roinjapan – Page 2 – Royal Origin

RO in Japan | Nagoya Exciting Car Show

Another day, another trip down south for a car show in Japan. The Nagoya Exciting car show was recommended by my friend Colin to check out. This was a car show filled with every JDM fanboy’s dreams. Japanese racing cars from drift to time attack were in an attendance and so were the companies that built or sponsored them.

Wide RX-7 drift ready on a set of Enkei T6S.

The Endless FT86 rocking a blue panther livery on some Enkei PF01.

All of these Japanese company cars make rocking Enkei wheels that aren’t RPF1s look good.

This track Mercedes AMG GT was looking deadly at the show.

What’s cool in Japan is that they are super into sports compact motor sports. Walking around the show there were a ton of compact cars that were designed for the track.

Triplets of Abarths.

This wide E90 was looking mean on Work Meister M1R.

A rare sight to see in the States and ever rarer in Japan. A pristine GMC Delorean.

Crazy livery design on this Porsche by Rush Motor Sports.

Low riders in Japan?

S13 with an Odyvia front end.

Exotics left and right at this show, probably what makes this show exciting for the Japanese.

Didn’t know I could like a car with anime print on it, but this 86 proved me wrong.

Chaser dreams. Can’t wait for the 25 year rule in the States to lift for these cars to come over.

Be prepared to see a whole lot of GTRs from R32-R35s.

Some of the booths had extravagant setups and sold most of their products for cheap.

So mean.

Origin Labo Chaser.

All of the Origin Labo cars were pretty awesome. Can’t believe these cars in Japan are like NASCAR cars to us in the States.

BRIDE seats for sale.

Not really sure what was going on here, but it was the only place to sit and kick it.

Japanese livery is so boss.

HRE wheels with the coolest truck/display at the show.

Pink never looked so right on this S14 on Work Equips.

That radius and fitment is too fucking cool.

They get crazy with body kits here in Japan even on Lambos.

STF garage S15.

That dragon is bedazzled on…

Top Secret R35.

D1GP judge and driver answering questions at the meet and greet.

Crazy they had a whole dealership setup, and salesmen to sell you cars at the show.

So, what’s it like to be a bad bitch? “Well…”

Ken Nomura just chilling at his booth.

I use to see the Pandora One RWB everyday when I worked at Illest, but seeing one from Japan made me fall in love with RWB Porsches all over again.

Especially when this one had such a clean paint job.

People were laughing their asses off when they saw Neel’s FTP shirt.

I guess they don’t like the police here too.

Japanese models look dangerous.

JDM muscle.

BN Sports kits are still king to me especially on these FDs

A little food court with street Japanese food.

Thank you Japan for once again leaving me in awe after a car event.

-NGU ASS

December 13, 2014

RO in Japan | Tokyo Tourists

As some of you know, me and Vinh work for JDM Chemicals. JDM Chemicals is the main importer of Soft99 products from Japan. Soft99 knew we were coming and wanted us to come to their main headquarters in Tokyo for a brief demonstration of their new products and to check out the facility. You can check that out here on the JDM Chemicals website..

http://www.jdmchemicals.com/blog/soft99japan/

After the tour, Orie and Toshi from Soft99 took us to Autobacs where they were looking up something to do after. We decided that going to an Owl Cafe would be a cool thing to experience.

What’s an Owl Cafe? It’s literally a cafe with a bunch of owls you can pet and hang out with.

They have a fuck load of owls here…

Someone said these owls have vaginas as their faces..

This one looked like an old grandpa that hasn’t had sex since his wife died and hates that Barrack Obama is president.

Orie super into the owls.

Pretty cool that you can let them kick it on your arm.

The pictures don’t really show it, but this owl was gigantic. Probably able to pick up babies and shit.

“Yeah I’ll rip your balls off if this rope was keeping me here”

This sleepy owl looked pretty cute.

But it had a sinister look to it like it was plotting everyone’s deaths in his head.

“Yeah, you first”

Afterwards, they give you a pretty neat photo of you with the owls. Definitely worth the $15. Most owl cafes are by appointment only, so make sure you go online and get an appointment.

