The annual RAUH-Welt Begriff New Yr Get together may effectively be one of the best ways to begin exploring Japanese automobile tradition throughout Tokyo Auto Salon week. I say this, as a result of it’s an occasion that anybody can take part on.
Because the final time I attended an RWB New Yr Get together in 2020, I’d been trying ahead to coming again. So, after I heard that the 2023 occasion was being held at a shrine, I couldn’t hold my pleasure in examine. Flights and accomodation had been booked; the New Yr couldn’t come round fast sufficient for me.
In Japanese tradition, early January is a time that many households come collectively and go to shrines the place they want for a affluent, pleased and wholesome yr forward. I used to be amazed that Nakai-san managed to safe such a venue for this yr’s RWB celebration, nevertheless it seems he’s shut mates with the custodian at Kashiwa Jinja-Shrine in Chiba, simply quarter-hour’ drive away from RWB HQ.
Main as much as the occasion, a 20-car restrict was introduced, however after seeing the situation I wasn’t so certain they’d handle to suit that quantity in. My suspicions had been confirmed on the evening, with solely 13 automobiles admitted given the sheer variety of individuals attending. I arrived early to see the automobiles roll in, which is all the time an incredible sight.
After I attended the 2020 RWB New Yr Get together, Nakai-san’s 997 conversion was nonetheless a prototype, so seeing a couple of buyer automobiles collectively was superior. They appear superb, particularly the cabriolet model. It’s positively a brand new period of RWB transferring ahead, though it was additionally nice to see the 930, 964 and 993 RWB classics.
Whereas I noticed Nakai-san early, he disappeared to choose up a particular visitor. Nobody anticipated Cody Walker to make an entrance, and that basically obtained the gang going.
As soon as everybody within the RWB household had arrived, speeches had been made, together with a few phrases from the shrine custodian, adopted by a Miko-mai, a Japanese conventional Shinto ritual ceremonial dance, which I’ve all the time needed to see in individual.
As I hoped it might be, the 2023 RAUH-Welt Begriff New Yr Get together was an effective way to begin Tokyo Auto Salon week. Simply with the ability to go to Japan once more meant the environment was electrifying, so I do know it’s going to be an thrilling yr forward.
Rick Muda
Instagram: ardskellig
