The roar of engines, the gleam of polished metal, and the electric buzz of car culture took over the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) as Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2025 wrapped up its three-day showcase from 8–10 August, drawing an estimated 100,000 visitors.
While numbers tell part of the story, the heart of the event was in the smiles, excitement, and social media flurry as fans met their tuning idols and witnessed some of the most extraordinary machines ever assembled on Malaysian soil. Jason Yap, CEO of Element X Strategies—the official licensee of Tokyo Auto Salon in Malaysia—summed it up: “The success of any show isn’t just about attendance, but the lasting impression it leaves. Our mission has always been to create an experience that’s bigger, better, and uniquely Malaysian.”
Now in its third year outside Japan, Tokyo Auto Salon KL continues to balance authenticity with local flair. Partnering with San Ei Corporation, owners of the Tokyo Auto Salon brand, the Malaysian edition has never aimed to replicate the original but instead to create its own distinctive identity.
This year introduced Mini TAS, a die-cast model enthusiast’s paradise in collaboration with The Model Car Show Malaysia. Limited-edition collectibles—including a Matte Frost Yellow Toyota Supra MK4 KL Special Edition and Tomica’s 1/64 exclusive line—were instant hits. Another highlight was Malaysia’s Finest Tuners, a platform for local builders to showcase their engineering expertise, reinforcing Malaysia’s rising status in the global tuning scene.
The event’s star power was undeniable. Fans queued as early as 7 a.m. for a glimpse of tuning royalty such as:
- Hiroshi Tamura – the father of the modern GT-R and Nissan Z
- Wataru Kato – Liberty Walk founder, alongside his son Hyuma Kato
- Smokey Nagata – Top Secret Japan icon
- Ken Amemiya – RE Amemiya
- Max Orido, Takahiro Ueno, Takahiro Kataoka, Takamasa Ueyama, and representatives from Veilside, TOMEI, Trust/Greddy, and RWB
These legends didn’t come empty-handed—they brought with them some of the world’s most jaw-dropping builds, many never before seen outside Japan.
From the 1072hp Top Secret VR32 Stealth GT-R—a one-off masterpiece by Smokey Nagata—to Liberty Walk’s Ferrari F40 making its debut appearance outside Japan, the show floor was a petrolhead’s dream. Other standouts included Veilside’s RX-7, RE Amemiya’s rotary masterpieces, Aylezo’s race-ready Ginetta LMP2, and a rare Lexus LFA.
The energy extended beyond static displays. Visitors experienced themed zones like Sakura Street and Midnight Tokyo, stage performances, live art by Zameer Pentbrush, and an adrenaline-fueled two-hour simulator endurance race. For collectors and competitors, an auto styling contest judged by Japanese tuners added another layer of excitement.
With tickets starting at RM30, the accessibility of the show meant enthusiasts of all ages could immerse themselves in the culture. As Jason Yap teased, “We’ve got our work cut out for 2026—but we promise it will be even more exciting.”
Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2025 didn’t just display cars—it celebrated passion, craftsmanship, and the shared language of speed. If this year was any indication, Malaysia’s place on the global automotive stage is accelerating fast.