Afterwards we got some bomb Japanese hot pot style food..

Yakisoba.

Potatoe, cheese and stuff.

Tried to do a cool long exposure train shot, but Orie couldn’t stop laughing.

Neel got it on point.. Afterwards, everyone went home because they were tired. Me and Neel went out to explore Tokyo Tower.

The pictures do not do this tower justice.

It is a fucking monster of a tower..

Fear of heights activated…

The view was worth getting over my fear of heights.

Sweets and beautiful views.

We were playing with this touch screen thing that gave you information on all of the buildings and see how it would look during the day.

We must find all the mutants.

Another glass floor..

Amazing what humans can do.

Hipster.

Outside the Shinjuku station, there were performers. Crazy how they weren’t doing it for the money but just to jam it out in the streets and maybe catch the attention of a producer.

I love the city lights and signs.

KEBABS.

Going to end it with this beautiful kebab. Something that you must try when in Japan.

-NGU ASS

December 8, 2014

RO in Japan | Osaka

While we were in Japan, Sara gave us a tip that we should go meet up with her friend Ty from Hectopascal in Osaka. Ty is someone to hit up if we wanted to go around Japan doing bad things. We woke up early and took the first bullet train to Osaka to see the south style of Japan.

Ty was cool enough to come pick us up in his shakotan S14.

That rear fitment is insane. I can’t believe we were going to try to fit 4 guys in this car..

Ty’s friend, Hiromitsu was nice enough to be the extra car to take us back to Ty’s shop.

A quick drive over some bridges in Ty’s car took us what felt like a minute to get to his shop.

Ty’s shop, Hectopascal stocks tons of cool State wide stuff from Hawaii to California.

You can see clothing brands such as Illest, Moral Fibers, JSPIRIT and Inf4mation at his shop.

He also has his own shop brand of t -shirts.

Cool a play on Hawaii vehicle inspection stickers.

He even has the mounts to make it look legit on your car. I should’ve bought one when I had the chance.

Neel copped one for the LS400.

American soap brands, license plate frames and air fresheners.

Wondering how he got this Chevron light up sign and made it look cool.

This clothing stand setup is pretty sick. Hopefully, soon it’ll be our t-shirts on that stand.

Coilovers to display t-shirts?!

OG Illest rugs.

Parked in front an S13 on Work VSKFs just chilling.

Hiromitsu’s E36 is pretty damn clean and the fitment all around is perfect. Hiromitsu use to own the Minty Evo on Work Cr-Kai’s. Crazy I took a photo of it when I was in Japan last year at United Royals..

http://royal-origin.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/837-610×407.jpg

Blingage.

That rear fitment…. So good.

All dat ass.

Another day in Osaka. After doing some bad things, we departed from the awesome shop for Osaka Castle.

Majestic as fuck…

It was my first time seeing a castle like this or a castle at all actually. Made me want to go fight someone on the roofs crouching tiger hidden dragons style.

Definitely a place to check out when you’re in Japan.

For lunch, we stopped by a food truck festival where they sold a bunch of Japanese street food.

About a week in and we never had the chance to try some authentic takoyaki.

or an okonomiyaki. They were both delicious and we were craving both as soon as we left to the next destination.

As soon as we stopped at the next train stop, we found another takoyaki spot to eat at.

Vinh so mesmerized by the smell.

All for him.

The baes.

Some Japanese hipster facebook profile photos.

Emotionless when eating his favorite foods.

Beautiful.

Let’s get lost.

I really wanted to check out this line of store, but they weren’t going to be opened for another two hours.

I love the city lights here in Japan.

I just want to make it to the top.

There were a large amount of cats for some reason in Osaka, but they seemed pretty chill.

“Feed me Takoyaki”

I live for these walks in the park.

Thanks Osaka for a memorable day. I will come back to you soon…

-NGU ASS

November 30, 2014

RO in Japan | KDAY

While in Japan, we got a tip that KDAY was a car show that we should check out. Kday is a show that celebrates USDM styling which is weird for us Americans because all we want to do is make our cars look Japanese. Since, it was only a 30-40 minute train ride we decided to venture out to the northern part of Japan to check out the show.

