an awe-inspiring experience.