The Akebono USDM car club, a collective of passionate Honda enthusiasts from Japan, recently hosted their second annual gathering, bringing together friends and fellow car lovers. This group, known for their deep appreciation of 1980s and 90s Honda vehicles and the USDM (United States Domestic Market) styling, showcases a unique automotive aesthetic that blends Japanese car culture with American influences. Their dedication to detail and distinctive approach has not only captivated enthusiasts in Japan but has also sparked a wave of inspiration among U.S. car builders, creating a fascinating stylistic exchange.
The Akebono style represents more than just modifying cars; it’s a cultural integration. These enthusiasts have adopted elements of American lifestyle and seamlessly merged them with their own automotive passion. Their Hondas, while fundamentally Japanese platforms, are heavily influenced by U.S. car culture, yet they incorporate rare, period-correct Japanese Akebono Car Parts from the 80s and 90s, setting them apart from typical USDM builds. This creates a unique style that is arguably more authentically old-school Japanese than strictly American, which is precisely why the “Akebono style” has gained traction in the United States.
Enthusiasts in the U.S., particularly those with EF and DA chassis Hondas, find the Akebono look achievable and appealing. The availability of Akebono USDM windshield banners, though not actively for sale anymore, became a symbol of this cross-cultural inspiration. While simply adding a banner doesn’t make a car truly “Akebono style,” those who understand the essence of this aesthetic are crafting impressive builds that mirror the genuine Japanese examples. This mutual exchange of styling cues underlines the dynamic and evolving nature of car culture.
Photographer Shota Mori captured the essence of the Akebono meet, documenting everything from the journey to the venue to the event’s highlights. One of the standout features of the gathering was a “car limbo” contest, testing the limits of how low these meticulously modified cars could go. This playful competition perfectly embodied the spirit of the Akebono USDM style – pushing boundaries and showcasing the dedication to achieving an ultra-low stance, often achieved with carefully selected akebono car parts and modifications. Let’s dive into the visual journey of the Akebono USDM meet through Mori’s lens.
The day begins with this pristine DA6 Integra, rolling towards the meet on iconic white Volk SE37K wheels. These wheels are a perfect example of akebono car parts aesthetic – period-correct JDM components that enhance the USDM-inspired styling.
Mori captures the convoy of Akebono enthusiasts meeting up at a rest stop, a common ritual before heading to the main event. The anticipation and camaraderie are palpable as they journey together.
A Honda Shuttle, aggressively slammed on SSR Formula Mesh wheels, parks alongside Tonpe Nakamaru’s EF Civic. The SSR Formula Mesh wheels are quintessential akebono car parts, representing the sought-after, old-school JDM style.
Mokkun’s EF9 Civic sports blue tape, a practical measure to protect the paint from rock chips during the drive. This detail shows the dedication and care these enthusiasts take with their meticulously built cars.
A Honda Inspire, featuring a USDM Acura TL front grille and VIP-style Lorinser dish wheels, perfectly exemplifies the Akebono style’s fusion of different automotive worlds. The USDM grille is a deliberate choice in akebono car parts selection.
A slammed coupe on what appear to be vintage Takechi Project Racing Hart Super Spoke wheels (minus the center caps) makes a strong statement. These wheels are highly desirable akebono car parts, known for their classic JDM design.
The DA6 Integra from earlier is parked next to photographer Shota Mori’s new CA Accord project. Mori’s previous CB Accord was sold, making way for this new build, showcasing the evolving nature of Akebono projects.
A striking two-toned CR-X from Akebono USDM rolls in, its wheels possibly Work Ewing Fins or SSR EX-C Fins without caps. These wheel choices are crucial akebono car parts, defining the vintage JDM wheel trend.
Another two-toned CR-X, an EF8 SiR model, is equipped with Garson Deep Racing Ryuji wheels. These wheels represent another facet of akebono car parts – incorporating period-specific and sometimes less common JDM wheel designs.
A CR-X features unique “Back view” badging, a quirky JDM accessory highlighting the attention to detail in Akebono builds. These small details, often considered akebono car parts in spirit, add to the unique character.
A “Akebono Homies” decal on the back of a CR-X signifies the strong community bond within the Akebono USDM group and their shared passion for this unique style.
Smoked turn signal lamps on this EF8 CR-X are a subtle yet effective modification, demonstrating the nuanced approach to styling within the Akebono USDM scene. These are examples of less obvious akebono car parts choices that contribute to the overall look.
A mini Yamaha PW50 bike adds an unexpected and playful element to the meet, showcasing the diverse interests and fun-loving spirit of the Akebono community.
A Buddy Club Spec II exhaust on a 90s Honda is a nostalgic and favored choice among enthusiasts. Performance akebono car parts like exhausts are also part of the style, blending form and function.
This white EF Civic hatchback stands out with its exceptionally rare Enkei Space Crew wheels. These wheels are a prime example of sought-after akebono car parts, representing the dedication to unique and period-correct JDM components.
Dual rolling shots capture the two-toned CR-Xs in motion, highlighting the dynamic aesthetic of the Akebono USDM style even while driving.
Tonpe Nakamaru’s EF Civic is back on the road, continuing the journey after the successful Akebono meeting.
The Volk SE37K wheels on this DA Integra are highlighted again, emphasizing their rarity in white and their status as a prized akebono car parts choice.
