Tokyo Drift in real life: Underground car meet downtown Tokyo | Capturing Car Culture

People seem to be drawn to Tokyo for many things. For car enthusiasts, it’s definitely for the rich car culture, not just of Japanese cars, but of ones from every corner of the world. In this episode, Larry surrounds himself with quite the unique selection of cars in a not-so-secret secret underground car meet right after Tokyo Auto Salon.
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
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Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCammisaICONS
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCammisaRevelations
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[@MdAli-qf9go]

The fact even if you own a civic you get 100% respect from a ferrari owner in japan. No one is big or small, everyone is equal. That is why japanese culture is so special

[@davrocket5304]

in America they call that "ricer" when you try to craft your own part but in Japan is just wow, each car speaks about the owner, it has a story not just buy and put it like in america just to show up.

[@casdamman653]

not just some owner its car youtuber illiminate

[@a1i757]

Cause Honda is Japanese?? Nah jk foreal the culture is crazy

[@bee3D]

well the civic owner might be expected to use keigo

[@NCRRangerDan]

Think any car guy even ones with Ferraris can appreciate the amount of work time and money that goes into anything

[@thaphreak]

OMG, I can legit FEEL the energy. Amazing footage guys, mad respect.

[@LarryChenPhoto]

I can feel my brain cells disappearing 🤣

[@davrocket5304]

in America they call that "ricer" when you try to craft your own part but in Japan is just wow, each car speaks about the owner, it has a story not just buy and put it like in america just to show up.

[@gr8_ambition]

💯

[@chozen_juan]

Everyone just standing around breathing exhaust smoke..

[@ch-yq5yn]

No models... meh. Nothing like Toky Drift.

[@ZeeBri]

The mutual respect between the authorities and the enthusiasts is something to be admired

[@Lukus04]

Because in these circles, no one has anything to prove.

[@Lukus04]

Now, if people like Larry show this as “how it’s done” and this becomes the norm, the scene will be better for it 👌🏼

[@unholydonuts]

Indeed

[@brandynwilkinson5579]

This was legit. Off the cuff coverage of a rare & unique moment in car culture. No fancy editing or narrated specs/ facts, just the pure sense of awe & adrenaline shared with the rest of around the world to appreciate.

[@NeonPablo76]

Dear Hagerty, thanks for colaborating with the "real" gearheads like Cammisa, Catcpole and then Larry chen... I think you need make a special Audi videos with Brian Scotto next time

[@Corwinwill]

Man called a Diablo a gallardo. Real gear heads for real lol

[@rylestknuckles]

@@Corwinwill That was the video guy, not Larry

[@NeonPablo76]

@@Corwinwill Sir, you need to see Larry chen content about Saleen S7, he knows his stuff 🙏

[@cmccormack91]

@yooooooooo yeah I want an s7 video

[@NeonPablo76]

@@cmccormack91 Larry already make that, and the owners is amazing, find that in his channel

[@AbandonedRaven]

I really love car culture when it’s handled like this. I like how Larry Chen brought out how respectful everyone was and when the police said to move to a more friendly location they did. In the US I doubt that would happen and we would do those weird burnout “shows” in a 4-way intersection on top of it. I just love how diverse the car cultures are in Japan. I mean this doesn’t even show the other huge meets that include itasha, bosozoku, or giant events dedicated to one specific car (for instance a GTR or something random like a Suzuki Cappucino).

[@negativeindustrial]

It used to be like that here, too.

[@brentives4688]

Watch 1320 Video if you want to see American street racing culture. They're still careful and generally respectful of others. Takeover culture is its own cesspool.

[@dethtour]

@@brentives4688 1320 isn't careful or respectful. They just grab anyone footage they can get their hands on and post it regardless of how wreckless it is and street racing isn't something you should be promoting either. People get killed daily doing that stuff and it's usually bystanders

[@MV-ri7zu]

@@dethtour street racing is ok when done right, which they also do in japan

[@jimmycammarano]

One of the best videos with Larry ever for the fact that the rest of the team capture him losing his mind getting these shots in a way not seen in many videos. Larry is the Real Deal. You can't fake such excitement

[@collinwiedel]

Japanese car culture is crazy. I haven’t been in person so I’m not I can’t speak for what it actually is, but it FEELS like everyone respects each other. And not just that but everyone puts in EFFORT. Nothing is riced or clapped out. Everything that’s at these meets and shows are truly worthy of being shown.

