While Japan makes some rather unique cars, itasha aren’t the only custom cars in the country. From oni-kyan wheels for drifting to Chibatman, it sometimes seems like half of the vehicles in the country have been modified to extremes. But to get an idea of just how popular custom cars are in Japan, you’d need to head to Tokyo Auto Salon, which saw nearly 300,000 attendees last year!
This year, not wanting to miss out on all the fun, our brave Mr. Sato donned his most garish, chinpira outfit and headed down to look at some cars…and the women who get paid to stand next to them.

Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Turn a rainy forecast into a blast at the Naruto & Boruto Ninja Village May Rain Festival 2026
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Nightingale floors: The samurai intruder alarm system Japan’s had for centuries
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Nightingale floors: The samurai intruder alarm system Japan’s had for centuries
Godzilla turns fuzzy for his 60th birthday with adorable results, we stop by to say hi
Do you remember giant robots? Full-scale Macross Valkyrie lands in Yokohama
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Ginza hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Japan’s purring cat cuddle cushions evolve into an even higher form of virtual pet life【Photos】
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Star Wars and classic Japanese things aren’t done mashing yet! 【Photos】