Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 – it was all about hot cars and girls

Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 was a fantastic event.  It had so much cool stuff.  Officially, the show’s purpose is to display technologies and products for custom cars.  But I think the public went to see great cars and hot models.  I’m convinced that is what they wanted to see.

The bling was incredible.  There were enormous sound systems in little vans next to Pikachu Lamborghinis.  Campervans kitted out for glamping were in the same row as cars covered in crystals.  It was great to see AAA bling at its best.  I think we could assume it is the Japanese version of SEMA cars?  In short, it is a luxury car show.

And being an auto show, there are plenty of old hotrods there too.  To be honest, I don’t see many older vehicles on the roads in Japan, but at TAS, you do.  They are all kitted out and look like they could still race.  It made me wonder who buys them and if they are driven.  Custom car builders do superb jobs.

As always, the girls of the show impressed me.  Many of them get into their work and put on a good display for photographers.  Some of the outfits they wear are incredible.  But the girl that got my pick was at the Toyo Tires booth in a red kimono, which was very nice.  I thought she was very elegant, and sometimes, less is more, if you know what I mean.

In 2018 I enjoyed the Tokyo Auto Salon for another reason.  I bought a flash, the Godox V860ii.  Its TTL (Through The Lens) system made photography very easy.  I had tried manual flashes in the past but got mixed results.  This time, I got the composition, shot, and moved on.  The v860ii also has a huge rechargeable battery, which lasts all day.  It is superb. 

Another thing I have to say is Tokyo Auto Salon doesn’t change much from year to year.  In this case, that is not necessarily bad as it has a tried and proven formula.  The only way to improve it would be for the general public to drive the cars, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon! 

Once again, some big car companies like Toyota, Nissan, and Subaru occupied a lot of floor space.  But, their displays always seem very conservative.  I know I make the same comment every year, but those displays seem more suited to the Tokyo Motor Show.

If you want to see some bling in Tokyo, go to the Tokyo Auto Salon. The cars are fantastic, and so are the models. I’m looking forward to the year when I can attend all three days. And for those wanting to see the Tokyo Auto Salon website, click this link.

For more car show articles, look at:

• Pre-30th Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2021
• Tokyo Auto Salon 2018
• Tokyo Auto Salon 2017
• Tokyo Motor Show 2019

If you attended the 2018 event, please leave a comment about how much (or maybe even how little) you enjoyed it.