[@davekizerian]

Love watching somebody like Larry get super excited about a car meet! He could be very jaded but was genuinely excited

[@MC4D.]

It's funny you say that cause I see Joey Lee as the very jaded/opposite of Larry Chen lol

[@alfredotovar8984]

In the first 10 seconds of this video, I already knew it was gonna be extra special, thank you Larry and the whole team involved for making these videos happen! Let’s goooo!!!

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackmehoff9909]

Only thing missing was all the hot chicks like in the movie

[@gusgtawd8247]

Thanks Larry. Amazing Video😮 My respects for your Work!!

[@aandreilegaspii]

In the first 10 seconds I see a familiar car, and its randy's ferrari ! of @illiminate.. he has a youtube channel too, doing vlogs ! go check it guys, as a long time supporter of randy, hes so cool on fire !! 🔥🔥🙌🏻

[@griffins750]

4:34 Albo’s S2000 looking CLEAN!

[@fcorivers]

What Larry does is special, the way he captures the moments, like, I could own the best cameras and never capture the experience like he does.

[@timotheus343]

I'm honored to be Alive watching Larry Chen in his prime, every time he stops it's pure gold!

[@LarryChenPhoto]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mickylawless1941]

​@@LarryChenPhoto great job. Hagerty and Donut Media are my go to shows for anything automotive. Thank you!

[@Cartier2Shiesty]

bro capitalized alive

[@therealfaintinggoat]

I remember emailing Larry many years ago to let him know how much of a fan I was of his work with Speedhunters and he actually replied back! It was great to see him become a personality with the Hoonigan guys, then go solo and now his partnership with Hagerty. Larry’s talent and unbridled enthusiasm for car culture is second to none. Videos like this are one of the many reasons I insure my E30 through you. Thank you Hagerty for hiring top talent! Keep car culture alive and please keep sending Larry on more missions.

[@thepilot64]

People in Japan, are so clean, quiet, respectful ... All the picture are very clean and perfect ! This is a perfect video !

[@Louie.Nguyen]

To see Larry Chen light up like that when he's witnessed car culture all over the world only shows how special Japanese car culture is to him and to so many of us. Loved this video.

[@UguisuAnko12]

Late comment but to witness this culture in Japan makes me really brought into tears genuinely!! Literally no words to describe this one but the only I could say right now is this is the most raw, diverse, genuine and connected car scene I've ever seen!! Just bunch of genuine car enthusiasts out there gathering occasionally and sharing this one same goal which is the love for our cars!!!! This really brought an inspiration to me!!! It makes my inner child awaken and fuels my flame of passion towards these machines even more!!! Thank you for sharing your true passion and connectivity with this scene and hopefully we could be able to preserve this and pass it to the future generations!!

[@devinbrowning5044]

Thank you for keeping car culture around , you guys are amazing Hagerty

[@zodiac909]

Hagerty had been on FIRE lately. Mad respect for all the content.

[@bryantlugo2101]

Absolutely love this video, I felt so much for Larry. Been following this guy since school and am so grateful for his taste and perspective because he was the first automotive journalist/photographer that covered the stuff I like, rather than what's new and hot rods. I'm from rural Maine so the taste is basically all trucks.

[@LarryChenPhoto]

This means so much to me, thank you 😋

[@punkindrublic001]

Amazing collab with Larry Chen and Hagerty. You guys have been killing it with the content! The energy and love for the culture radiates in this video. Need more of this!

[@donaldmokgale3123]

This partnership with Larry is the best thing for this channel

[@asjadmemoon]

2:40 thats Kyza on the left, never knew dude was this big.

