JAPAN 4WD

DUNLOP

Overland style for any road

The symbolic presence of the Dunlop booth, which had the theme of “Conquer any road with Dunlop tires,” was the brave Triton that FlexDream had given an overland style. The front was lifted with lift-up coils, the rear with blocks and airbags, and an ARB portable compressor was installed. The tires mounted on it were Grandtrek R/T01 (285/70R17), highlighting the company’s commitment to off-road tires.

BLITZ

“Tune Your Life” to polish your Land Cruiser

Among the many new models brought to Blitz every year, the Land Cruiser 250 is the one that is attracting attention. A specially developed supercharger kit, also available for the 150 series Prado, will enhance the 2.7-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine (2TR-FE type), which is sometimes considered underpowered in its stock form. Furthermore, the company’s specialty coilovers (Damper ZZ-R Spec DSC Plus) are currently being developed to accommodate both lowered and lifted positions. Other products to be released include mufflers, ECUs and throttle control systems (power throttles), and more.

ZEAL

A serious Land Cruiser with even more serious specifications

Pro Staff, a master of domestic cross-country driving, has been building tough vehicles that can be driven on rough roads without hesitation. Their own ZEAL brand offers a wide range of off-road parts. That’s why they were the first to complete complete cars when the new Land Cruisers (70 & 250) were released. Their lift-up kits are renowned for improving off-road performance and creating an impressive appearance, while also providing a high-quality ride. There are multiple specifications available so you can choose the amount of lift.

GUNMA TOYOTA GROUP

Original coordination based on user needs

Gunma Toyota Group, which operates new Toyota car dealerships mainly in northern Kanto, owns an RV park that combines a shop and an off-road park. They create multiple custom cars based on the knowledge they have gained from running this park, such as what users want and trends. The black Land Cruiser 250 was created with the theme of urban customization in mind. It has a stylish design that makes it easy to ride around the city, with features such as a roof carrier, box, hitch member, and ladder frame.

RAYS

Expressing a wide variety of worldviews through wheels

Rays was once again on a large scale this year, with over 150 wheels on display for five vehicles. They were also among the first to exhibit two new wheels for the much talked about Land Cruiser 250. These were the A LAP 08X, a forged model that pursues lightweight design, a Rays specialty, and the Team Daytona D9. The D9 is pictured here. It has a square hole in a concave dish, and is the classic lotus root style for off-road wheels.

TOYOTA

Toyota’s spirit: satisfying what you love

This was surely very informative for Land Cruiser enthusiasts and those interested in customization. The Land Cruiser BASE, developed by Toyota, featured the Land Cruiser 70 Overseas Custom. It incorporated parts that are installed on the overseas version of the Land Cruiser 70, such as bumpers, door mirror covers, snorkels, wheels, and rear combination lenses. For rally enthusiasts, it was a great opportunity to get a close look at the Land Cruiser 300GR Sport Dakar Rally car.

SUPERIOR

A face kit with elaborate designs that will give you a bold look

Give your Land Cruiser a unique look. That’s when the appeal of Superior styling really stands out. The two models we’re familiar with are the 150 series Prado and the Land Cruiser 200. Both are familiar cars to us, but by incorporating Superior’s face kit and completely replacing the grille and bumper, you can create a more masculine look. The great thing about these body parts is that they are high-quality, almost like genuine manufacturer parts. Superior also offers forged one-off wheels, forged aluminum caliper covers, and more.

CRIMSON

A brand that offers a wide range of Land Cruiser wheels

The Crimson booth displayed the Land Cruiser 70 and 250, both made by Flex, a major four-wheel drive dealer and pro shop. The Land Cruiser 70 is fitted with Dean brand BJ Mexican wheels. The 8.0J x 16-inch size is an excellent match for the thick feel of the 285/75R16 Toyo Open Country M/T. The Land Cruiser 250 is fitted with MG brand Armor FF wheels. This model is made using the flow forming process and has been well-received since its release in 2024.

ELFORD

The Premium Land Cruiser

Elford, who specializes in low-down styles, brought two vehicles, a Land Cruiser 300 and a Land Cruiser 250. The Land Cruiser 300 in particular was given a dressy look, making use of the Modellista spoiler and adding original step and half spoilers to the sides and rear. The original forged Celestial wheels (24 inches) are a perfect match. The tires are Parada Spec X in size 305/35R24. They also have the know-how to choose tires that are unique to large diameter vehicles.