Just walking around the parking lot, we knew this was going to be an good car show to be at.

It felt like we were at home at one of our car meets in socal.

Even though they’re trying to copy our style, how do the Japanese make it look so much better?

Dream car.

Legacy slammed on Work CR-Kais.

Our friend Masaki’s pristine S13. Full feature coming soon.

It was hard pressed to find a car that I didn’t like at this show. Everyone hard their own styles just like in America, but they still just kept it clean.

First Lexus IS250 that I saw here that was modified. That rear fitment is pretty impressive.

Sunkist in Japan.

Some familiar crews from Cali, Phaze 2 Japan.

Crazy S2000 with that outer rim poke.

Seems to be the new thing over in Japan. Exposed rim fitment.

He’s riding pretty damn low too.

It was cool to finally see these Level One S2000s in person. I always drooled over them on the computer.

Level One S2000 elite club.

Crazy how the Japanese think Toyota trucks and SUVs are cool and want to drive a stock one in Japan.

I think I met the owner of this car on my last trip to Japan.

I love the Team Free’s slogan, “A Fun Night for Us Bitches”.

Another spotting of our sticker! Thanks for reppin’!

Merica’

People were buying California license plate frames and local southern California dealership plates for $20! Crazy.

The Wekfest Japan booth.

New homies from across the pond.

This guy seems fun to be around.

I’m assuming this is the award’s ceremony.

Meanwhile, I was stuffing my face with this “hamburger”.

It was more of a “chicken burger”..

Definitely an opening experience being at a USDM inspired car show. Crazy the things we take for granted people would pay so much for. Thanks K Day for the experience! As always there are more photos in the gallery.

-NGU ASS

November 7, 2014

RO in Japan | Yokohoma Bay

After the police kicked us out of the Daikoku PA, most of the cars from the meet moved over to this spot under Yokohoma Bay. It’s an underground area with sick ceilings and made for great photos. There seemed to be a higher quality of cars that showed up to this back up spot, probably because you had to pay for a spot and it also meant the cops couldn’t kick us out of this area.

A whole lot of slammed cars and people just walking around enjoying the scene.

Aristos here are so beefy and boss. Haven’t really seen a VIP one like in the states most of the Aristos I’ve seen are drift cars with a bunch of horsepower under the hood.

What a fantastic view of skylines.

A 2nd generation IS with the latest generation IS front bumper on Work Meisters.

Somehow got caught up talking to a bunch of Altezza enthusiasts. I saw that one of the guys was rocking a SXE10 crew sticker and told him that I was once apart of that when my friend Jason created it way back then. Now Jason isn’t even apart of it anymore and it’s grown to something far crazier. Weird how your past shows up in random places.

Widened Altezza all around on Work XSA is fucking nice. Flawlessly executed.

SXE10 Crew Japan.

My dream car since I was 16 and exactly how I would want it set up.

This S15’s fitment is incredible also check out that rising sun radiator.

Sadly, my camera ran out of batteries from documenting the whole day, but it was good for me because I was finally able to just relax and realize that we just threw the first ever Royal Origin international meet. It couldn’t have been successful without the help of All That Low, Zee and Kevan. Maybe, next time we’re here we’ll be throwing a car show…

-NGU ASS

November 2, 2014

RO in Japan | Royal Origin x All That Low Daikoku Meet

There was a little bit of excitement for me on the way to Daikoku PA. All day Zee and Kevan said there were going to be a ton of people going to the meet. Literally, everyone they knew was coming out for this meet and when Kevan informed us that the lot was already full before we got to the meet, that shit blew my mind. I’ve been to Daikoku before and it is huge.

As soon as we found a parking spot, we immediately got to work and saw awesome cars. These NSX’s were parked on the side in the back looking fierce as hell.

NSX x TE37 is a dream come true for Japanese car enthusiasts.

Why are nice things so expensive?

Jam packed with cool cars.

Man that tuck on this Altezza.

Drift style GS.

