The 33rd YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2025 brought more than 24,000 visitors to Pacifico Yokohama on December 7, showcasing over 750 custom cars and motorcycles, international guest builds, specialist craftsmanship and collaborations from across automotive culture.
The 33rd YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2025 (HCS2025), organised by MOONEYES, took place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Pacifico Yokohama in Kanagawa, Japan. Held under clear skies, the annual gathering brought together custom builders, motorcycle specialists, automotive brands, artists and enthusiasts from Japan and overseas.
More than 250 cars and 500 motorcycles were entered in the exhibition, covering a wide range of American-inspired and domestic custom styles. International participation included a 1932 Ford Roadster from California’s Galpin Speed Shop and a selection of guest motorcycles associated with builders from the United States.
Approximately 24,000 visitors attended the event, which combined the main vehicle exhibition with live entertainment, merchandise releases, food collaborations and special displays.
Custom Cars and Motorcycles
HCS2025 featured a broad selection of automotive styles. The car exhibition included hot rods, lowriders, drag racers, pickups, street vans, custom Volkswagens and domestic Japanese vehicles.
The motorcycle section covered choppers, bobbers, baggers, café racers and other custom interpretations. The range demonstrated how traditional American custom influences continue to be adapted by builders working with different motorcycles, materials and design approaches.
The exhibition brought together vehicles from established specialist workshops as well as individual builders. Custom paintwork, metal fabrication, engine modifications, chassis work and detailed finishing were among the elements that defined the vehicles on display.
1932 Ford Roadster from Galpin Speed Shop
One of the main international attractions was the 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Dave Shuten of Galpin Speed Shop in California.
The roadster was built around a mid-1960s garage-built drag racing concept. Rather than following a contemporary interpretation of a hot rod, the project drew inspiration from the type of machine a young enthusiast might have modified decades ago to take part in drag racing.
Its most notable mechanical feature was a 354-cubic-inch (5.8-litre) HEMI V8 engine. The engine had originally been left unused at MOONEYES USA before being acquired by Shuten from MOONEYES representative Shige Suganuma. That connection helped set the project in motion.
The build incorporated original components from the 1950s and 1960s, with the paintwork and interior also reflecting the period. Its combination of a traditional 1932 Ford platform, vintage mechanical parts and a deliberately understated drag-racing appearance made it a central feature of the opening Ride-In Show.
DEUCE FACTORY Celebrates 40 Years
Another important part of the 2025 programme was the Car Show Spotlight, titled “40 YEARS OF HOT RODDING IN JAPAN.”
The feature recognised the contribution of DEUCE FACTORY and its founder, Shunichi Kasai, to the development of Japan’s hot rod scene over four decades.
A particularly notable vehicle was DEUCE FACTORY’s 1932 Ford Model B woody wagon. The vehicle was selected as the featured car for the Spotlight and took part in the Ride-In Show.
The anniversary theme also recognised the wider history of hot rodding in Japan, highlighting the workshops and individuals who helped establish and develop the scene locally.
Two 1932 Ford Model B woody wagons associated with Kasai received recognition during the event. They were awarded Best of “40 Years of Hot Rodding in Japan” and MOONEYES USA’s Pick.
International Guest Motorcycles
Alongside the guest roadster, HCS2025 welcomed six motorcycles from the United States. The selection included machines connected to builders and workshops featured at the Born-Free motorcycle show in California.
Among them was a 1951 Triumph from the Neefus Brothers and Red Clouds Collective, recognised as Born-Free 16 Best in Show.
Ryan Grossman of Vintage Dreams brought the 1946 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead known as “Two Timer,” associated with the Born-Free 16 Invited Builder first-place award.
Other guest motorcycles included Gary Royal’s 1938 Harley-Davidson UL, named “.38 Special,” from Beware Choppers; Jared Weems’ 1952 Triumph “Ultor” from Weems Motor Co.; and Mike Davis’ 1950 Triumph from Big Chief Vintage.
Japanese builder Shinya Kimura of chabott engineering also presented “Rayo Negro,” a 1983 Harley-Davidson XL1000.
The international guest programme gave visitors an opportunity to see motorcycles associated with builders whose work is normally encountered at specialist events overseas. It also reflected the connections between Japan’s custom motorcycle scene and established communities in the United States.
Ride-In Show Opens HCS2025
The annual Ride-In Show once again marked the opening of the exhibition.