ROAD HOUSE

Upstyle vs. Downstyle

In addition to the Elford shown above, fellow group member Roadhouse brought a Land Cruiser 250, and the two vehicles were lined up side by side, allowing visitors to see their different styling. The Elford’s appearance was even more impressive with original parts such as body parts and mufflers that were being unveiled for the first time. The original forged 24-inch wheels, “Celestial,” also made a strong presence. Roadhouse showed off an up-styled look full of adventure, incorporating their original brand, “Cadiz.”

AIMGAIN

Aimgain-style Land Cruiser Coordination

Aimgain is known for its low-slung VIP sedans, coupes, and supercars, but it also operates an off-road brand called MUDRON. Initially, they only produced Jimny-type models, but this year they finally released the Land Cruiser 250. There are two models: the Sports LC250 and the GT-X LC250. The wide body style is typical of Aimgain, and it blends in well with the Land Cruiser 250’s inherent volume, giving it a unique presence.

BILSTEIN

The Japan Spec Bilstein

The Land Cruiser 250 was already on display at the booth of Bilstein, one of the leading suspension manufacturers. Bilstein has a technical center in Japan, and there are many cases where development is led by Japan. The Land Cruiser 250 is one of them. They are currently developing two types of dampers: a stock shape damper that matches the stock springs, and a 1.5-inch lift-up kit that replaces the springs as well. This looks set to become a standard product as the first step in customizing a Land Cruiser 250.

JAOS

Bringing BAJA1000 know-how to the streets of Japan

Both the Land Cruiser 250 and Triton are in the JAOS style. Based on know-how gained from rally raids around the world, they have been thoroughly refined, with exterior parts, suspension (lift kit), mufflers, and more. Lined up alongside them are real off-roaders taking on the rally: the LX600, which competed in the BAJA1000 in 2024 and won the Stock Full class, and the GC550h Overtrail, which was built as the core of a new three-year plan for the BAJA1000.

KURL RACING

For a cool ride through the city

Cool Racing brings in a large number of complete cars every year and has won many awards in competitions. They don’t just have a sports car program; they also have a Land Cruiser program. The one that caught our eye was the Land Cruiser 300. Named the LC300-SS, it is fitted with aero parts with Cool Racing’s signature design and rides on eye-catching dish-type VERZ-NEX01 wheels (24 inches). The Land Cruiser 300, which hides its off-road flair, is also unique.

GReddy

A long-established Japanese tuner takes on the Triton!

Greddy, a leading Japanese tuner, has worked on the Triton. It is still in the production process, but they are planning to update the power system, focusing on the intercooler and tuning the intake and exhaust. It is impressive to see Japanese tuners focusing on off-road cars in this way. This development vehicle is fitted with Rays A LAP07X wheels mounted on 265/60R18 Toyo Open Country tires. It will be interesting to see how this Triton evolves.

TOM’S

Urban sports SUV from a Toyota tuner

The Land Cruiser 250 from Toyota tuner TOM’S has an urban sports SUV theme. Utilizing the Land Cruiser 250’s distinctive square shape, the car has been designed to maximize aerodynamic performance, in keeping with TOM’S’ signature style. It is fitted with a styling parts set that accentuates the car’s driving performance within the vehicle’s height and other constraints. The wheels are original TWF08s, and the 265/60R20 Bridgestone Alenza LX100 tires are symbolic of the urban sports SUV.

NEXUS Japan/Black Bear

A rugged and brave adventure cruiser

Nexus Japan has used original parts developed in-house to transform the Land Cruiser 250 into an adventure cruiser package. The rugged steel bumper guard and side steps are eye-catching, but the car also features small touches such as a markless garnish and LED upper cover. A roof rack and rear ladder are also included. The car also features a Delta Force oval design. The white lettering, a symbol of Monster Tires, harmonizes with the adventure cruiser’s worldview.

4×4 Engineering

Leveraging 40 years of history to pioneer a new worldview

4×4 Engineering Services is known as a hardcore off-road brand that specializes in wheels and suspensions. Of the two vehicles, the Land Cruiser 250 is themed around “North American overland style,” while the Land Cruiser 70 is themed around “Japanese cross-country style.” The front bike is equipped with Bradley Forged Takumi wheels, while the latter is equipped with Bradley V wheels. The exterior accessories and suspension are also perfectly coordinated to fit the theme.

