Showoff in Little Tokyo: Nisei Edition
The end of the annual Nisei Week celebration in downtown LA's Little Tokyo always culminates with Nisei Showoff, one of the longest running import car shows in the country. Over the past 22 years, Ken Miyoshi has held the highest standards to make this a go-to car show for the whole family each and every year.
What Is Nisei Week?
The literal translation of "Nisei" refers to first generation Japanese-Americans born in America. Nisei Week was originally a seven-day celebration of Japanese culture, but now lives beyond the confines of its name; now it's a festival that lasts over a month and no longer exclusively attracts Nisei Japanese. It's become a community event that welcomes everyone in Southern California.
Nisei Showoff has always been known for its high-quality cars, like Rick Ishitani's Nissan Skyline Hakosuka, which ended up winning Best JDM at the show.
Just as Nisei Week's evolved, Nisei Showoff has also grown in reputation, thanks largely in part to the mainstream popularity of their co-partner, Stancenation.
Nation of Stance
It's been 75 years since the first Nisei Week, 22 years since the first Nisei Import Showoff, and while the JDM lifestyle has always been popular, there is always room for change. This is where Elvin Skender and Stancenation joined the party to bring in new blood to the event without disrupting the vibe and atmosphere Ken has set.
You don't have to look hard to see how Stancenation has ushered in a new generation to Nisei Showoff. A pair of AIMGAIN x Stancenation wide body FR-Ss were on display at the main booth, with the white FR-S being owned by Elvis personally. As you continued exploring the four-level parking garage, you'd find that it's filled with more than just Japanese classics; from new school builds to domestic muscle cars, all forms are well represented and appreciated.
Work, Work, Work, Work, Work, WORK Wheels Japan
You know you're kind of a big deal when WORK Wheels Japan takes the trip overseas to attend your event. Not only was WORK Japan's official photographer JC Pepino on hand to capture the event, he was also there to hand out three exclusive WORK Wheels Choice awards.
Craig Higa's Toyota Supra, Jun Osumi's Mitsubishi Evo and Wes Gibson's Rocket Bunny FR-S were all worthy recipients of the award.
And The Award Goes To...
Speaking of awards, a lot were handed out at the end of the show, all going to well deserving participants with amazing builds. STANCENATION SUPREME might sound like an upgrade at McDonalds, but it's actually one of the most prestigious awards at Nisei Showoff. Ray Young and his 2003 Lexus GS430 VIP took home one of those 6-feet tall trophies.
The Duong household took home multiple trophies with Julia Duong winning First Place Nissan Showoff with her clean S14, while earning some bragging rights against her hubby Brian, who won Second Place Mitsubishi Showoff.
As I mentioned, Nisei Showoff is known for bringing out the best JDM classics in Southern California, but I never expected to see a classic American icon. I've probably seen more Hot Wheels Shelby Cobras than I have full-scale ones like Vic Kim's, which won Best Sportscar.
There were a number of other unexpected gems hidden throughout the four-level parking garage. Check out the gallery below to get a feel for Nisei Showoff in Little Tokyo, and make sure you mark your calendar to attend next year!
