FYI: After 15 years of running a successful workshop in Auckland, New Zealand, specializing in Japanese race and road cars, I have decided to embark on an adventure in Japan, starting with a visit to the Tokyo Auto Salon and exploring Car Shop Glow in Tokyo.
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For the past decade and a half, I have dedicated myself to servicing, building, and tuning Japanese race and road cars at my workshop, JTune, in Auckland, New Zealand. Over the years, some of the vehicles I’ve worked on have garnered attention from Speedhunters. Now, after an intense few years, I’ve finally decided to take a break from full-time shop work and begin an exciting adventure in Japan.
### Journey to Japan
My first trip of the year took me to the Tokyo Auto Salon, a mecca for car enthusiasts. During my visit, I headed to Fuji, where I collaborated with HKS on a special project for the Toyota GR86. Returning in the summer, I checked on the project’s progress and visited several other renowned shops, including Car Shop Glow.
### Exploring Car Shop Glow
Although I missed Japan’s Seven Day (7/7) festivities by a week, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop by one of Tokyo’s most famous RX-7 shops, Car Shop Glow. Known for their custom LED lights, Car Shop Glow also services and completes full builds from their modest location in Nerima, near Tokyo’s center.
#### History and Evolution
Car Shop Glow was founded in 2006 by Yukimitsu Hara, initially selling LED lighting products online. By April 2008, Hara had opened a showroom specializing in customizing American and European cars. In 2009, Hara acquired a Knight Sports Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) from a Super Autobacs store manager. This pivotal purchase became the catalyst for Car Shop Glow’s demo cars.
### Time Attack Journey
Taking the RX-7 to Tsukuba Circuit, Hara managed a lap time of 1 minute and 6 seconds on 17-inch street tires, setting a benchmark. This achievement motivated him to fit the RX-7 with an RE Amemiya widebody kit, repaint the exterior, and add custom taillights. The modifications allowed for wider tires, and Hara improved his lap time to 1 minute and 2 seconds, sparking his obsession with time attack racing.
### Growing Fame and Expansion
As Hara participated in time attack events, Car Shop Glow’s fame grew, leading to a surge in orders for custom taillights both locally and internationally. The company began offering lighting solutions for other models, including the Toyota Supra, Honda S2000 and NSX, and Subaru Impreza. Over time, they diversified into producing aero parts, exhaust systems, and suspensions, serving both domestic and overseas markets.
### Future Plans
Hara’s RX-7 has continuously evolved, becoming lighter, more aerodynamic, and more powerful. Currently holding an impressive 56.4-second lap time at Tsukuba Circuit, achieved with OEM-based brakes and no factory ABS, the RX-7 continues to push boundaries. When asked about future goals, Hara expressed his dream to achieve a 53-second lap.
### The Enthusiast Community
Despite space constraints in Tokyo, enthusiasts are undeterred. Many build incredible machines in their own garages, exemplified by Tani-san’s “street-legal GT race car,” the Car Shop Glow RX-7. Car Shop Glow frequently hosts gatherings where customers showcase their prized vehicles before embarking on group drives, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
### Conclusion
Our visit to Car Shop Glow was an enlightening experience. We extend our gratitude to Mr. Hara and his team, as well as all the car owners who joined us. Their passion for automotive excellence continues to inspire.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
Photos by Ash Bechan
