JAPAN: Custom car show, Tokyo
- 00:00:26
- ITN Source
JAPAN: Custom car show, Tokyo
Thousands of car enthusiasts gathered at a Tokyo convention center for a show featuring custom-made cars on Friday (January 12). A total of 319 exhibitors, including major Japanese car makers like Toyota and Honda, displayed their latest custom cars, bikes and various accessories. When the event was first held in 1983, car customization had been considered an illegal activity in Japan. The organizer of the convention said the show has sought to correct the social misconceptions by supporting the establishment of a custom car culture. In fact, what started off as a Japanese car parts industry exhibition 25 years ago has today turned into the world's largest custom car show, with major Japanese automobile manufacturers all competing to promote the hottest revved up vehicles. "Though in a past car customization is deemed only for car maniacs, these days even women who are not familiar with cars and only drive light motor vehicles tend to customize their cars such as changing the interior of their cars," acting president of the organizer of the convention Susumu Maehara said. However, not all are tempted to transform their cars. "I don't know much about cars. So I don't think I dare customize my car even though I am very interested," said 30-year-old house wife Ryoko Sakamoto, who says she seldom drives. The diversification in people's values resulted in increasing the market, with people seeking out that special, unique, only one vehicle that perfectly satisfies their demands. "I drive a car everyday so I want to customize it until I am satisfied," said 29-year-old Tomokazu Sakamoto, adding that his budget did not allow him to match his ideal car. The event continues until Monday (January 14) and is expected to collect 250,000 visitors from around the world.
ITN Source | January 13, 2007
