There’s no doubt that many of our readers have seen the plentiful pictures of the last Nisei Showoff around the net lately. The beautiful Cali weather mixed with beautiful people and cars is sure to be the right combination of the perfect car show with Los Angeles as the backdrop. And while we can’t compete with the many other media outlets out there which were out in full force, we do take pride in always providing a more human aspect to our coverage. So this was a pretty tall order for our shooter, Andrew, as he went solo style packed with only his Canon 40D, some T-Shirts, shorts and ZERO suntan lotion.

In part one, Andrew lets us take a look at the events leading up to the Nisei Showoff roll-in.
Words by Andrew Machac:

The last time I was at Nisei showoff, it was back 3 years ago, and just like the Eibach meets like the last one I covered, it was something for me to look forward to. If you can recall, Eibach was the mother of all Honda meets, but what would Nisei be the mother of? That’s an easy answer, it was the mother of all import (mainly Japanese) car shows in my opinion. This year marks both the 10th annual and final Nisei Showoff held in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. Don’t be fooled though, if you know anything about Nisei Week, then you know that it’s been around for much longer than 10 years as the first one was held in 1934 for Nisei’s, or “Second generation Japanese” (first born Japanese in America). Celebrating Japanese culture goes far beyond just cars, as there are many things to do such as participating in an Anime Festival, Tofu Festival (yes, it’s real) or just plain enjoying some Yakisoba noodles and Pocari Sweat.

One thing I was really excited about was meeting up with my awesome friends in Cali. After finishing off some much needed In-N-Out Double-Doubles, the guys started cleaning the whips and much like the day before the Eibach meet, everyone meets up at David’s house to button up some last minute touches and to make sure everyone’s rides are floss worthy.

Jason maintains a steady hold on the hose while Ferd rinses off Lisa’s super clean Integra. I told her I had dibs on the car(if I run into some money), but he said get in line.

Imports aren’t the only thing that turn heads in LA. Everytime I’m in the Lakewood community, there are always hot rods and classics rolling around Davids house.

Prior to this, the Biggest Homie(pictured with the shank) and I had been in downtown LA to get his edge up/haircut. When I say edge up, these guys that operate on you, are real artists with a straight razor. I honestly felt like I was watching a episode of Nip Tuck. I have a iPhone 4 video too.

Even after 10 years and having 3 integras myself, I find myself wanting another one, especially after hanging out with these guys when I’m on the West Coast.

ATS*Fred and ATS*Ray start to reinstall the Miracle X bars since they had to be removed for the new Audio setup.

ATS*Anh’s new Type R theme’d system was something serious to appreciate! And that wasn’t all that was new for him, he just recently had a baby a couple days prior to the show, so crew member ATS*Fred made the 7 hour drive down to SoCal for him. Not only is that hardcore dedication, that also shows you how deep this Honda crew’s family runs.

For anyone wondering what that shiny thing is behind the bumper, it’s a Chrome Ozarka cup dispenser…….you woulda never guessed right? Me neither, thats why I’m kidding. But really I’m loving the Mugen lip Lisa decided to put on. Good to know mine is still safe in a attic, just gotta find myself another integra……later.

Lisa (owner of the teal Integra) and daughter smiling for the Camera. This was before she started devouring popsicles and showing off her bright red lips.

ATS*Ferd broke out some new staggered CPR’s. And it sure is nice to have a helping hand, especially from your better half. Way to go Nicole!!

So much win in the shot. As Pie (Steven James) said, this is the Lamborghini of EK’s. It’s one of those cars that has to be seen in person to truly appreciate. And yes it will be getting tracked for those of you scratching your head, or wondering.

ATS*Chris’ EK gettin splashed in the beautiful LA weather Friday before the big event.

Good enough to daily if the feeling is there, and ready to battle on the track when the dates arise. Gotta watch out for fellow crew member Ryan though. Haha

I had a feeling from the last Eibach meet that Jason may have been into detailing before, so I finally asked him this trip…….. he humbly said “yeah” and kept on cleaning. I saw this guy putting in time on every crew members car that was there at the house Friday. Definitely a great guy to have around!

Soloman’s rebarreled C5’s are the hotness and I caught myself snapping pix everytime I saw it at the show.

Jackie snagged Kenji for a little bit and I don’t think he minded one bit. Well played Mini Tank.

As you can see it didn’t take long when ATS*Angel rolled up in his S2000, for everyone to start gettin the painters tape off. But it looks AJ is allergic to tape and about to sneeze, or maybe he’s antsy in his pantsy. Not to be cocky but when he rolled up we kinda knew right then we were lookin @ a Nisei winner.

Mmm mmm concaved Mag CE’s are lookin vicious under that badass fender.

Awww Ferd is getting all mushy on Nicole. Where’s mine homie? No homo!

Fred doing some finishing touches on Anh’s custom teal pinstriped CE’s. When you’re as bad as this guy, you can clean wheels and eat your ice cream too. Straight multitasking!

Mike G(EG6 TANK) decided to stop by and hangout with his son Kenji(Mini Tank). This little guy is gonna have the coolest car(Urban green EG) in school when he’s old enough to drive.

Is that a Mayday Garage sticker? You know it, even the West Coast digs our little blog.

And to think DPK*David left me at the house and said “sure man take the coupe out and drive it”. Yeh the urge was there to creep around Long Beach, grab a double-double, but I didn’t take the chance the day before the last Nisei. Another day big Homie!

Pie resting his legs from carrying around all that muscle, and it looks like he may be “networking”.

Angel applies the micro fiber to remove any water spots from those 10.5″ Volks. I was able to talk with him for a bit about the vision and build of his car, and it looks like we share a lot of the same ideas.

Well Angel you did do what you mentioned to me, you made your S2000 stand out from the sea of others in different aspects.

3 stooges? Nah not one bit, these guys have some of the best execution of builds around. Keep a look out for Ray’s rebuilt Del Sol and Jason’s rebuild of his CRX. Left to Right…ATS*Ray, ATS*AJ, and ATS*Jason.

So as Friday night came to a close, everyone got a good nights rest because tomorrow was gonna be a big day, and as usual, everyone met up at David’s house BALLS EARLY, and it was like the all star cast of Hondas right next to his front yard.

Sonny from Franklin Autobody in Norcal made the trip down in his kitted, and bagged Insight. Did I mention its got a shot of gas on it? YEAH the Fast and Furious stuff. Keep a look out later when it’s resting at a lower stance.

Just a few of the rides pictured @ 6:30am before were fully assembled and ready to dip.

Look like someone is enjoying their new camera and getting some early morning shots before we roll out to Nisei.

Airmax 95’s, these boys are always poundin the pavement in them. I even brought mine knowing, and didn’t wear them. I should have though cause days later it still looks like I have short white socks on because of my vans.

AJ what are you doing in your cage? Maybe he got video footage of the drive to Nisei.

Everyone running around making sure everyone else in their crew has what they need for the big day.

L to Rt. ATS*Ferd, ATS*Phil, ATS*AJ and ATS*Fred(AKA Fred Chapman built)

I didn’t know if they were placing bets, titles, or what at first. It could have shaped up for a good run, but I know they’d wait till track time, even if it was the 1/4 mile or Thunderhill.

Caught a decent shot of ATS*Chris and his lady Dina rollin. Good thing I was in Henrys RHD EG6.

AND WE’RE OFF TO LITTLE TOKYO!

Look out for part two this week!
–Andrew–