Anime Expo 2023 (Part II)

Night Import: Photography by William Lee | Words by William Lee

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Hope everyone had a great week. I'm finally back with Part 2 of my Anime Expo coverage, so let me share a few photos from the 3rd and 4th day of the event. A lot of the places my friends and I covered were the areas we couldn't really explore on the first day due to the crowd. There were a lot of people on the 3rd and 4th day, but we at least had some space to take a few photos here and there. Here is the West Hall of the convention center where a few Itashas were displayed.

Event Coverage | 2014 HKS Premium Day

Night Import: Photography by All That Low (Charles Zee Zayas) | Words by William Lee

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One of the most biggest events after Tokyo Auto Salon is an event held by a very well-known tuning company called HKS. I'm pretty sure for those who have been in the scene for quite a long time know this company by its reputation of high-end performance. As always, their event was held at Fuji Speedway and a good amount of spectators and participants crowded the location.

This event is not like any other events that are held in the states. I would say the only event that reminds me of both displaying your car and actually driving it on the track was Sideway Sundays. Most of the events are only known for displaying and that pretty much sums up everything when it comes to a car event. However, HKS takes its event to another level. Not only do other prestigious aftermarket companies participate at this event, but they also get an opportunity to track their car on the track, competing with each other for the fastest lap. You can pretty much tell that it's not only about the looks of your car that matters in Japan, but everything is well modified internally and externally. To experience that feeling, HKS Premium Day is a must-to-attend event in Japan.

Event Coverage | Tokyo Auto Salon 2014 (Pt. I - Theme White)

Night Import: Photography by All That Low (Charles Zee Zayas) | Words by William Lee

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Hello everyone! Ok..I don't want to act like this is my first blog post.. WSUP GUYS!!!! Long time no see. I actually forgot to add coverage on an event in Japan that happened few months ago, so I'll postpone that one and start with a fresh one, actually, a first blog post for the year of 2014. I'm pretty sure many of you guys were looking forward to see NI's coverage on Tokyo Auto Salon, because we had a good amount of comments and feedback for our 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon coverage.

Like usual, our boy Charles in Japan participated at this year's TAS and he had a lot to say about it. According to Charles, the cars were phenomenal and the people were really awesome, other than what he had to say about the waiting in line haha. You guys will see what he had to say about the event in a bit, but before that, I want to share my thoughts about this year's TAS, even though I did not have the time to attend.

I've been keeping myself updated with almost every event that happens around the world. I can't say which event was the best because every event had its own taste of cars. Today's post is about TAS, so let's talk about that. Here in the States, the FRS and BRZ were the cars that got the most attention. It was the same in Japan, but a lot more kits and other parts were introduced for the Toyota 86 as well as for other make/models. If you guys know of SEMA, you can think of TAS being the Japan version of SEMA. It's all about modified cars and newly introduced car parts, such as wheels, coilovers, body kits, etc. being displayed for those who attend the event. I'm not only talking about FRSs and BRZs, but other JDM cars and even European cars that are also introduced/showcased with new parts. In a company's perspectives, they attend TAS to stock up JDM parts or make contracts with widely known companies such as Top Secret, Varis, Amuse, etc., but for bloggers like us, we capture the details of almost every modified cars that is in attendance. Here is what Charles had to say about the event. After you guys read it, we will start with the coverage.

By the way, we are going to do something different compared to all the other blogs that did a coverage on TAS 2014. Today, we will show you guys most of the spotted White cars by Charles.

2014 is here and I want to thank Night Import for one, bringing me up in this game, and two, for allowing me the opportunity to show my content here. Friday morning, I woke up at 6am to catch a bus from Yokohama Station to head to TAS Press DAY. Upon arrival, I was highly disappointed as it seemed they let every nut in the place who said they were "PRESS". I'm not special or anything but trying to provide you guys through Night Import is special enough for me. But the old weirdo's with video cameras and huge DSLR's pointed directly into the model faces and trying to get up-skirt photos is just not what press day is for me. But I hear there is a market to push photos like that. I myself don’t have the time and patience to sit there and battle for lead position to take a photo of a chick I don’t even know. Haha. However, the event itself was actually not bad. This year, I had a plan set out in the AM, but with the amount of people allowed in before the Public opening at 1pm I was limited to what I can shoot. I know I spread the word of Night Import and my own blog Allthatlow so I hope to do some shop visits and more event coverage. I appreciate everyone's support with both of our blogs. Please follow us for more content from across that big ocean. Japan. I'm out -Zee-

Event Coverage | Sessions Platinum VIP (Pt. I)

Night Import: Photography by All That Low (Charles Zayas) | Words by William Lee

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Being in the scene for more than 2 years now, I have encountered numerous "types" of cars; from track to fitted, almost everything in the scene today. Of course I appreciate every type ...except ones that have fake intercoolers and fake blow-off valves that make your car look like piece of shit :) One style I really loved from the beginning was VIP style cars. Many might think VIP cars are all about slamming them to the ground with extreme fitment, but let me tell you, there is much more to it.

