The Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS) is America’s first and premier annual event dedicated entirely to vintage Japanese cars. Its footprint in Southern California has grown substantially since its 2005 inception, and each year, founders have built on the celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation in Japanese design.
The Japanese Classic Car Show website said, “What has been built here in America goes beyond a car show. It is a celebration of Japanese automotive history, the friendships and connections these vehicles create, and the legacy that is passed from one generation to the next. The kanji featured in this year’s poster reflects those values: respect, heritage, family, and the enduring bonds that unite our community.”
Here’s a look at a recap from 2025. This year’s show — the 21st one overall — was held in Long Beach on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marina Green Park along Shoreline Drive.
Featured vehicles for 2026 included the Toyota Crown Wagon, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda Civic, and Datsun 521 pickup. In attendance at the event was Dai Inada, the founder of Option Magazine and one of the key figures in Japan’s tuning and motorsports culture.
Awards were distributed in about 30 different classes, including three “Best of JCCS” for Stock/Survivor, Period-Correct Modified, and Open Class Modified. While I wasn’t able to attend this year, I did connect with some friends who were there for the occasion.
Best “Neo” Honda and Acura went to Mike of OhYeahAboutThat (above, right) for his white 1989 Honda Prelude Si. The Prelude has been a labor of love over Mike’s 12 years of ownership, and it underwent surgery earlier in 2026 to receive a four-wheel steering (4WS) system at the hands of Devin (above, left) from Dirt, Sweat, & Gears.
Considering the fact that Mike’s car has over 237,000 miles on the odometer, its condition and state of preservation are even more impressive — and the JCCS judges noticed.
Also worth noting is that Mike is now a two-time 1st-place winner at JCCS, as his 1991 Honda CRX Si (pictured above) won “Best CRX” last year. Well-deserved congratulations, Mike (and Devin). We look forward to seeing the continued evolution and growth of JCCS in the years to come!