Leading the procession was “Asterisk,” the 1978 Harley-Davidson-based motorcycle that received the Best of Show Motorcycle award at HCS2024. The machine was followed by DEUCE FACTORY’s 1932 Ford Model B woody wagon and Dave Shuten’s 1932 Ford Roadster.
The guest motorcycles then entered the central runway, followed by featured models from the event’s Hero Sponsors: Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle and Royal Enfield.
The Ride-In Show offered visitors an introduction to some of the event’s featured machines before the main exhibition programme continued.
Following the procession, invited guests were introduced on the main stage. They spoke about their participation in the show before joining together for a group photograph.
Motorcycle Awards and Custom Builds
The motorcycle exhibition also included a number of award-winning builds from Japanese and international workshops.
Among the recognised machines was a 1992 Honda Cub built by Kromworks and Rizaldi Parani, which received Best Motorcycle Domestic. Its handmade stainless-steel bodywork and carefully formed surfaces distinguished the build.
MOTOR FORCE received Best Café Racer for its 1977 BMW R100/7. The motorcycle incorporated a front-end design inspired by BMW’s traditional kidney grille, alongside custom suspension and frame work.
Best Motorcycle European went to HEIWA MOTORCYCLE for its 1965 Triumph TR6. The build featured flowing bodywork and a reworked engine configuration.
MOTOR CYCLE GOODIES received Best Motorcycle American for a 1982 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead. The build drew inspiration from Bonneville land-speed racing and incorporated extensive custom fabrication.
These awards illustrated the range of approaches represented at HCS, from reinterpretations of classic European motorcycles to American V-twin customs and Japanese domestic machines.
BOUNTY HUNTER × MOON Equipped Collaboration
The MOONEYES booth was another major destination during the event, with a selection of HCS2025 merchandise and new products available throughout the day.
One of the most anticipated releases was the BOUNTY HUNTER × MOON Equipped collaboration. The collection included a limited-edition Car Club Jacket featuring the identities of both brands.
The jacket made its debut at HCS2025 and was sold at the venue on the day. Its release added a fashion and streetwear element to the event’s wider automotive programme.
The booth also provided the first public look at the Kyosho MAD VAN with MOONEYES, a radio-controlled vehicle scheduled for release in early February 2026. Further product information was to be announced through the MOONEYES official website once details were finalised.
As in previous years, the booth offered a range of show-limited merchandise and apparel, attracting visitors throughout the exhibition.
Food, Music and Brand Collaborations
The International Village Area once again featured Gangnam Gimbap × MOONEYES. The collaboration offered Korean food including gimbap served in a specially designed sleeve by Wildman Ishii, alongside yangnyeom chicken.
Hard Rock Cafe Yokohama also returned with its second collaboration with MOONEYES. Collaboration merchandise was available at the show, with limited quantities also offered at its Minato Mirai location. A special collaboration menu was available after the event until December 19, 2025.
The programme extended beyond food and retail. Live performances were held by OH! SHARELS, Minnesota Voodoo Men and Jackie and the Cedrics.
The 5th Annual MOONEYES Pin-Up Girl Contest also returned, with support from photographers Mitzi & Co. and JOKER&MARI.
Visitors could also explore specialist vendor booths offering apparel, automotive accessories, artwork and model cars. Pinstriping artists demonstrated their skills on items such as helmets and MOON DISCS, giving visitors an opportunity to see custom artwork being created.
A Gathering for International Custom Culture
The 33rd YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW brought together more than 750 entered cars and motorcycles, international guest builders, established Japanese workshops and a broad programme of activities.
The 2025 edition placed particular emphasis on the history of hot rodding in Japan through its 40 Years of Hot Rodding in Japan Spotlight, while the international guest vehicles highlighted the continuing relationship between the Japanese and American custom scenes.
From Dave Shuten’s period-inspired Ford Roadster to the guest Triumphs and Harley-Davidsons, the exhibition offered visitors a varied look at the techniques and design traditions that shape contemporary custom culture.
With approximately 24,000 visitors at Pacifico Yokohama, HCS2025 continued its position as a major annual gathering for custom car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Organised by MOONEYES, the event brought together vehicle displays, specialist craftsmanship, merchandise, music and international participation for its 33rd edition.
Official Links
- MOONEYES Official Website: https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/
- YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW: https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/hcs/
- HCS2025 Guest Cars and Motorcycles: https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/express/2025/07/hcs2025-guest-car-and-motorcycles/
- HCS2025 Event Video Report: https://www.mooneyes.co.jp/mmm/2025/1220/jp_hiro.html
- MOONEYES Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mooneyesjp/