The debate about VIP style has been going on forever. Personally, I don't think there is an exact definition of VIP style. If there was a standard for what a VIP style car should be, then I'm pretty dam sure almost every car out there that fixes up their car in a VIP style way would be all the same. I personally think the "details" make up a VIP style car.

Well today, this coverage post is not to discuss about what is VIP style or not, but to show you guys how strong the VIP community is in Japan by posting up a coverage of one of the biggest VIP car shows called Sessions Platinum VIP, a show that is hosted by a VIP shop called Sessions. Like always, the show was held at Fuji Speedway. You will encounter numerous cars here and will realize the people in this show have a passion for VIP style cars. I have looked through the pictures Charles sent me last week and was shocked to see some of these cars going over the limit of fitment and the details that were put into it.

Nightlight | Amuse 370Z

Night Import: Photography by Nick Schultz | Edit by Jim Davis | Words by William Lee

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In the automotive world today, especially in the modified car scene, there are not so many cars out there that are revealed to the public. Getting the opportunity to shoot such cars is a privilege for the photographer and also for the site that gets to feature it. A few months ago, my good friends from Bulletproof Automotive contacted me about a car that was built by their company, which was requested by the owner of the car, Oscar Morales. I have to give mad props to Oscar on deciding such a costly project. While many others go through a cheap route, it is those who support the original aftermarket companies that deserves recognition.  Already knowing Bulletproof Automotive being one of those companies that support authenticity and build flawless cars, I immediately accepted their request and asked one of our contributing photographers to go to their company to shoot the car. What you will be seeing today is a rare beauty. I'm not talking about an ordinary 370Z that you see on the streets. Get ready to be astonished.

Event Coverage | LA Auto Show 2011 (Pt.II)

Night Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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It seems like many of you guys enjoyed my Part 1 coverage on LA Auto Show, which is actually still going on till the 27th. I would say this is the longest ongoing show of the year to the public, so you do have plenty of time left to go with your family, girlfriend, boyfriend, pet (I'm kidding), or anyone else bothering you to buy them a new car. But before you go with a companion, please be respectful and keep yourself restricted from touching the car carelessly. I remember last year seeing a few people bashing on the hoods, knocking the body panels as if it was wood, slobbering their hands all over the interior..you get the point. As an automotive enthusiast, it really sucks to see such behaviors going on, so once again, please be respectful!
Today, I'll take you guys around the halls I missed in Part 1, so enjoy rest of the exotics, upcoming and concept cars, and a few other random things. To start it off, here's a masterpiece built by Aston Martin called the Aston Martin One-77. The price is just way over the top, but for being a celebrity in its own class, I would say the price tag matches its name. Only 77 units were made (get it? one-77) and started its sales in October of last year. It's been featured in many magazines and in video games as well, such as Forza 3, Need for Speed, and others. The one at LA Auto Show was the final pre-production car, so what you guys saw or see here is the actual car. As of today, it is one of the most powerful N/A cars, making 750HP from a 7.3L V12 engine.

Special Coverage | Nissan and Infiniti Meet by Infest & Glendale Nissan

Night-Import: Photography by Edgar Lozoya | Words by William Lee

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I was exhausted after the long hours of walking and taking photos on Saturday and it hit me strongly on Sunday even after sleeping for 6 hours, which is actually pretty good compared to how much I ordinarily sleep. This weekend was just way too hectic because of so many events going on, but for some reason, I don't want to miss any of them! Gas price is rising like a mofo and my car is driving like shit, but there's something inside me that wakes me up early in the morning, check the event schedule, take a quick shower, grab the car keys, and head toward an event.
My plan on Sunday was to cover Dubfest at Irwindale and head to this meet, but because of a sudden schedule to meet someone near where Dubfest was, I didn't want to take two trips and waste gas...you have to give me some slack because I drove 5 hours in total on Saturday -_-; Luckily, our editor Edgar Lozoya made it to this meet and he took his camera, so a 'thank you' to Edgar for his coverage!

Event Coverage | Japanese Classic Car Show (Pt. I)

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Most of you guys know I'm pretty new into the car scene. There are so many things to learn and because I'm a blogger, I personally feel as if I need to go out there and experience different types of events. There were a few I missed out on last year, but the one I regret missing was Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS). Back then and still now, I lack the knowledge of classic cars because people in general, including myself, tend to follow what's recent and also the fact that cars are developing so rapidly, the technicalities behind making a vehicle is getting complicated and advancing, which is why people become careless of classics and go with what's expensive and has a name . It's really unfair to compare the performance of a 25~30 year old car to cars today, but when it comes down to the design of a car and the potential of how much an engine can be upgraded, classic cars cannot be ignored.
I strongly favor the car industry because of still supporting classic cars. In reality, cars today are being made based off of old designs. For example, think about the upcoming new car FT-86. Its concept included both the old and new; the look and performance of a Corolla AE-86 and somewhat of a trendy look, reminding one of a Lexus LF-A.
Japanese Classic Car Show is a day when we look back at the cars that started everything. The sexiest, freshest, and sickest classics gathering at one place is not so common, which is why this event is a must-to-attend.

