The interesting cars of the recent 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

We’re used to doing coverage of large local motor shows such as the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) and the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). From time to time, we also fly out of the country for even larger ones like the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) and the Japan Mobility Show (JMS). 

This year, we did something different. We flew ourselves to Japan for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon. The annual event focuses more on the aftermarket and performance parts scene, with some automotive brands starting to launch new vehicles there.

Held last January 10-12 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture just outside Tokyo, this show is large, with its venue equivalent to more than five times the size of our local motor shows. With showcases from both aftermarket tuning and big car brands alike, there was a lot to see and here are some of them.

Let’s start with the big brands. 

Toyota had the biggest booth at the event, showing off their heritage in motorsports with Toyota Gazoo Racing. The Japanese automaker showed-off its 24 Hours of Nürburging race car lineup such as the Altezza, Lexus LFA, GT86, and Supra. There was also a kitted-out GR Yaris for those who want something more aerodynamic, and the GR Yaris M Concept with a mid-engine setup for the Super Taikyu Series.

Over at the Land Cruiser Base, Toyota had the original Toyota Jeep BJ which is the first-ever Land Cruiser to go into production, along with the Land Cruiser 70-series (J70) and the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport which will be used at the 2025 Dakar Rally.

Over at Honda, we saw the Prelude prototype fitted with some kits from Mugen. Looking very similar to the concept version we saw at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, this prototype shows that we’re very close to seeing it in production form. We surely can’t wait for that.

Also seen at the Honda booth were the Civic Type R (FL5) Racing Black Package with some gloss black exterior bits and a black interior, Civic RS Mugen, as well as a handful of other interesting stuff such as motorcycles.

Scooting over to Nissan, we saw the all-electric conversion concept of the iconic BNR32 Skyline GT-R, dubbed as the R32EV Concept. 

Initially starting its development in 2023, the R32EV concept swaps out its RB26DETT gasoline engine–a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six–for an all-electric powertrain composed of dual front and rear electric motors that output 218 horsepower and 340 Nm of torque each, paired to a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery from the LEAF Nismo RC02 race car. There are a lot of other changes which you can read about here. 

The company also showed-off three vehicles designed by students from the Nissan Automobile Technical College (NATC) campuses in Kyoto and Aichi. These are the Z Lealia which is essentially a wagon version of the two-door sports coupé, the NEO Skyline which is a modern take on the Kenmeri Skyline of the 70’s, and the Bluebird Kiwami which blends luxury with sportiness.

We also saw the X-Trail Unwind and Remastered concepts which show us what the compact crossover would be like with an off-road adventure-ready setup, whether in current or previous generation form. 

Meanwhile, Mazda is going all out on its Spirit Racing brand with the reveal of its first production vehicle—the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster. Based on the latest ND3 refresh, it differentiates itself from the rest of the variants with a very subtle body kit, RAYS wheels based on the TE37, and Alcantara upholstery. Handling is also improved with upgraded height-adjustable Bilstein dampers and four-piston Brembo brakes. 

For something with a little more power and exclusivity, the 12R is a special variant limited to 200 units in Japan. This gets a power bump to 200 horsepower thanks to a special camshaft, cylinder heads, pistons, and a Fujitsubo exhaust manifold.

Also at the Mazda booth was the Mazda Spirit Racing Rally Concept which is based on the CX-60 and shows us that the brand is serious about all types of racing from the track to off-road.

Mitsubishi Motors had a very interesting setup for their booth. Welcoming visitors was a huge wall with a Triton AXCR rally truck peeking out of it. Go through the entrance and various customization options for the midsize pickup truck were on showcase along with the Outlander PHEV Night Seeker Concept, Delica D:5 Black Edition Active Seeker, and a trio of Asian Cross Country (AXCR) 2024 rally cars.

For those into brand merch, the Japanese automaker sold plush toys of its Delica Mini mascot Delimaru which I regret not buying right away as it sold out just before we left the show. Our associate editor was lucky to have purchased one though. 

Last but not the least for the big brands, Hyundai also had a strong presence at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon with the Japanese debut of its small Inster Electric crossover. You can read about that here. 

The Korean automaker also showed off the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition, made in collaboration with Japanese drift driver Keiichi Tsuchiya, also known as “Dorikin” or “Drift King.” Our associate editor was once again lucky, getting a photo with DK himself.

Omoshiroi 面白い 

Despite the number of times I’ve been to Japan, there is always something new and interesting to find. Other than what we’ve already shown you, there are loads of other interesting (“Omoshiroi” or 面白い in Japanese) things to see around the Tokyo Auto Salon’s halls. Just check out the photos below and see for yourself: