To close out 2024, we asked our three busiest Speedhunters of the year to highlight their three favorite stories from the past twelve months: from cars to events and everything in between. Today Toby Thyer shares his highlights from Japan.
TT: 2024 was a huge year for Speedhunting, packed with unforgettable cars and moments, making it difficult to pick just three to highlight. From Datsun mini trucks to a wide-body E24, a GT-R body boulder car and the wild, animal energy of Retro Havoc, it was a whirlwind. Porsches, WRC legends and the Mid Night crew of the Option Street Night also stands out.
But as far as incredible memories go, meeting the minds behind Tommykaira would be right up there. Spending time with Kikuo Kaira and Yoshikazu Tomita – talking and photographing – was both a pleasure and a privilege. These two friends couldn’t be more different, yet fate brought them together to create one of the most iconic Japanese car brands.
View the position here: Meet the great minds behind Tommykaira
No matter where you stand, police cars are undeniably cool. But a Porsche 912 police car from the late ’60s? That’s something I never expected to find in Japan. This is the last of its kind that is still on the road and has lived a hardworking life. A high-speed chase earned him an early retirement, but he narrowly escaped the scrap heap. In my opinion, this is probably the coolest Mizwa Porsche in existence.
View the position here: Patrol Japan’s highways in a Porsche 912 police car
My third choice was recently shot in Tokyo’s Electric Town, Akihabara. This rare FD3S RX-7 Type RZ, fitted with an even rarer 97GT body kit from RE Amemiya from the 1997 Tokyo Auto Salon – the only one known to exist – is a work of art. With its pure ’90s curves, it feels like it’s straight out of HR Giger’s Stranger. Seeing it illuminated by the neon lights of Akihabara was as close to time travel as I will ever get. It’s inspiring to see young enthusiasts like Ryota-san keeping these cars alive and proudly representing Japanese tuner culture.
View the position here: Peak Japan: A RE Amemiya 97GT-equipped RX-7 Type RZ
With the Tokyo Auto Salon just around the corner, I wonder what awaits us in the next twelve months. Thanks, 2024 – bring on 2025!
Toby Thyer
Instagram _tobinsta_
tobythyer.co.uk