A plethora of Chasers were present at the meet. It was exciting to see cars that we normally don’t see in the states and they were all heavily modified.

New friend Koki’s Evo VIII riding extremely low and almost tucking half of the rim in the back. Crazy how this thing is static!

Compton came to visit us in Japan.

Wild style.

The static VIP game here is so ill.

Civics done right.

It was tough finding parking for people who came a little late. Our friend Jon Poff said it’s been a while since he had to wait on the freeway ramp to get into Daikoku.

This van provided music for everyone with classic American tunes like Britney Spears and Green Day.

So freaking pristine.

Finally got to see some sick Soarers. Everytime I visit Japan, it always gives me motivation to go home and work on my own cars.

Crazy to see old folks that could be the same age as my parents at our meet driving awesome cars.

How is this even static?..

The lot was too full and started to cause tons of traffic. The cops ended up kicking everyone out.

FTP.

At least they were somewhat nice about it and helped guide everyone out of the lot.

Except one of the cops got into Brendan’s face trying to kick him out while we were waiting for our driver to come.

These guys roll so hard.

It was great to see Colin’s Miata out at the meet. Crazy how I met him at a small meet Zee took us last year and now we’re here again at another parking area meet. Colin’s photography for DOHC Research has been an inspiration of mine since I discovered it. Thanks for the tips on how to be an awesome photographer Colin!

After finding Zee, most of the cars split into two spots for a back up car meet. Crazy how we shut down Daikoku PA in an hour and now have to find a back up spot for the meet.

There was one spot where most of the expensive cars were headed to and there was one under Yokohoma Bay. We decided to go to Yokohoma bay because it would in a cool underground parking structure which will be in the next post.

-NGU ASS

As always there are more photos in the gallery.

October 21, 2014

RO in Japan | Royal Origin meets Zen Garage

The gang woke up extra early for this day, it was our first day of doing car related activities. We were to be picked up by Kevan and Zee and had plans for Up Garage, Mine’s Tuning and at night it would be the Royal Origin x All That Low car meet at Daikoku, so today was going to be filled with Instagram worthy photos.

We hooked up Kevan with a FTP shirt and a Hoodratstuff beanie, he put it on quicker than a 40 year old virgin putting on a condom for the first time before sex.

Royal Origin meets Zen Garage and me eating a chicken wing.

This super clean Datsun 280z rolled up to the Family Mart parking lot and took everyone’s breath away.

What were the chances that we took a break at this Family Mart and a sick classic car would roll up and park right in front of us.

First stop Up Garage! The Autozone of gangster used Japanese car parts.

JDM wheels everywhere….

An aisle just for used coil overs. Some of you guys on springs need to be shopping in this aisle.

Suspension braces and sway bars for days.

I wish I had a car that could run these Equips.

We were so tempted to buy a seat and ship it home, but it was only the first 2 days and didn’t want to spend all of our money on seats.

Matt and Justin checking out these crazy colored racing belts.

This particular Up Garage is a GT Up Garage where they store specific parts this one has mostly drift parts.

“A couple of Nissan SR20’s would pull a premium one week before race wars”

More awesome seats.

Robert and Neel checking out the variety of shift knobs.

Next door was a used car dealership that sold some pretty awesome cars.

It also had some modified cars that belonged to the owner.

Tucked away in the back were the real gems.

The shop’s track AE86 and EVO.

Under the sheets was a classic Hakosuka.

Slammed xB on Work Meisters.

Across the street was the Up Garage GTR dealership, where they literally only sold GTR’s.

I would rather buy an R34 than buy a newer car.

Midnight purple R33 for $15.9k.

Pristine R32.

The crew taking a break from all of the amazing things we just witnessed.

Next was Mine’s tuning! We had to take the freeway there and without having a rental and getting free toll passes, this would’ve been an expensive trip. It would’ve taken at least $80-150 just to get from where we stayed in Tokyo to Mine’s tuning.

This freeway architecture doe.

Going full throttle in a tunnel like this must be fun, too bad we were in a stock 2014 Corolla.

Mine’s Motor Sports.

Everyone trying to take in where we are right now.