[@thomasgurchiek3301]

The sound of the Ferrari at 11:00 is my absolute favorite all day any day. Just straight goosebumps anytime I hear that scream. I still have some of the import/street racer magazines from the late 90's early 2000's. A couple of them have articles and stories covering the Japanese underground car scene. Truly amazing. Glad it looks like it hasnt changed for decades. Mad respect.

[@shashy8796]

what was the name of that ferrari can you help me?

[@carenthusiastlover453]

​@@shashy8796 Ferrari 360

[@shashy8796]

@@carenthusiastlover453 thank you

[@carenthusiastlover453]

@@shashy8796 welcome

[@henryrothman1982]

This is one of the coolest videos I think I’ve ever seen. Tokyo Auto Salon is now on my bucket list.

[@mc1738]

This was epic, Larry. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@nolimits7076]

awesome video larry!! thanks for showing us so much more about the culture over there

[@dstarkel21]

Y’all need to keep making videos with Larry and cammisa. Love when these guys do the videos thank you! So good!

[@leonong6280]

Really enjoyed this more real approach to the culture and the behind the scenes madness!

[@GuardianSpeed]

1:42 that Diablo GTR is gorgeous, I wish I could go to one of these car meets irl

[@kanggoo57]

Thats just a VT.

[@John-sn4hl]

I love seeing how passionate the photographer is. Excellent job capturing this culture. Thanks!

[@l8er]

I freaking love seeing your excitement and enthusiasm Larry. I felt like that too and I’m watching this days into the future and hundreds of miles away

[@HooniganG4m3R]

From 11:00 - 11:11 it gave me goosebumps and literaly made me weak in the knees at the same time . What an amazing machine. L.E. I got to drive a F8 Spider , it's amazing.

[@latinballa88]

Loved seeing Albo’s S2K and Dustin’s R34 make a cameo 🙌

[@CaptureMyDrift]

Absolutely Mad! I love how excited you were and getting all the car shots possible even when hot and tired. Beautiful cars 😍

[@sameerprashadgond9953]

loved the video the, edit, flow and energy all so raw and authentic.. felt like a first hand experience..

[@Minecraft-gw1jv]

I LOVE Japan! Nothing but Love and Respect for your People and Culture!!🙏❤️🙏

[@kurtwheller6295]

Absolutely amazing. Love your passionate explanations Larry! ❤

[@thebilgehan]

Video clearly conveys "Pure Passion" without the use of words. Energy, photos, people, cars... It's just fantastic!

[@GG-bl2vm]

This whole series is so amazing. Keep it going Larry Chan and Hagerty.

[@seatho3182]

I love Japan. Such amazing people and culture. Thanks for bringing us all such amazing content Larry.

[@mikevaughn21]

I gotta say my man the way Japan is with the car culture is beautiful everyone is together with their own unique build and I can't do nothing but respect that to the fullest. I love it no burnouts, uncontrollable drift crashes, dumb high end revs, or no extra showing out like that car meet is the most peaceful meet I've ever seen. Dude I'm happy you took those photos because they look live and legit I love the way these cars look my goodness.

[@alixhowe8028]

had a smile on my face the whole time!! Great picsss

[@jasonko3440]

Such good content, one of the best car enthusiast content out there imo. If Larry is in it, I'm watching.

[@GetBehindtheWheel]

EPIC VIDEO! Thank you Larry and team for capturing the events!

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Thanks for watching bud :D

[@tamatikaa]

12:30 : Mad Mike Whiddett just casually hanging out with Robbie Nishida, and checking out Toyko's lowrider scene 😄

[@hunterplummer1024]

Is that Randy in the Ferrari first clip? That’s dope lol

[@madfzr]

Great video. Makes me miss the golden era meets. Pure enthusiasts, no idiots, drama. 👍 100% cool people

[@sommelierofstench]

larry is such a monster. incredible work ethic and surgical precision

[@23gt17]

Holy sh*t. I was there at that meet - or at least the first part! Wish I could have met Larry Chen in person - the shots here just show how he's such a genius at photography!

