AE86 Drifting In Japan! | Gunsai Touge (4K)

I first met Mr. Hiroshi "Kaicho" Takahashi (better known as Running Free 86) on a trip to Japan in 2019 when he took me to a Friday night meeting at Daikoku PA. He's renowned in the old-school AE86 community for his elite driving ability. I love raw, low-power drifting and have been dreaming of drifting at Gunsai Touge for years. So when one of the best drifters I know told me to come out for the 4AG drift event hosted by Garage Infinity and get a ride-along, I knew I couldn't pass on this opportunity before I left Japan.
My friend Kenken offered to drive me there, which meant leaving at 5:00am so that we could get to Gunsai from Tokyo before the event started. Despite the overcast skies and light rain, it was a stunning drive through the mountains. I was immediately greeted by hachiroku's as far as the eye could see, in every style imaginable. It was truly a beautiful sight to see.
The most exciting moment was seeing how luxurious Kaicho's passenger seat was. I knew that someone who would go as far as to remove every feasible trace of cushion in order to achieve the maximum weight reduction was a driver as serious as they come. Due to the rain, the driving had to be more conservative to avoid crashing into the guard rail (again) or falling off the mountain. However, that didn't detract from the most insane ride-along of my life.
Mr. Takahashi is seriously awesome, and by awesome I mean he's completely crazy. I'm so grateful that he invited me to come out and have the opportunity to experience this event. I'm also so thankful to Kenken for offering to drive me. As with all of the events I've attended in Japan, I met countless people who were so kind and welcoming to me, showing me their cars and being excited to meet me as well. The people that I've met along the way have been the best part of my trip, and I cannot express how much I appreciate them making me feel welcome as a loud foreigner who barely speaks Japanese. That said, お疲れ様でした!
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Enjoy!
(Professional drivers on a closed course, do not attempt.)

[@CheckpointJapan]

Read the article here: checkpointjapan.com/2023/11/24/raw-ae86-drifting-in-japan/

[@ikari3380]

@CheckpointJapan 0:47 What’s this song plzzzz 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@user-ze4nn1dx6z]

@@ikari3380 Beautiful Thoughts Niko Rubio Bass Cover

[@iringyellow4327]

You know a Japanese anime car drifting?

[@PikaTwoB]

Gotta love this perfectly balanced 80s box

[@CheckpointJapan]

♥️🌎

[@Barton_Motors_Ltd]

@@CheckpointJapanI’m sure the MK2 Supras could hang with them too ;)

[@JB-sv5pr]

@@Barton_Motors_Ltdidk maybe

[@AnotherMotorist]

miss that Japan early brightness. Especially summer with the sun full blown at 5am. Unfortunately Gunsai was empty when I went, old guy at the booth let me walk the track though.

[@alexanderturnbull1677]

Next time I go to Japan I’m going to Gunsai

[@MoistBoys]

Hell yeah, when are we goin?

[@andrewlee88]

I created the dorikaze logo in 1998, the ae86 forum based in YYZ/YVR and this video just makes me so hype. So many og builds, n2 kits and togue drifting was so lit.

[@Vapourdave]

Who were the AE86 drifters in 1998 on Dorikaze?

[@JB-sv5pr]

@@Vapourdave?????????🎉

[@Walaki]

For me, the AE86 is one of the most beautiful cars ever created. And to think that even after 40 years its still being loved all over the globe like it is, makes me so happy. Superb video, amazing quality, thank you very much!

[@hideinthebush2729]

When the video begins with the goat Runningfree86, you know it's gonna be dope !

[@NitemairMedia]

I’m a V8 muscle car guy that got into drifting via Initial D anime. The hotrodder in me fell in love with these low cost imports that people take and turn into cars like this. I guess I’m just a gearhead now, I love seeing all cars.

[@parcito]

Instant love for that charismatic smile. She's so cute. Must be an awesome experience driving there

[@andremz1929]

06:36 Holyy Faaaakk!!! i can feel it just by watching this video, crazy entry speed at that corner

[@MyjiltheeGallego-fe3jw]

Inertia drift

[@Rawrsor12]

Kaicho the GOAT

[@NotekaJ]

This channel is criminally underrated

[@AVOWIRENEWS]

Wow, drifting with an AE86 in Japan sounds like an exhilarating experience! The Gunsai Touge is such an iconic location, famous for its challenging turns and beautiful scenery. It must be thrilling to watch an AE86, a car renowned for its agility and drift capabilities, navigate those roads. Plus, in 4K, every detail of the action must be so vivid and immersive. Drifting culture in Japan has such a rich history, and it's always exciting to see it in action, especially in such legendary spots! 🚗💨🇯🇵

[@purpleturdracingdivision3726]

ChatGPT has entered the chat

[@jframe9354]

Sick Video Guys! Loving the Japan series videos

[@Vapourdave]

DEFEAT EVERYONE ON TOUGE WITH HACHIROKU!!!

