Currently reading: 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon gallery
Toyko's annual event is among the best in the world for modified car enthusiasts. View our 200-picture gallery of the show's highlights here

From modified mini vans to thoroughbred racing cars, the Tokyo Auto Salon pretty much has it all.

As one of the world’s best events for modified cars, show attendees include Japanese tuning companies, international car manufacturers and global racing teams.

We’ve whittled down the show’s long list of cars to just 200 in our 2016 highlights gallery. You can browse through it above, or read on to find out more about a few of our show favourites.

Mazda Global MX-5 Cup

Mx 5 cup

Mazda’s official single-make series for the new Mazda MX-5 launches this year, with championships hosted in Europe, North America and Asia. Equipped with a 2.0-litre Skyactiv engine and fitted with buckets seats and a roll cage, the cars aren't all that different from their road-going equivalents. This simplicity will no doubt help to ensure the racing is both fair and supremely close.

Team Mugen Super Formula Dallara SF14

Super formula

Super Formula is Japan’s premiere single-seater race category. Formerly called Formula Nippon, its cars are barely slower than those of F1. They generate similar levels of downforce, and are powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 542bhp.

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Honda S660 Modulo Study Model

Toky a2016 0548

Honda’s dinky Kei car has been modified by tuning house Modulo, which has fitted larger wheels, lower suspension and sporty decals. Kei cars are limited in power to 64PS (63bhp), so the S660's engine remains standard.

Joule Vellfire

Toky a2016 0552

Tokyo is famous for throwing up quirky metal and a large proportion are minivans. This, the Joule Vellfire, is a perfect example. Lowered, sat on wide, deep-dish wheels with a hint of negative camber, and finished with aggressively styled bumpers, the Vellfire certainly grabs attention.

Jaos SX-Overline

Jaos sx overline

This Suzuki Hustler has been converted into an off-roader by Jaos. It started life as a humble Kei car, but with the fitment of proper off-road tyres, a raised ride height and underbody protection, it's been transformed into a pocket-sized SUV.

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CianHa 19 January 2016

I think you've answered your

I think you've answered your own question there. Why would we want to see a load of Euro cars at a Japanese show?

Where's the evidence of keeping foreign cars out?

FWIW, there WERE lots of European cars at the show, but I guess the author didn't think they were as exciting as all the JDM stuff we don't normally see?

Factczech 19 January 2016

Seeing is believing..

Call me a cynic but all I see is an overload of Japanese cars- yes it is the Tokyo motor show, but when there are shows here we are bombarded with Japanese offerings while they keep out western brands stifling competition. I would not buy Japanese as it is something they have been doing for many years, sell us their cars whilst keeping ours out. When they have new models they also keep it from us until years down the road, no Tokyo.. ahem, I mean no thank you!
Factczech 19 January 2016

Seeing is believing..

Call me a cynic but all I see is an overload of Japanese cars- yes it is the Tokyo motor show, but when there are shows here we are bombarded with Japanese offerings while they keep out western brands stifling competition. I would not buy Japanese as it is something they have been doing for many years, sell us their cars whilst keeping ours out. When they have new models they also keep it from us until years down the road, no Tokyo.. ahem, I mean no thank you!
Factczech 19 January 2016

Seeing is believing..

Call me a cynic but all I see is an overload of Japanese cars- yes it is the Tokyo motor show, but when there are shows here we are bombarded with Japanese offerings while they keep out western brands stifling competition. I would not buy Japanese as it is something they have been doing for many years, sell us their cars whilst keeping ours out. When they have new models they also keep it from us until years down the road, no Tokyo.. ahem, I mean no thank you!