Anime Expo 2023 (Part I)

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

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Hello everyone! It's been about 9 years? I've been pretty busy with my life and didn't have any time to go out to a car show, meet, or whatever you want to call it these days, for quite a long time now. I apologize to my blog fans and promise that I'll try to get back in the car scene. But before that, let me share a coverage that's not so much relevant to the car scene, so it's up to you to ignore this coverage or just read/look it through :)

I covered Anime Expo back in 2012 and 2013 and had the opportunity to attend this year's event with few of my friends. I was and still am a huge fan of Anime, so I was pretty dam excited to attend this one after so many years of just reading coverages of the event. From what I remember, the amount of people attending the event back in 2012 and 2013 were far less than this year's event. Lines were shorter, prices were cheaper, I actually had space to walk around inside the event hall, and they used two halls for the event. 10 years have passed and I was flabbergasted by the amount of people inside and outside of the convention center and the overall size of the event. Let's get into the coverage, but before that, I want to apologize first for taking shitty photos. The focus, exposure, etc. were so off. I haven't touched a DSLR for years so please understand. Thanks to Andy for letting me borrow his 5D Mark III and 24-70 lens!

Event Coverage | SEMA 2014

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

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How long has it been since I actually logged in and updated my blog? .... I have no idea .... I am truly sorry for all my NI fans. It's not the lack of interest in the car scene guys. I've been hearing from all my friends about the car scene and I always try to keep myself updated by checking out other car blogs. If I have to make another excuse like every blog post I write, I don't shoot anymore and pretty dam busy with my job. O well... but HEY! I'm back again! Let's jump right into what I have to show you guys today.

If you are a fan of my blog, you know that every year, I post up a coverage on SEMA. It's either me going there and covering it alone or sending my guys. Unfortunately for this year, my guys and I couldn't make it :/ So I had to look through my facebook friends/groups/etc. to see who would contribute their work for my blog. Luckily, I came across UCI's facebook group and saw a photo posted by Seijin Dootson. He gladly accepted my request and sent a few photos yesterday for my blog to share with you guys.

The first car you see up there is one of my favorite cars, the Mazda RX-7 FD. It kinda sucks to know that the FD doesn't get much recognition like the old days, but I still love it and will be one of my favorites until I die. What you see is a bit different from other modified FDs you've seen at car shows/events. The widebody is the popular Rocket Bunny kit with a wheel I have never seen by Enkei, the Enkei92. The color combo is a love at first sight kind of feeling.

Event Coverage | Autofashion 2014

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

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It's been a long time since I updated my blog. Yea yea, I'm going to make the same excuse like I usually do. Work & laziness lol. Well there were so many events during these past few months and one event I regret missing was Autofashion's VIP meet/event. Autofashion's meet is an awesome event to attend if you are new to the scene. The reason why this is a must-to-go meet is because a lot of cars you get to see at SEMA will be at Autofashion's meet. You will get to see (of course) VIP cars, non-VIP cars, etc. With the help of a good friend, Clinton sent me a set of photos he took at the meet. I've known Clinton for more than 2 years now and I bump into this guy so often, he's like my next door neighbor haha. Let's get on with the coverage shall we?

Event Coverage | Tokyo Auto Salon (Pt. II)

Night Import: Photography by All That Low | Words by William Lee

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It's been a long time since I posted something up for you guys. If you remember our Part 1 coverage on Tokyo Auto Salon, we mainly focused on the White cars that caught our attention. Charles did a great job finding the cars he liked and like always, sending me the photos. Today, we'll show you around more of what went on in TAS. There won't be a certain focus with this Part 2 coverage, so sit back, relax, and enjoy while scrolling down.

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.