[@koukisandmilk1312]

Great footage! Gunsai for sure one of my favorite tracks

[@WeekenderGarage]

KZbin algorithm putting in work! Came across this on my front page and holy crap am I glad I clicked through. This video was awesome and very gorgeous. I look forward to going back and catching up on your content! Keep up the good work!

[@CheckpointJapan]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dennisthemenace2society666]

So awesome you got to meet Hiroshi🫶🏽! I can't wait to meet him and hype him up in Texas soon 🙌🏽

[@Ineedabouttreefiddy_93]

Best video I’ve watched in a long time! Nicely done 👊🏼

[@Shufflequeen90]

Thank you for this amazing Video!!! 😍🤍

[@kyushalimit5931]

WICKED! glad the Japan content is still flowing too.

[@estherdlcrz]

It reminds me of the old anime Initial D. Takumi is one of the greatest drifter in downhill or uphill race. Nice video ❤

[@makisekurisu1761]

It isnt that old too

[@jayhill2193]

@@makisekurisu1761 90's anime at this point is old, plenty of generations of anime have come and gone since then

[@makisekurisu1761]

@@jayhill2193 the start is old but it ended in 2013 it's like saying that one piece is a old anime sure it is but it isnt at the same time since it is currently happening

[@acvisuals]

So happy I found this channel

[@MENACE666NZL]

67 and I owe you 2 lots. Cool video. 🤟

[@perplxxd]

the Toyota gods have once again blessed my ears with the greatest sounding motors ever🙏 (minus a rotary)

[@chrisw554]

Love these videos!

[@user-nr3vc1ut9g]

That tire screaming and engine roaring its beautifully music to my ears💯%💪💪

[@benjohnson5623]

Every day should be 86 day

[@DylanAckimenko]

bee's nest

[@purpleturdracingdivision3726]

NEVER DISRESPECT GOD ENGINE EVER AGAIN

[@criticallycanadian]

NOT THE BEEEEEEEEES

[@renownusa]

So much love for the 86 pilots!

[@MoistBoys]

Very very enjoyable!

[@SNRTV]

Thank you　.ITB🎉

[@SandalsRacing]

Amazing car!

[@FSP9.]

This is up there for best footage of all time

[@DJNathanPH]

japan is the best in drifting.. i love drift... keep safe always

[@jakesheldon9395]

My favourite video ever!!!

[@charlesandre3152]

Love the mood on this video, keep going 🤩

[@saraackimenko3261]

Amazing

[@sunshinemybrain9042]

2:15 that is serious. its just motor. xD

[@criticallycanadian]

"Don't worry, I'm wearing pants" has to be the best quote of the video.

[@nikitamarkelov]

taste the rainbow

[@yuancony512]

Where's takumi

[@TheCheat-22]

tactical fiji water

[@danielwooldridge1755]

Nowhere where’s keiichi is my question

[@paulgetsowned]

Runningfree86 is so based frfr

[@Mikizoku]

The Paradise ☺️

[@acap8562]

Nice channel .more drift action🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Kid4rmdalowadekC132]

This video should have gotten a lot more views than what It is now. So underrated

[@togl5308]

so sick

[@JB-sv5pr]

Ae86 I click ! ❤🎉

[@alexanderturnbull1677]

THATS 67

[@denzilbrown8587]

Beautiful thoughts niko rubio

[@malcolmabraham]

The song is beautiful thoughts - niko Rubio

[@SammyVeryRich]

Cant find it anywhere

[@adityashetwal386]

i love this car culture 🤩

[@daylin3907]

A dream of a dream❤❤❤

[@MyjiltheeGallego-fe3jw]

This is the real racing ❤ the best japan!