[@gumbootrallynz]

I really enjoyed the editing on this episode. Esp the fast change photos then videos I was taping along. Great video love your energy Larry

[@molnarvaleriu3187]

Dynamite respect for them e36 guys representing there. Such a great meet. Love the commitment on capturing pics of all those great cars in there 🙏

[@Sonic3rdgen10R]

What a cool scene and a great video. So much respect for Japanese car culture ❤

[@MrTransista]

Larry, I think I speak for everybody. Never stop capturing these moments. Keep doing this. We love you and are all so thankful that we get to see these moments captured through your creative eye.

[@hassanabdullah4061]

I love the content! I really enjoy following Dino and Larry. I love the Japanese car culture. Keep it coming!

[@Smilesperlap]

I can feel the energy in that garage, What amazing builds, all one of a kind. Thank you team Hagerty for this awesome video.

[@vcall6121]

In Japan those skylines are so common but those Diablo’s and murci’s were next level and to see them all “hacked up” was epic I love the passion they all have and they actually drive their cars even If it is a Lamborghini Diablo GTR !

[@christravelsbytaco5771]

For someone who's been to a lot of big events and to still have such enthusiasm it's really cool to see and shows a genuine appreciation and love for cars.

[@DannyBlackFlag]

This has to be one of the best car videos I've ever seen! Love it!

[@chrislee6691]

This is the stuff of dreams. Beautifully shot as always Larry! Love this so much, bucket list to attend something like this one day.

[@nobass_stub1394]

it's been a depressing week at work... then along comes LC. I couldnt stop smiling through the whole Vlog....... & my wife just doesn't get it Thanks LC :)

[@geraldoggg7628]

Deu para relembrar os momentos no Japão,tem os encontros de carros em estacionamentos, e tem os locais de Drift aí e mais carros de competição japoneses, parabéns pelas imagens.

[@COMMUTER97]

Fantastic direction and kudos to the hardworking people who made this possible. Amazing!

[@Hidalgochrsxm]

I’m convinced the Hagerty/Larry collabs are the greatest automotive culture videos of our time

[@Resist_Oppression]

This was epic to see meets like this again. The energy was felt through thr screen, from the pictures to the cars. Hagerty, you've got a formula no one else has now. Utilize it. 👍🏿

[@TARS..]

I love the inclusion of the people in the shots, really highlights the people factor of car meets.

[@stephensundet8472]

THE best of Hagerty, right here. So good!

[@Vokr01]

I haven't seen such cool video with car happiness around, for long long time. Thank you and take care!

[@pahul9449]

I love how the car culture i Japan totally accepts heavily modding exotics. Like Randy’s liberty walk Ferrari is insanely cool

[@Sideways_Singh]

Japan is super cool. Paradise for car lovers, the Japanese truly understand driving cars on twisty roads and have a real passion for cars. God bless the Japanese, some of the best most fun cars in the world come outta there, and they make the most fun to drive car on public roads that u can buy right now, the Miata.

[@randywright7680]

I love your stuff Larry! Thanks for all you do!

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

theres just so much passion all round here i love it no street shutdowns no super crazyness just pure enthusiasm 9:17 is that Khyzyl?!!

[@Samuel-xs2yv]

Damn, the photography is beautiful. You're really capturing a subculture in its raw moments, and it's amazing.

[@deeolusanya9325]

This is what real car meet looks like American young people. Not cars crashing into each other an doing doughnuts in an intersection 🫤👀🙄 Class, style, no-drama.😎

[@Random_Banshee]

Even the most stanced cars in this meet were still able to drive on their own 4 wheels, outrageous! All but unheard of in this decade

[@lhxn5242]

Yep I have a new favorite KZbin video. Thanks Larry & Hagerty, I am now obsessed.

[@vilmarojas693]

this the best car meet video on youtube, the real deal tokyo drift, please make more vids like this. thank you.

[@Shreyak_mysor3]

5:10 - anyone know what music is playing in the background when he’s shooting the E36s?

