Okinawa is a tropical paradise nestled in the heart of Japan, known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. With a population of around 1.45 million and located a comfortable 1,500 km from the bustling city of Tokyo, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The people of Okinawa are proud of their unique heritage and culture, which is distinct from mainland Japan. They are renowned for their traditional crafts, such as pottery and glass, and their music is unlike anything you’ll hear anywhere else in the country.
One of the most striking differences between Okinawa and mainland Japan is the language. While Japanese is spoken here, the local dialect is quite different and may take some getting used to for outsiders. But don’t let that discourage you – the locals are incredibly friendly and more than happy to share their culture and traditions with visitors.
“tuner show-car, a classic muscle car, or a uniquely customized JDM, you’ll be greeted with open arms”
Custom’s Night is a place where car enthusiasts can showcase their vehicles and be proud of the hard work they’ve put into them. Whether you’re driving a tuner show-car, a classic muscle car, or a uniquely customized JDM, you’ll be greeted with open arms at the event. And it’s not just cars on display – motorcycles and off-road vehicles are also welcomed.
One of the most exciting and lesser-known aspects of Okinawan culture is the car culture. With an abundance of American military bases in the area, the island has a long history of American-made cars, and you’ll find a thriving community of car enthusiasts here. From classic muscle cars to modern imports, the streets of Okinawa are a car lover’s dream come true.
Okinawa is home to a passionate car community, and one of the most exciting events on the calendar is “Custom’s Night!” This monthly meetup brings car enthusiasts from all backgrounds together in the vibrant town of Mihama, also known as American Village.
Custom’s Night is always lively, with a mix of music and excited chatter filling the air. Some people come to show off their latest mods, while others simply come to admire the impressive rides on display. The event is not just for adults – families with their pets turn up, making it a fun and inclusive event for all ages.
On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts can also check out Cars & Coffee, another meetup that takes place in Mihama. This event is similar to Custom’s Night but with a more relaxed vibe. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, chat with other car enthusiasts, and check out some of the amazing cars and bikes on display.
“classic muscle cars to modern imports, the streets of Okinawa are a car lover’s dream come true”
Custom’s Night is always lively, with a mix of music and excited chatter filling the air. Some people come to show off their latest mods, while others simply come to admire the impressive rides on display. The event is not just for adults – families with their pets turn up, making it a fun and inclusive event for all ages.
On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts can also check out Cars & Coffee, another meetup that takes place in Mihama. This event is similar to Custom’s Night but with a more relaxed vibe. It’s a great place to grab a coffee, chat with other car enthusiasts, and check out some of the amazing rides on display.
Custom’s Night is always lively, with a mix of music and excited chatter filling the air. Some people come to show off their latest mods, while others simply come to admire the impressive rides on display.
The event is not just for adults – families with their pets turn up, making it a fun and inclusive event for all ages.
Okinawa is definitely home to a thriving car culture, and events like Custom’s Night and Cars & Coffee are just a few of the ways that enthusiasts can come together to share their love for cars.
Whether you are experienced and already in the car scene or just an interested observer, these events are a great way to experience the car culture of Okinawa and make new friends!
Photos By: Nismo Jefferson
