Ever since I started searching through the interwebs about the Japanese car culture, visiting the Daikoku Futo parking lot was definitely on my bucket list of things to do. I have heard stories on how the underground scene in the streets of Japan goes by and I know someday I will witness it myself.

Fast forward to 2014 when I received the travel itinerary for this year’s Fatlace tour, it included the words “July  4: Speedhunters X Fatlace Daikoku Parking lot meet”. The event was a preview of the main show itself, Offset Kings Japan. Here are some of the photos.

I flew out to Tokyo a day ahead before everyone else to check out clothing and streetwear shops.  I realized that the main city had less classic cars than I expected, Teru’s Sunny stood out from all of the hybrid’s when it roams around the streets.

We passed by the legendary Wangan highway, his car sounded awesome. Backfire included.

We checked out the Moon Eyes shop and had dinner at the cafe. Good burgers. Teru’s car went viral that night.

The shop had a lot of stuff, I got myself some souvenirs for my future builds.

That day, we cruised alongside with Taryn and Pedey of Speedhunters. Fatlace went full blast with the crew from  San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Tokyo, Guam and Manila. Worldwide it is.

We arrived at Daikoku an hour before the said time of the event, the lot was already jampacked. There were also rumors surrounding that the lot was close due to Japanese laws, not tonight.

I was literally shocked about the builds, seeing it in person was far different from photos online. Style in every angle.

We have several Skyline’s in Manila but this was different, Z-tune baby.

As usual, the lot had diverse rides, from trucks to..

Crazy conversions like this JZX100 x S14 conversion and I actually think it looks good. (correction by Ray Cruz)

At first I even thought it was an S14.

The Japan scene welcoming us with this crazy oni-Odyssey. Talk about style.

The infamous Z (Porsche?) from Tokyo Auto Salon was present, sporting new aero and 991 taillights too.

One of my favorites during the meet, this Hachiroku was perfect in all angles.

A color combination which reminds me of 124’s and the first-gen LS400. Check out those TE37V’s.

The street drifters from N-Style were also present, imagine how much  sound they created while driving by. These Toyota’s are driven hard,  Touge style.

The 4-door scene is big in Japan, something we lack here in Manila. I just love it how they mix styles and pull it all out.

One of the cars I learned to love in Japan, the Crown Athlete. I have full features on these types of Toyota’s very soon.

This Toyota looked good. Not sure with what model?

Always a fan of these JZX100’s, we have 2-3 in Manila converted to LHD. Time to hunt these 4-doors.

In Japan a modified Mark II can cost around 300,000 Yen or 3,000$. These rates in Manila will only get you a 96-98 Corolla in stock form. Cars in Japan are way cheap.

Chaser’s looked good, really good.

A mix of car style’s is always a win with these Toyota’s.

I would rock one of these than any S-chassis.

Almost all of the cars in the event were running coilovers, regarding which type of vehicle. Running on air is cheap in Japan but they I guess they still want that OG feel when they pull up. Check out those fenders.

Y32, street drift style on Koenig’s. Perfect.

We also gave out ‘Offset Kings Daikoku’ limited stickers for the first 100 cars.

We had a hard time in shooting photos due to the rain, but it was all worth it.

I’d rock a pink car too, any day.

On to the Nissan’s, S-Chassis is definitely big in Japan, pretty cheap too.

An S14 I see in the magazines, a demo car from Work Wheels Japan.

An immaculate 240z was also present. Body and interior parts were intact, it had an L28.

What made our Daikoku trip awesome was the stories of the drivers. I learned that the Japanese guess out which car will arrive next by the sound of their engines/exhaust. They also gave me an idea on their hiding spots when cops chase them.

R32 Skyline, built for the Wangan.

Clean SC/Soarer from N-Style. Thanks for the stickers!

Only in Japan you can pull off these types of modifications.

I personally think that the car looks really good without the scissor doors and neon lights. Burgundy was always my choice for my S15, it looks good on the car but when I saw one. I changed my mind.

Manila Fitted. After months of planning to meet the Filipino’s in the car scene, I gave them a heads up to meet-up here too.

I gave out stickers and Manila Fitted shirts to them. Dustin drove hours, adjusted specs to join the meet. Some of their rides didn’t make it for the event but they made it sure that they will be their in person.

Cam, a Filipino-Kanagawa street drifter who I met online through sneakers rolled through in his JZX. Crazy clean.

Kanagawa-drift style s13.

My good friend Iori (who I chat with everyday! #NoHomo) from Team A/Osaka JDM was also present, we usually hang-out in Manila in drift or meets. But this was different. To the Filipino’s, thank you again for your warm reception. I will see you guys soon.

Slammed Hi-Ace commuter. Looks fresh.

A 510 on Sr20’s and ITB’s. First time to personally hear the roar of this, music it is.

By 11pm the lot was full, I lost count on how many cars arrived but i’m guessing on 150-200 modified ones.

What amazed me was that the parking lot is beneath a spiral highway which directs you to the entrance of Daikoku PA. Imagine how much raw sound it makes when these cars drive-by while gunning it.  Goosebumps included.

One word to describe the experience? Surreal.

I will be back with Offset Kings Japan coverage, part 1.  Watch out.

Instagram: @kevcarlos 

Fatlace | Manila Fitted

Filipino Pride All Day, Everyday. 

 PS: Thanks Anton Ngata and Vincent Cruz of AN Films for letting me use the lens and Thanks for the corrections Ray Cruz (photo 10, 29)