As I made my way from Tokyo Teleport Station, the familiar sound of squealing tires echoing off the surrounding buildings instantly brought me back to the days when I participated in the motorsport called drifting. I will spare you the lecture on what drifting is and what it isn’t except for it is not what you saw in that movie. Instead, I’ll give you a walk-through of D1 Tokyo Drift in Odaiba that took place over the weekend.

Most motorsports events are held out in remote areas far away from complaining ears, but D1 Tokyo Drift located at Odaiba NOP makes it really easy to access. D1 Grand Prix events occur a few times a year, so be sure to check the schedule for its return to Tokyo (or other areas of Japan). Admission cost is really about what you want/can afford to pay. There are varying prices for reserved seats, but it’s not necessary to reserve to still enjoy the event.

D1 Grand Prix events usually consist of a large vendor area, food stalls, show-car area and stunt area. This general area is free to enter. Also in the general area, the stunt bikers perform periodically and some of the teams will bring their cars out to display. You will also probably be able to spot the motorcross freestylers.

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Vendor area has something for everyone.
Vendor area has something for everyone. | Photo by David Ishikawa
The BRZ/86 is always popular.
The BRZ/86 is always popular. | Photo by David Ishikawa
Passing knowledge to the next generation.
Passing knowledge to the next generation. | Photo by David Ishikawa
Liberty Walk and Mini-Liberty Walk.
Liberty Walk and Mini-Liberty Walk. | Photo by David Ishikawa
Maybe keep your children away from this one.
Maybe keep your children away from this one. | Photo by David Ishikawa

The event is big, but still small enough where fans can walk the paddock, meet their favorite drivers and get up close to the cars.

The builders and team managers.
The builders and team managers. | Photo by David Ishikawa
Max Orido making some adjustments. Several drivers also race in JGTC and SUPER GT.
Max Orido making some adjustments. Several drivers also race in JGTC and SUPER GT. | Photo by David Ishikawa
D1 is family-friendly.
D1 is family friendly. | Photo by David Ishikawa

In between the drifting, there are stunt riders and motorcross freestylers. Some of the tricks will take your breath away.

Getting big air.
Getting big air. | Photo by David Ishikawa
Look up!
Look up! | Photo by David Ishikawa

There were fans in attendance from many different parts of the world. The Russian presence was really noticeable as many came to support famous drifter Gocha.

Gocha has turned into a bear.
Gocha has turned into a bear. | Photo by David Ishikawa

There was of course drifting. If you have never experienced it in person, I recommend it as it will hit all of your senses. If you don’t want to pay, you might be able to find a spot where you can view the action for free—but probably from a good distance away.

Safety first.
Safety first. | Photo by David Ishikawa
Chunky.
Chunky. | Photo by David Ishikawa
There was fire.
There was fire. | Photo by David Ishikawa

If you want to go drifting, you can of course build yourself a full-spec Lamborghini or you can play Mario Kart. I love Mario Kart.

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