8 Unseen Photos from the 2019 Yokohama Hot Rod Show

Looking back, the 2019 Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod Show was truly an awesome event. I’m glad I decided to attend both days it was held, Saturday and Sunday. While I published a lot of content at the time, I recently went digging through my archives.

The photos in this article are “unseen” cuts from that first day. By the time I arrived, most of the cars had already been set up. The hard work was done, so all I needed to do was walk around and press my camera’s shutter button.

(Editor’s Note 2025: I’ve revisited these photos recently. Originally, I edited my 2019 work to be bright and standard, but looking back, I felt that didn’t capture the actual atmosphere of the event. I’ve re-graded the images in this post to reflect the true mood, shadows, and chrome of that day.)

Beyond hot rods: Custom imports and DeLoreans in Japan

To be honest, it might be more accurate to call this an “exotic car show” rather than one strictly about hot rods. There were so many incredible vehicles of every type and from every era.

Someone had even brought along a DMC DeLorean, which was a highlight for me. Every vehicle on display had received massive amounts of modifications and customizations. I caught myself wondering, “How much would these actually be worth?” I couldn’t even imagine the total value in that room.

Yokohama vs. World of Wheels: A cultural comparison

For those familiar with the scene in the United States, the Yokohama Hot Rod Show is a lot like the World of Wheels. I mean that in a comparative sense, of course—the Japanese version is smaller.

However, don’t let the size fool you. This Yokohama event still packs in so many cars and bikes to see. It is definitely enough to make any automotive fan happy.

Shooting the show: Automotive photography tips & gear

I took thousands of photographs during the 2019 show. It was an exhausting but rewarding weekend. Each day, I scrambled home to upload the files to the internet. On top of the editing, I needed to create stories to go along with them (short ones, I have to admit).

There wasn’t much sleep to be had over those two days, but the adrenaline kept me going.

My 2019 camera setup (Fujifilm X-T2)

Here is the kit I used to capture these shots:

Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T2
Lens: Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

Is the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show worth it?

Yes, absolutely. The Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show is widely considered one of the best indoor car shows in the world, not just in Japan. Even with the crowded venue, the sheer quality of the “Mooneyes” builds and the unique mix of American and Japanese car culture make it a bucket-list event.

If you are on the fence, here is the verdict:

Pros: World-class customization, rare vehicles you won’t see elsewhere, and an electric atmosphere.
Cons: It is extremely crowded and only lasts one day.
Bottom Line: If you love automotive photography or custom culture, it is worth the trip.