ROMANTIC CARS: A New Wave in Automotive Culture
On May 16, 2026, the coastal beauty of Oiso Long Beach in Kanagawa Prefecture will host an exciting intersection of automotive passion and cinematic magic: the 'ROMANTIC CARS' festival. This groundbreaking event, organized by
tokyo basic car club (TBCC), aims to bring together enthusiasts dedicated to youngtimer cars and share their personal stories behind the vehicles they cherish.
Event Overview
The festival will feature over
200 participating vehicles and is expected to attract around
200 to 300 attendees. Participants won't merely showcase their cars based on models or specifications, but rather, they’ll delve into the heartfelt narratives that led them to choose their unique rides. This event is not just about cars; it's about celebrating the
experiences, memories, and romance these vehicles inspire.
With support from
J-WAVE, the festival has attracted notable sponsors including
ATOTO Japan,
LAND CRUISER OFFICIAL ITEMS, and
Modesta, among others, all contributing to a day filled with stories, experiences, and a deep appreciation for the automotive culture.
# Event Details
- - Event Name: ROMANTIC CARS
- - Date & Time: May 16, 2026, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- - Venue: Oiso Long Beach, First Parking Lot, Kanagawa Prefecture
- - Expected Scale: Over 200 vehicles, 200-300 attendees
- - Entry Method: Pre-registration and digital tickets only, with measures against resales.
The Concept Behind ROMANTIC CARS
“Cars are not just means of transportation but symbols of romance.” This philosophy drives the ROMANTIC CARS festival, targeting vehicles primarily from the 1980s to early 2000s. Participants will emphasize
why they chose their vehicles over the technical specifications or grades. Attendees will be encouraged to share their stories, aesthetics, and life views associated with their cars.
With immersive experiences like a daytime drive-in theater, participants can relish their vehicles while enjoying short films showcasing automotive and motorsport themes—an experience designed not just for viewing but enhancing time spent with their cherished cars.
# The Highlights of the Festival
1. Daytime Drive-in Theater
The festival will screen a range of short films, including award-nominated pieces from international film festivals, specifically curated to enrich the automotive culture experienced at the festival.
2. Owner & Car Snapshots
Special Polaroid photographs will be taken of participation vehicles alongside the owners. These portraits will emphasize the narrative behind each choice, offering attendees a tangible memory of their stories.
3. Digital ZINE
A real-time digital archive will present snapshots from the event every 30 minutes, creating a chronicled experience that captures the essence of the festival.
4. Merchandise Booths & Food Trucks
The festival will feature selected stalls and food trucks to create a nice atmosphere where attendees can enjoy spending time in a vibrant community setting.
5. Official Collection Display
The festival will host the official collection of
LAND CRUISER, diving deep into the culture surrounding this iconic vehicle, providing a rich context beyond specifications to grasp the meaning of experiencing life with such cars.
6. Outdoor Gear from RATELWORKS
Attendees can explore innovative outdoor gear and engage in fun activities such as lottery events and unique displays facilitated by RATELWORKS, emphasizing a communal experience.
7. Maintenance Experiences
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness an innovative engine cleaning demonstration by
Good One. This hands-on experience will highlight the importance of vehicle maintenance while offering special discounted rates for attendees.
8. Keychain Engraving Experience
Participants can take home a custom keychain imprinted with the event logo. This hands-on activity ensures each attendee leaves with a unique memento from their day at the festival.
9. Quality Car Care Products
The
Modesta booth will showcase essential car care products, providing a chance for attendees to engage with high-quality maintenance tools for their vehicles.
About TBCC
The
tokyo basic car club (TBCC) aims to serve as an engine for Japan’s car culture, gathering support mainly from the younger generation fascinated with youngtimer vehicles. By focusing on shared experiences rather than mere specifications, TBCC aims to create a vibrant community offering various platforms from personal sales assistance to media and marketing, nurturing a new automotive culture in Japan. The ROMANTIC CARS festival is just one of the many initiatives they have developed to address the need for spaces to share heartfelt car stories.
Join us at Oiso Long Beach for this unprecedented celebration of automotive romance and community fun on May 16, 2026! For more details and to secure tickets, visit
official ticket page.