The President of Mine’s Tsuzo Niikura. He was extremely nice and greeted us all individually.

A little look of the show room.

R32 getting a heart transplant.

Everyone going ape shit over this Mine’s GTR.

So photogenic.

Kevan talking to one of the mechanics about the GTR.

Brendan having a chat about car stuff and probably about how to get more HP out of Brendan’s Supra.

Man this building is cool.

Niikura san looking so holy under the light.

It was now off to get some dinner. Poor Vinh had a long day…

A walk through down town Yokohoma.

It was kind of weird that we were going to a Shakey’s because we never go to the Shakey’s in the States, but Zee told us it was good and all you can eat.

Zee was right this totally shits on the Shakeys in the States.

Everyone destroying this restaurant. Every time they put a new pizza out we just took the whole thing to our table.

This little Japanese girl trying to flirt with the crew.

On the way back we spotted this G Sedan on Vossen Wheels.

Back in the Garage we spotted this R32 on TE-37s. White on white is so good.

Our new friend Shingo decided to park his Legacy right next to the R32. Good thing he’s on bags or that parking speed bump would rip off his body kit.

“SPECS BRUH?!”

Rolling through the freeway tunnels with Shingo was fucking tight. I wish I recorded a video instead of taking photos..

Next post will be about the meet.. So stay tuned!

-NGU ASS

October 19, 2014

RO in Japan | 326 Power Shop Visit

The only thing we had planned for the second day of this Japan trip was a visit to 326 Power. The reason for this was because from Tokyo to Hiroshima was a 5-6 hour train ride and another 20-30 minutes by taxi to the shop. It was big mission just to get to this elusive shop. If you’re planning to go anywhere far while travelling in Japan, make sure you buy a JR Pass. You can use all of the JR train lines and take bullet trains to anywhere in the country. The ticket is about $465 for 2 weeks, but if you just take one trip down south of Japan then you’ve already made your most of your money back because a round trip ticket on a bullet train to Hiroshima from Tokyo is already $380.

We woke up extremely early to catch the first train out to Hiroshima that’s why Vinh looks so grumpy.

After a bus ride and a taxi we finally made it to 326 Power, walking into the shop you are immediately blinded by the colorful car parts.

Sick 326 Power headrest, I had to pick one up for my own car.

Lug nuts in different sizes.

Sharon and Uiichi were extremely helpful with our questions about the many parts they had and the many colors that were available.

Godly coil overs.

Brendan showing Uiichi what makes him the NA Hero.

After Uiichi hustled us with some parts, he gave us a tour of the garage where the real reason why we took a 6 hour train ride to go to 326 Power was hiding.

Pictures do not do any of these cars justice. Walking into the garage and seeing these crazy slammed cars, you question whether you’re in a dream or not.

After having an eyegasm, I finally realized this was real life. How does one stay static and have such crazy fitment without the bacon fenders?

Oh my the exhaust looks way intense.

Only God could push a car down, so hard that it would tuck rim like that and still be able to drive.

These cars stay clean in this shop.

That exhaust setup is so gnarly.

This little VW was looking pretty dope too.

Check out how clean 326 Power keeps their shop looking. I didn’t see a single oil stain anywhere.

Outside we spotted this slammed Jetta on Work Meisters.

Seems to be the black sheep of the group of white cars, but regardless it was looking hard posted outside of the shop.

Seriously, how do you move this thing without breaking everything?

Fitment on point.

Thank you 326 Power for the hospitality, it was definitely worth the trip!

– NGU ASS

October 16, 2014

RO in Japan | The First Day

I have a problem with being easily bored of life. Sometimes, I feel like I’m stuck in a forever struggle of working, stressing over life and my happiness. We spend the best part of our lives in school, learning how to survive and perhaps thrive in this modern world of ours. After that, we spend our entire lives working to obtain a salary, so we can afford ourselves simple pleasures. If you look at the big picture, we are all just stuck in this infinite loop of our modern lives. Once in a while, you have to wake up from this matrix and leave everything behind and take what you have to explore the other 99.9% of the world. Having an adventure in Japan should be a bucket list for everyone in the world. No matter what part of the world you’re from going to Japan is nothing you will ever experience, the culture, the food and the people will grant you a brand new perspective in life. I hope in the next series of post will convince you to use those saved up vacation days and explore Japan.

