“Osaka-based Trial Japan has been on the so-called ‘hit-list’ for some time now. And, with a rental car and no real place to be, Damian and I made the trip out to one of Japan’s most iconic workshops”
One workshop I have known about for a long time is Trial Japan. They have been around for as long as I can remember and have built some incredible machines over the decades. However, seeing as it was not that far from where Damian Smuts and I were staying, we decided to make the trip out there to see how the Japanese tuning house is doing.
Upon our arrival off the narrow Japanese under-bridge highway, we pulled into the customer parking and proceeded to pull out our camera gear. This place was much larger than I thought it would be, compared to the usual pokey small Japanese businesses around here.
On first inspection, we could see a warehouse, a dyno room, storage, and a parts store — huge! However, I couldn’t help but notice, the dyno room doesn’t look like it had been used for some time… The car park, however, was packed. Was there a huge amount of car enthusiasts lurking indoors? Not likely.
Yes I tried to buy this car.
This appeared to have been more of a car storage area. Some cars looked as though they had been here for a very, very long time.
After making our way through the car park for a quick look to take in the Japanese goodness on display, we walked through the doors into the main parts showroom. A lot of tuning stores in Japan are quite similar in the fact that there’s absolutely no music playing, making it feel like you have just landed on the moon when you arrive. Which, sometimes is true as these places are awe-inspiring enough.
I must admit, this was one of the coolest parts stores we had been in by the point. Parts everywhere! HKS, GReddy, Bride, Recaro and Trial’s own parts all on display, scattered throughout a colossal showroom. As it turns out Trial Japan is one of Recaro’s major dealers/distributors. Their Recaro display is extensive. It makes my four Racetech seats at work in my showroom look dismal. From race seats to van seats — whatever you need, they have it here on display and in stock.
What I found very interesting and it’s something I wanted to implement back home, is this awesome parts consulting room. Come in, take a seat and let’s talk about your project! How good?!
There were a couple of cars outside that caught my eye. Firstly, this Mitsubishi Evo as it was featured in an old issue of High-Performance Imports — an Australian publication with content produced by Dino, of Speedhunters. The Evo was instantly recognisable thanks to the incredible side canards.
I couldn’t help but think that this Evo had been here for some time, and most certainly had seen better days. But, still cool to see a car you’ve read about in the flesh, just randomly — the beauty about Japan.
After having a quick conversation with a friendly English-speaking woman in the store, she told me that the performance industry in Japan has changed considerably over the years she had been there, “Years ago, all of our customers were here for big-power builds. The dyno was always busy and all of the cars were aiming for big power or fast lap times. Now, it’s bolt-ons and body kits. Our dyno doesn’t get much use now.”
I wish I could have said the same about the New Zealand performance scene. In a way, it is similar — sure. But, the amount of big-power builds happening now is more than it ever has been by a long margin. Parts are more accessible, and quality products have come down in price a huge amount. We’ve got it good New Zealand, trust me.
I am really happy I made the trip to Trial. It was a shame to see this once booming tuning house, no installing van seats, and bolt-ons. But, it’s impressive they are still operating all of these years later nonetheless.