An EF9 Civic with its parking pole extended adds another layer of JDM detail. These parking poles are quintessential akebono car parts in spirit, representing functional and stylistic JDM accessories.
The slammed Honda Shuttle showcases the ultra-low stance that is a hallmark of Akebono builds. Achieving this stance often involves specific suspension akebono car parts and modifications.
The Akebono group gathers for another photo opportunity before fully entering the event, capturing the camaraderie and shared passion for their unique style.
A late 80s economy car looking remarkably stylish in 2014 proves the timeless appeal of the Akebono style and the enduring charm of these classic Hondas.
A series of shots featuring the Murata EF Civic on Enkei Space Crew wheels alongside a white RA1 Odyssey. The Enkei Space Crew wheels are again highlighted as exceptionally rare and desirable akebono car parts.
An enthusiast is seen inspecting the exhaust on Nakamaru’s EF2 Civic, showcasing the appreciation for the meticulous details and akebono car parts choices in these builds.
The deep blue Integra against the white Volk SE37K wheels creates a striking color combination, a testament to the visual impact of well-chosen akebono car parts and styling.
Mokkun leads the way, guiding the convoy to the main Akebono Meeting venue, highlighting the organized and community-driven nature of these events.
Satoshi Aizawa’s CR-X is featured, notable as he also owns the full Mugen CR-X Pro.2 from Akebono USDM, showcasing the high caliber of cars within the group. Mugen akebono car parts are highly sought after in this scene.
Yuma Saito’s USDM Nissan 240SX (S13 hatchback) is seen on Panasport G7 C5C2 wheels. This event predates Wekfest Japan, and Saito later switched to Barramundi Design Grandy wheels, illustrating the evolving tastes in akebono car parts.
A Civic Ferio with unique wheels adds to the variety of styles present at the meet, showcasing the diverse interpretations of akebono car parts and aesthetics.
Another shot of the DA6 Integra emphasizes its clean lines and well-executed Akebono USDM styling.
A vibrant red EF Civic cruises into the meet, adding a splash of color to the diverse array of cars and styles.
A clean and simple DA8 Integra exemplifies the understated JDM style that is also appreciated within the Akebono USDM community.
Takuya Kurosawa’s EG Civic is another prime example of a well-executed Akebono USDM Honda build, showcasing the evolution of the style into the 90s generation.
Another DA Integra, this time sitting on rarely seen Prova wheels. These wheels are highly unique akebono car parts, representing the dedication to finding uncommon JDM components.
A BB6 Prelude on BBS wheels, featuring a Mugen rear wing, shows a blend of styles, incorporating European wheel influence into the Akebono USDM aesthetic. Mugen akebono car parts are again highlighted with the wing.
Cars line up to roll into the main meet area, the anticipation building for the car limbo contest and the main event activities.
Yuma Saito’s S13, again on Panasport wheels, showcases the amazing stance and fitment that are crucial elements of the Akebono USDM style.
Modified and OEM DC5 RSXs are parked side-by-side, highlighting the contrasts in styling. The OEM DC5 features a USDM Acura front grille, a subtle nod to the USDM influence within Akebono style.
Different variations of the Akebono USDM logo are displayed, representing the car club and their distinctive styling identity.
An abundance of EF Civic builds is a staple of any Akebono meeting, as these models are central to the USDM-JDM style.
Enkei Space Crew wheels are humorously declared “rarer than J’s Racing parts,” emphasizing their exclusivity and desirability as akebono car parts.
The car limbo contest commences, the highlight of the meet, testing the extreme low stance of the Akebono builds.
An Integra approaches the limbo bar, the crowd watching with anticipation to see if it will clear.
The Integra successfully clears the limbo bar with apparent ease, showcasing the impressive low ride height of Akebono builds.
Priceless reactions from onlookers during the car limbo contest are captured, highlighting the fun and engaging atmosphere of the Akebono meet.
Shota Mori’s candid captures effectively document the event, providing a glimpse into the Akebono USDM culture and community.
Mokkun’s EF Civic, known for its extremely low stance, takes on the car limbo challenge, pushing the limits of how low these cars can go.
A little girl inside an EF Civic seems oblivious to the car limbo contest, a humorous contrast highlighting the dedicated world of car modification culture.
The Integra successfully navigates the car limbo, demonstrating both the extreme low ride height and the driver’s skill.
Minimal clearance for this Integra as the limbo bar is lowered, showcasing the increasingly challenging nature of the contest.
The DA6 Integra attempts the limbo again, now with a passenger to further lower the car, showcasing the team effort and dedication.
Satoshi’s CR-X takes its turn at the car limbo, demonstrating the precision driving and expertise required for such low cars.
Saito’s S13 effortlessly clears the initial rounds of the car limbo, highlighting the naturally low stance of the 240SX platform in Akebono style.
Eventually, even Mokkun’s incredibly low EF Civic finds itself nearing the scraping point as the limbo bar gets progressively lower, demonstrating the extreme limits of the Akebono stance.
The Akebono USDM meet was a vibrant celebration of a unique automotive subculture. It showcased not only meticulously modified Hondas and other JDM classics but also the passionate community behind them. The dedication to the Akebono style, characterized by its fusion of USDM influences and rare, period-correct Japanese akebono car parts, is evident in every detail of these builds. From the sought-after wheels to subtle JDM accessories, the Akebono style represents a distinctive and evolving chapter in car culture, inspiring enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for more from the Akebono USDM scene!
