On November 9 and 10, 2024, Odaiba’s waterfront was transformed into a high-energy arena for the final rounds of the D1 Grand Prix, branded as Tokyo Drift. The special drift circuit hosted Rounds 9 and 10 of the season, drawing dedicated motorsport fans to a weekend filled with precision driving battles and automotive lifestyle festivities.
The two-day competition concluded a packed 2024 calendar under Japan Automobile Federation rules, with the season finale held on November 10 crowning Naoki Nakamura as the 2024 Solo Run (Tanso) and Overall Champion—his second D1 title. On the final day, Nakamura earned top marks in the solo run delivering flawless technique that clinched the championship, beating rivals such as Tetsuya Hibino and Daigo Saito. At the same time, Masato Kawabata from Team Toyo Tires Drift captured first place in the Round 10 solo competition, showcasing his consistency and raw performance in the GR86 chassis.
Wrangling the chaos of tandem Tsuisō rounds, veteran Hideyuki Fujino displayed expert control and daring entries, continuing to captivate audiences behind the wheel of his Toyota GR86. Throughout the contest, drivers including Kojiro Mekuwa, Seiki Tanaka, Takahiro Mori, and Mike Whiddett advanced through elimination brackets, representing a competitive field that illustrated the depth of talent in Japan’s premier drifting series.
Adjacent to the track, A‑MESSE JAPAN ran concurrently as a vibrant auto exhibit celebrating tuning culture. Tuning houses and wheel builders—such as WedsSport, RacingForge, and Kränze—displayed show-ready builds that ranged from carbon-fiber widebody classics to modern street- and track-oriented machines. The exhibition zone offered visitors a striking contrast to the drifting action: hands-on access to aftermarket gear, live customization demos, and vibrant showcar storytelling in a festival-like atmosphere.
Fans were treated to more than just driving action. The event hosted ceremonial openings, driver autograph sessions, pit walk-throughs, and live commentary zones. Race queens and street-style MCs alternated between sessions as spectators followed the unfolding matchup from qualifying to final battles. Evening twilight rounds under ambient lighting intensified the drama of the concluding trophy ceremony, and VIP attendees enjoyed co-driver drift rides for that insider perspective.
A total of 19,800 attendees were recorded across both days at the Odaiba venue, according to official statistics. The waterfront layout offered a panoramic backdrop that enhanced live coverage and fan engagement through spectator terraces overlooking the drifting curve.
By uniting elite drifting competition with a curated tuning expo, Tokyo Drift 2024 delivered a compelling showcase of both performance sport and urban automotive artistry. The synergy reinforced the event’s reputation as Tokyo’s premier platform for drift culture and custom car exhibitions, leaving a strong impression on fans, manufacturers, and lifestyle audiences alike.
Official Links
D1GP Official Website: https://d1gp.co.jp/
A‑MESSE JAPAN Official Website: https://www.a-messe.com/
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