Special Coverage | Fontana Nissan Meet

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee | Covered with Edgar Lozoya

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The hot summer weather is continuing in Southern California and car events/meets are still happening every week! There were two events happening on the same day and time, but our photographer Jay Peña was able to cover the other event, which will be posted tomorrow or Wednesday.
While Jay was doing his thing, I attended a meet introduced by a few friends of mine, happening at Fontana Nissan dealership. Most of the events/meets I attended at a dealership did not have a good turnout and the cars that participate are usually the ones I've seen at least once; however, this meet was far better and I would say one of the best meets I've ever attended because it was more of quality than quantity.

Special Coverage | CarZone Nissan & Infiniti Meet

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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Encore was happening in the later afternoon last Saturday, so I decided to head out to a small but local meet put together by an automotive repair company, CarZone. There were several meets happening on this day but because of a coverage request I received from CarZone a few weeks ago, I kept my promise and made it out.
According to some of my friends, CarZone has been in the Nissan and Infiniti scene for quite a long time and have great service with reasonable prices when it comes to repairing, oil changes, etc. I wouldn't have even bother saying this because it seems like I'm trying to tell you guys to go here, but close friends of mine owning nice cars and saying positive things about this shop means they do an outstanding job.

Special Coverage | Infestforum 'The Commencement'

Night-Import: Photography and Words by William Lee

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I'm still sore from all the walking and squatting last Saturday at Hellaflush VIII and It's JDM yO!'s 1 yr. Anniversary meet, but still, nothing stopped me from doing coverage for other meets and events. I always schedule out which ones to go to before a week or so, and the priority goes to the ones that support us online or offline. Last Sunday, our supporters Infest had their first meet for Infiniti and Nissans, but opened to other makes and models as well.

Random Spotlight: AutoFashion's Elgrand

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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It's definitely not available in the States and can only be seen in Japan. This Nissan Elgrand was one of those cars at Extreme Autofest/Remix Edition car show last Saturday that caught the attention of many automotive enthusiasts. We might think of the Elgrand as a normal family vehicle, but it's actually considered as a 'luxury' MPV, which is why many of the Elgrands in Japan are modified to be VIP.
I do not know the background story of how this car was made, but I do know it was AutoFashion's project car and they brought it out for the show.

Event Coverage: Nismolism 2011

Night-Import: Photography by William Lee

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This weekend was really packed with events. It seems like February is the month when major car shows start and choosing the right one to go to is just a difficult decision to make. You seriously want to attend every single one because every event is worth the time. On Saturday, I was able to attend and show my ride at Extreme Autofest/Remix's event at San Diego. Today, I was about to go to WEKFEST early in the morning, but decided to stay and attend Nismolism at Cal State Fullerton.

This event was pretty special in some way because it was aiming for a Guinness World Record; the most Nissans and Infiniti. If I do recall correctly, I think the MC said 250+ Nissans. I have no clue if it actually broke the record, but there were tons of cars showing and a line of spectators before the car show started.

Random Spotlight: Specialized-Performance GT-R

During 2005, the prototype of the GT-R, which was almost confirmed to be its design, was a hype to many Nissan fans. Now in 2007, at the Tokyo Motor Show, the GT-R was finalized and the buying began.
Here's a GT-R that's a bit special compared to all the other models because it was the first GT-R released in Florida and bought buy the owner, Adrey from Specialized-Performance.

Spotlight: Double Z Double the Sexiness

Night-Import : Photography by Jim Davis

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In the whole fitment game, 350'z are probably one of the best looking cars in my list. Riding with wheels in an offset of -'s, slammed to the ground... if everything is done right, getting attention doesn't become optional but mandatory.
Our photographer, Jim Davis, did a photoshoot with these two sexy Z's from NYVermont.
Out of all the Z's I've been looking at, through blogs and in person, this is probably the only feature of 2 Z's with wings. Some of you guys might prefer the 'clean' look, but I'm loving it!

Event Coverage: House of Drift III

*Seems like I made a lot of mistakes identifying the cars that were at the event. Please leave a comment and corrections will be made. Seeing this event the 2nd time and not going to a lot of drift events, I don't know how people judge a "good" drift run. I wrote my OWN opinion, so please do not go crazy about how good or bad they were :)

If you guys catched up with some events I've been going to, 'House of Dirft' should sound familiar. It's an event for all levels, starters to pros, to drift like crazy at Irwindale Speedway. This one was the last drifting event for the year so a lot of people showed up. Like always, NOS was there and also King Taco (IMO, best taco's in LA).
Turn out was better than last time, but that was only the amount of people that came to spectate. The drifters that came yesterday weren't as good as before, but it was still entertaining. I heard a Mustang crashed into one of the walls before I went with my friend, so hope that drifter's ok.
Because I arrived when the sun was down, taking drifting shots was very difficult. So I focused on the cars that actually came to the event.