After a successful first event last year, Clean Culture Japan recently returned for its second installment.
Building on the foundations while staying true to the Clean Culture event formula, born in the USA – Jun Takahashi from Hardcore Tokyo and his team created a sequel that was bigger and better, even with a live drift element.

While Clean Culture Japan 2023 was held in May, the 2024 edition took place in the sweltering heat of late summer. In the four years I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve noticed that the summers are getting hotter and longer. My Anglo-Czech blood still struggles with the heat, even though I’ve lived in Australia for over a decade.


Despite the circumstances, the turnout at Longwood Station in Chiba was impressive: double that of the first year.

I arrived around 3pm – unfortunately after the drift demo – just as the heat was starting to weigh on the crowd. Luckily, Longwood Station is a fantastic location with several large air-conditioned function rooms, perfect for escaping the sun and grabbing a drink.

This was just as the sound-off was in full swing on the main stage, with Honda Civics, Nissan Skylines and even an Aston Martin vying for the loudest 2-step/limiter bash award.

While the crowd was enjoying themselves, I went to check out some of the cars.


I’ve seen a few vehicles Web option’The Wangan Base Yokohama show held the night before. It was great to see them in a new light, especially these two with their dazzling orange paint jobs.



As expected, the selection was eclectic, with super clean cars with impeccable fit.


Like a Daft Punk album, Clean Culture Japan was all killer, no filler. Each of the more than 350 cars on display was carefully presented – with the exception of a semi-finished Mazda Eunos Roadster (Miata/MX-5) with an oversized GT wing and a roof box. At least it provided some entertainment!


Speaking of entertaining: Souki-san showed three of his creations. Although his leopard car and Skyline now have new owners, I think after five years of working on this Y30 Gloria he will enjoy it for a little longer.

Clean Culture Japan has everything: beautiful cars, a great location, sound-offs and now live drift action.

Speaking of drifting, who wants to see about the Rocket Bunny Racing Formula Drift R32?

Big thanks to Jun and the hardcore Tokyo team for an unforgettable show. See you all next year!
Toby Thyer
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tobythyer.co.uk
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