CarsYuuki HayashiOctober 31, 2025

MIDNIGHT RUNS AN INTERVIEW WITH TOKYO‘S CAR CULTURE LEGEND TOKIO ITO

CarsYuuki HayashiOctober 31, 2025

12:37 A.M. Tokyo.

A red AE86 slices through the corner. It halts—right in front of us. The door swings open, and out steps a kid with a grin like he owns the night. This is Tokio Ito—driver and crew member of the Japanese label CarService. He’s here to talk to us about what he loves most and take us for a ride with his crew.

In Japan, there’s a subculture roaring under the radar, where anime, streetwear, and music reside in one universe. But don’t get it twisted- Japanese car culture is not about horsepower or flex, it’s first and foremost about community and connection. This isn’t just a roaring scene; it’s a family born in the engine noise between Tokyo’s shadows.

What lit the fuse for you and first sparked your interest in car culture?

Strangely enough, I’ve loved cars ever since I was a kid. I’m not sure what the exact trigger was — I think I was just born with it.

I used to read a lot of manga about Hashiriya and Bosozoku when I was little. It was all fiction, of course, but I think that gave me a certain understanding of and interest in street racing culture.

Which care made you fall in love with driving?

The Saab 900 is truly an amazing car. Its design reflects the brand’s roots in aircraft manufacturing, with a strong focus on reducing aerodynamic drag. Features like the rounded front windshield give it a unique elegance, while also embodying functional beauty. It’s a one-of-a-kind design.

What‘s a night out with your crew like?

Cruising with friends is the best. It really makes you realize how lucky we are to have a community where we can share the things we love—after all, humans are social creatures. There’s also something powerful and uplifting about being surrounded by people who share the same passion and heart.

You‘re working a lot on car events, meet ups, music videos and the like. What is most important to you?

When I can create opportunities for the owners who come to our events or shoots to have unforgettable, wonderful experiences and memories with their beloved cars as part of their car life, it makes me truly happy as well.

And lastly, what‘s your favourite late-night drive track?

I like listening to music that matches the era of the car I’m driving. Currently, I own an ’80s icon — the Toyota AE86 — so when I drive while listening to songs from that same era, I love the feeling of being transported back in time. My current favorite is 影になって by Yumi Matsutoya.