I'm amazed by the warm welcome that people give us as we walk the show and by people asking for pictures. They made sure that I was throwing out my "westside" sign. It was only fair that I took pictures of them also. The show is also filled with chrome, candy and flake, as well as with a bunch of Japanese lowrider enthusiasts. Walking the aisles, you can tell that the car owners pay attention to details, from the way that they display their cars to the way that they clean and take care of their prized possessions. I saw a homie cleaning his wire wheels with Q-tips, now that's something that I've never seen before.
Another thing that amazed me was when I saw a few guys wearing all blue, but then I saw them take pictures with some homies wearing all red, so I asked Big D what's up with that and he explained that in Japan wearing colors is no big deal. He then went on to explain that it's just a way of dress, like gothic or punk rock in the States. So dressing like a gangster, cholo or a thug is no big deal in Japan. There was no disrespect from anyone, even when they throw hand signs. I guess it's just the cool thing to do. And that should not come as a surprise since a lot of them know more Spanish words than they do English.
As the hours go on, I was getting a little hungry so we head out to the cafeteria area where instead of having soggy nachos, hotdogs or some mystery meat, I was in heaven while I ordered a ground meat patty, some fried shrimp, fresh (and I do mean fresh) vegetables and a tall glass of beer. Beer? Yes, a cold Asahi. After this much needed break, I headed back to the show to capture more cars, people and displays, before returning home.
The entire experience at the Japan Super Show was more than a little strange. The Japanese lowriders are obviously serious and passionate about the sport. A decade ago, people here were just interpreting (and importing) what they saw in movies and magazines (like Lowrider), but these days they're putting their own twists on the style with high-quality customs built right here in Japan. This may turn out to be the "Land of the Rising Lowrider." Sayonara.