This was my room for the entirety of the trip. It was nice and cozy and ridiculously cheap. If $150/a night hotel rooms isn’t your thing then try going on Airbnb.com. Plan your dream vacation on a budget.

These types of stays not only give you a feel of local life but often come with the added benefit of a more personal, authentic experience that traditional hotels can’t always offer. However, when it comes to vacation ownership, some people might find themselves locked into agreements that no longer serve their interests.

Timeshare contracts can be tricky, and if you’re feeling burdened by a contract that’s become more of a hassle than a help, you’re not alone. That’s where Aaronson Law Group comes in. If you’re looking to exit a timeshare agreement or want legal advice regarding the fine print, their team can provide expert guidance to ensure that you’re not trapped in an unfavorable deal. With their support, you can focus on the fun of future vacations without worrying about being tied down by long-term obligations.

These were the companions on my second Japan trip excluding the samurai guy. Brendan, Neel and Vinh. It was all of their first time going to Japan and they were super anxious and excited to experience the culture.

Last year, this sushi place that shot out your orders left a lasting impression on me. I had to make sure that I took the guys here for this ridiculously cheap sushi. $1 a plate!! This sushi place is a chain restaurant called Genki Sushi. You can find it in Shibuya near the famous cross walk.

Brendan and his signature raised eye brow look, the yellow happy face was trying to copy him in the back.

This is my favorite place in Tokyo and oddly enough it’s a Starbucks! Find this at the roof top Starbucks in Harajuku.

Next stop was Odaiba! Where the famous Gundam stands tall for tourists.

The Diver City Plaza behind the Gundam is an awesome mall with an even more awesome food court. Definitely a place to shop and grab some delicious food.

The guys were definitely awestruck by the Gundam even put the phones down just to take it all in.

Sometimes you need to put the phones down and live in the moment.

About a block away from the Gundam is Joypolis where they have a real Initial D simulator game. Joypolis also has some other awesome games to enjoy in the 4 story building. It was like a Chuck E Cheese, but 100x better.

About another block away is the Toyota Mega Web museum. This is a spot to geek over classic cars and the new Toyota models.

I honestly didn’t recognize some of these classic Japanese cars, it was refreshing to see these cars in immaculate condition.

Hallway of Collectibles.

Funny how they had an Americanized theme hall way of cars.

Upstairs celebrated Toyota Motorsports and the future of Toyota.

Would not mind having this van for long road trips.

The new Toyota Crown Athlete.

What was cool about this display, you could get into the car and just get a feel of how it would be driving this car.

The re-released Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series.

For some reason Vinh wanted to test out this tiny handicap-able car.

To find this area all you need to do is follow the Ferris wheel.

After Odaiba, we headed out to Shinjuku to meet up with Brendan’s friend Will from Rennstall. While we were waiting, there were bands playing outside the station for the fun of it. None of them had hats out or a donating jar, just wanted the exposure.

Made our mark.

Will and his friends took us out to an Izakaya for food and drinks. The Japanese have this thing were they like to get pissed out drunk, so most Izakaya and some restaurants offer a all you can drink service.

I just wanted to stick to the finer things in life like this egg and yakisoba on a skillet.

Vinh was too tired from today’s activities and knocked out while we were grubbing.

That sums up our first day in Japan, crazy how what we did on this day took about 3-4 days last year. I recommend getting a pocket WiFi so, you don’t waste anytime getting lost. The company JCR Pocket Wifi is what I used because you can pick it up from the airport when you land. Make sure you check back for more Japan posts!

-NGU ASS

October 13, 2014

Lowballers Japan

Had an opportunity last year to do a shoot of the Lowballers Japan when I was visiting them in Toyoma. Sorry that these photos are coming out so late! The cars are Fumiya’s Scion tC, Masao’s Lexus IS250 and Kazuki’s BMW M3.

-NGU ASS

May 20, 2014

Tag: roinjapan