[@vxaexi]

loooooooove this

[@skltfz4997]

his engine bay is really just an engine bay, nothing else lol

[@apu889]

this video is underrated

[@old_hotel]

Cool content! You help me learn English) I wish you success! (I used the translator)

[@Fluchii20]

El paraiso de los 86

[@ibrock476]

Duude these Trueno's are eye catching what a beauty 😍 The only one who's missing is Takumi's Panda Trueno AE86

[@skyborne6393]

I see drift. Instant like and subscribe 😄

[@gruv3n]

What a track

[@Maiky78]

Cool and fun

[@MrArvin0306]

ahhh the beauty of having a RWD...

[@newtonez_47]

Track at the beginning is fire 🤟😎

[@Tsoomelo]

what is the name of this track?

[@RichardFromageRacing]

It’s like Saturday July 8th in November!

[@iamjhie6795]

Super cool!

[@CheckpointJapan]

Thank you for watching!

[@JB-sv5pr]

Little tofu fighters 🎉

[@Kruzgamer]

Grip on Gunsai must be fun as well ！

[@somsakpongpan5126]

I love it 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mnbo2140]

THAT IS 5AM?!?! THAT BRIGHT?!? I need to experience this ;-;

[@skacper1354]

You defeniately need to make a video about how to film cars you're doing a great job!

[@alzedjali]

I love Japan 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Understeerking]

Good channel!

[@CheckpointJapan]

High praise from you guys ♥️

[@nukima11]

Would love to see a downhill from the Pikes Peak summit. 🤔

[@MRhankylolka]

Wath a picture❤

[@ootriace-n1x_-zoo699]

AE86峠の王様です！ドライバーを育てるって聞いたことがあります。

[@murderer74]

Bonitos autos bonitas tomas y bonita tu❤❤❤❤ saludos desde mexico

[@a8f235]

*_Don't worry, I'm wearing pants..._*

[@nordlyssrlys6945]

Even the cameraman was shooting in 80s mode🗿

[@takeuchi_8]

Drift is fun, guys! But do Gunsai provides any Time Attack events? Cause i'm fond of HotVersion and Best Motoring and stuff like this/

[@nordlyssrlys6945]

Cameraman of culture🗿

[@bimapraf6892]

hell yeah

[@Mat69MX]

which camera and lens do you guys use to film those drift video? i just need some advises for budget friendly :')

[@karlysimpson1116]

MORE SANDALS CONTENT

[@CoffeBlack]

that was sick as fuck

[@chr1sl4i]

Is that an ae111 coupe front & rear swap on a ae86 liftback?

[@STUDIO_YF]

bro got the entire Trueno community for this one

[@KintaroDrift974]

🔥🔥

[@fahrness]

I loooove what you do. I would like to know what equipment you used to make this video and what camera parameters you used? sorry my english hah

[@CheckpointJapan]

Thank you! We used a Canon EOS M6 and a 24mm 2.8 lens to make all of the Sandra in Japan episodes. It’s a great compact travel setup that can still shoot in uncropped 4K 😎

[@fahrness]

That's great, I have a Sony A6400. I bought it because it records in 4k, but I still can't figure out how to edit it to make it look as sharp as your videos, other than giving it those colors. But I'm learning little by little. Work like yours inspires me a lot. Thank you very much, greetings from Chile!@@CheckpointJapan

[@pedrosilva4342]

one day bro, one day

[@Matyicing]

Doesnt matter how many body panels your AE86 has falling off, doesnt matter how loose your bumpers are, slap some tires on and you know that engine will give you a ride that lasts well beyond the 40 years these things have been shredding rubber on these roads

[@Tsoomelo]

what is the song name in the beginning?

[@tofu042]

"Dont worry, I am wearing pants."

[@bujayee328]

Man thats a lot of keiichi and takumis

[@raygaming8196]

4:30 legends know what happened there

[@kingofpop022]

Name of the song from the beginning?

[@lk9895]

oh sweet lord

[@Barton_Motors_Ltd]

This was awesome. Hey Sandra, any tips on wanting to learn Japanese someday? Where do I start? lol

[@SandalsRacing]

I'd recommend Duolingo to get you started, Genki I textbook/workbook, watch Japanese TV shows/movies, and then just talk to people if you have the opportunity. I used Google Translate a lot while living there, one pro tip I have for that is if you do translate something, take the time to actually read and say out loud what you've translated to learn/retain it

[@Barton_Motors_Ltd]

@@SandalsRacingthanks so much!

[@oldmennewgames]

Depending where you live, there should be evening courses, or you could search for an app than could do the same.

[@BravoOne-Jason]

The Next Fast & Furious should be like this,Street racing story not James Bond story

[@BBaSTheTrooper]

Engine bay : 😳😩😩😳