[@jackmehoff9909]

Was DQ and Han there also?

[@expeditionjay]

What an awesome video. I'm so happy to see this captured in high definition for posterity.

[@mafuyu4698]

Your photography is absolutely amazing

[@TheRealWarriorPoet]

11:28 this shot right here is so damn real. It’s Hollywood worthy, if that makes any sense. I could feel this shot.

[@420CaptainSlow]

For real! That sound was insane. The photo at 9:26 is pretty damn impressive too, looked at it for a while because the framing and balance is so nice

[@crazywilly85]

@@420CaptainSlow Did the same with the GTR in the shadow at 9:06, awesome shot.

[@jesseDM240]

Meanwhile in America, they have these “takeovers” reving straight pipe cars at 2am in residential areas waking up my baby up. Japan is an amazing place. My family lives there a month out of the year. I encourage many enthusiasts to visit. Great video Larry!

[@user-xd3ij7cw8s]

Thank you very much for the quality of your video and the nice meeting capture.

[@4xhoser]

Thank you Larry! Such a cool vid, saving this one forsure 🤘😍🇨🇦

[@joeljijiolassayil3602]

dude called a Lamborghini Diablo a Gallardo😭[ 4:20 ]

[@GuardianSpeed]

to be fair, it had a gallardo replica front bumper

[@joeljijiolassayil3602]

@@GuardianSpeed yea true, I loved the video, I just found this part funny that's all :)

[@mikebrown307]

How does one get an invite?

[@Lucianohlegomocs]

Same question

[@WhatsYourDadSnap]

This is Legit probably the best car enthusiast video I've ever seen! The car culture in Japan looks amazing!

[@DDMSteveB]

I’m glad any time Larry gets to do anything. People cannot hire or pay him enough. He’s so excellent.

[@131aca7]

Great job pal, thanks for the footage.

[@shintasalim1453]

im crying.. so beautiful man.. thankyouu

[@tomranum6]

Amazing work you do Mr. Chen! Kudos!

[@JS-oi5jt]

I love the Larry/Hagerty content!

[@isaactan4823]

I seriously had so much fun watdching this. Thank you for sharing Larry.

[@Master-lo5df]

The quality is incredible!

[@phillipbarlow9387]

Thanks for a great video, Larry & Team. Your enthusiasm comes through, and matches that of the local car owners. What's so interesting, is the sense of community. Here in the States, it isn't hard to imagine some kind of nonsensical "beef" turning the night into a fight, or a stabbing -- or even a "shootout" -- where the only person killed is a 10 year old female bystander. Or instead of folks scattering, when a policeman starts photographing their license plates (imaging how quaint that sounds, to an American ear) -- you can imagine people confronting the police, and they surround and arrest someone...and tragically, he ends up dead -- through a combination of struggling, beating, tasering, mace, and ultimately not being able to breathe. (You don't have to "imagine" it; unfortunately, we see it on the TV news fairly often.) What a stark & peaceful contrast "the streets of Tokyo" are, to what we see here at home. You guys did a great job of capturing that...and in the video, at least for me -- the emotion, and the sense of joy & wonder, comes more from watching YOU guys, than from seeing the cars. 'Cause there's a million videos on KZbin, of super high-def footage of totally amazing cars. But this is the first one I've seen, of the KZbinr team being so overwhelmed by what's in front of them, that they can barely contain themselves -- and so the footage is so honest, raw, and exciting. It made me want to visit Japan, actually. Maybe the Tokyo Tourist Commission will post this video on their website 😅😝 😂

[@thepiratepenguin_]

This is amazing. The car culture in Japan is so diverse and wonderful.

[@nemzrepairs]

larry this was one of your best moments in life i felt i was there just by watching

[@archiekins82]

One of my fave videos for sure! Tnx for this.

[@jpogigtxcr1778]

Photographs are insane! Specially when switched from the video to the photo. Glad they brought your gear.

[@thomasprins2598]

Wow totally amazing footage. It’s incredible to see the how well the photos came out