FYI: The inaugural Wangan Base Yokohama – Option Street Night Festival offered a thrilling homage to Japanese performance car culture, drawing enthusiasts with its mix of legendary tuner cars, nostalgic reminiscences, and vibrant atmosphere at an iconic Yokohama landmark.
### A Night to Remember in Yokohama
As the sun began its descent, the Yokohama skyline was bathed in hues of orange and purple, setting the tone for an extraordinary evening at the Wangan Base Yokohama’s 1st Option Street Night Festival. Amidst the growing crowd, iconic figures from the world of Japanese tuning, like Top Secret’s Smokey Nagata Kazuhiko and Veilside’s Yokomaku Hironao, took center stage, engaging in nostalgic stories of the golden age of performance tuning. The atmosphere was electric, a tangible sense of excitement filling the air.
### Venue and Organization
The festival, brought to life by Web Option—the digital arm of Japan’s renowned Option magazine—made its impressive debut at Yamashita Pier. This active shipping hub from the 1950s, specifically Pier 4 at the Pier West, provided the perfect backdrop with panoramic views of downtown Yokohama enhancing the experience.
Organizers welcomed press attendees from 4 pm, with the event already bustling with activity despite the sweltering heat of the afternoon. The festival, scheduled from 2 pm to 10 pm, proved immensely popular, promising an even larger turnout next year.
### A New Benchmark for Car Shows
Comparable in scale to the Tokyo Auto Salon, the pier surrounding Shed 4 seemed to mimic the expansive exhibition halls of Makuhari Messe, but with its distinctive seaside charm and outdoor allure. Unlike the wintery conditions of TAS, the warm summer night added an authentic touch, although many attendees hoped for a cooler schedule in the future editions.
### An Exhibition of Tuning Excellence
Walking through the event, it was hard not to draw comparisons to Tokyo Auto Salon. However, Wangan Base Yokohama carved its unique niche in the automotive scene. Imagine an outdoor car show focused solely on tuner cars, sans the commercial atmosphere of major manufacturers, set against the backdrop of a disused commercial wharf. The addition of an aircraft hangar and an array of food trucks made the festival feel distinct and immersive.
### Highlights of the Show
Several standout vehicles captivated attendees, such as a 2JZ-swapped RA65 Toyota Celica convertible that drew considerable attention. The festival also featured over 20 vehicles from the legendary Mid Night Club, a renowned group in the Japanese car culture. Seeing these vehicles lined up was a highlight, and for many, it marked a rare opportunity to witness these iconic cars in person.
Inside Shed 4, the festival continued with booths from top tuner brands like Tomei, Top Secret, and Endless. Their presence showcased a range of products and demo cars, underscoring the event’s focus on performance and functionality.
### Authentic Car Culture
One striking aspect of the festival was the authenticity of the vehicles on display. The majority were built to be driven, not just admired, a common issue at larger car shows where some vehicles are more for show than performance. This emphasis on functionality made the Wangan Base Yokohama – Option Street Night Festival feel genuine and grounded in true car culture.
### A Spectacular Conclusion
As the night wrapped up, the event closed with an impressive parade of cars rolling out from the pier, providing a fitting end to an extraordinary evening. The 2025 event is already confirmed, promising even more excitement for car enthusiasts.
### Closing Thoughts
The Wangan Base Yokohama – Option Street Night Festival wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of Japanese tuning culture, bringing together cars, people, and stories from the golden era of performance cars. As many anticipate next year’s event, the 2024 festival set a high standard, highlighting Yokohama’s significance in the global car scene.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