EXIZZLE-LINE

Enjoy Japan’s four seasons in an outdoor style

Off-road customization is for enjoying the outdoors. Exiz Line went back to its roots and exhibited demo cars that evoked the four seasons, including spring/autumn and summer versions of the Land Cruiser 250, as well as a winter version using a Tundra. Each was coordinated with high-quality and stylish outdoor gear and wheels. The walls of the booth were covered in cartoons, creating a unique display method that made it seem as if the cars were jumping out from them.

DELTA FORCE

The next move is Overlander

Delta Force is now known as the standard for off-road wheels, both in name and in reality. This year, the Land Cruiser 250 at the Exizl Line booth was fitted with the classic oval wheels, as well as the Overlander, which is attracting attention as the next step. The wheels are perfectly sized at 8.0J x 18 inches and are paired with Monster Tire RT Hybrid (35 x 12.50R18). The design, which combines a dish-style wheel with five twin spokes, is very fresh.

MITSUBISHI

Master the Triton and have fun!

Mitsubishi’s theme was “Have fun in style!” Two Tritons attracted attention as symbols of this. The “Triton Hiromi,” designed by the entertainer Hiromi, and the “DJ Triton,” a Red Bull-specific event car that loads sound equipment into the back and drives around the country, turning it into a dance floor. The very Red Bull concept of being able to bring a DJ booth even to the ends of the earth was perfectly harmonized with the sturdy Triton.

ARTISAN SPIRITS

Beautiful design that captivates the world

Artisan Spirits offers multiple programs for the Land Cruiser 300 and LX600. Overfenders and other accessories are available, but they are impressively elegant and never radical. The consistent design that makes it instantly recognizable as Artisan Spirits is perhaps due to the fact that Junji Kumon, the driving force behind the brand, handles all of the design from the rough sketches onwards. The products he creates have captivated people all over the world, not just in Japan.

326 POWER

Land Cruiser’s gravel stance!?

The 326 Power, which excels at stance-style customization, has landed a Land Cruiser 250. It’s what’s known as a gravel stance spec. With an “aesthetic of doing what no one else has done,” it was created by making full use of the original suspension. What’s great about it is that it’s paired with off-road tires instead of the low-profile tires that are common with stance-style customizations. The Land Cruiser 250 can be transformed into a variety of styles, but this is probably the first time it’s been custom-built with a stance style.

CAR STYLE

Enhance the worldview of the Land Cruiser 70

Car Style, a developer of original parts for four-wheel drive vehicles, has released the Land Cruiser 70, which they describe as a “fusion of modern and retro.” The front bumper guard kit and rear gate cover are particularly popular, and the styling further elevates the concept of the Land Cruiser 70 itself. The monotone white and black color scheme is also very tasteful. The car is fitted with Volk Racing TE37XT LTD tires with 285/75R16 Toyo Open Country M/T tires.

MARVELOUS

Simple yet enhances the quality of the product

Marvelous, based in Tottori, always produces stylish custom cars. This Land Cruiser 250 is simply outfitted with 35mm wide fenders and Marvelous’ original suspension. The suspension is compatible with both lift-up and lowering. The wheels are Kagoshima-made “HIGH FORGED Haoh” 8.0J x 17-inch wheels mated to 295/70R17 Nitto Trail Grappler tires.

SPIERLER

Japan-made iron parts manufacturer

Spieler is an iron parts manufacturer with a manufacturing plant in Japan. They offer a wide range of items that can be installed without modifying the vehicle. For example, this Land Cruiser 300 is fitted with original parts such as side steps and a roof rack, giving it a more robust impression. These are also functional parts that improve usability. The suspension is fitted with a King 3-inch lift kit, and is mounted on Rays Daytona M8 wheels.

GMG/DOUBLE EIGHT

A unique and shining light in the Japanese cross-country world

GMG, the largest Japanese cross-country customization company focusing on Land Cruisers, offers a wide variety of options for customizing your Land Cruiser, including body parts from Double Eight, which they produce themselves. The two Land Cruiser 250s released this year have a modern, urban flair that is typical of Double Eight. Their body parts, which blend in with the original design while adding a touch of individuality and improving functionality, reliability, and durability, are popular not only in Japan but all over the world.

REPORT/Daichi NAKAMIGAWA, Mai AGENOSONO

PHOTO/Nina NAKAJIMA, Keigo YAMAMOTO

MAGAZINE/ GENROQ March 2025 issue

Now Reading: “Japanese off-road 4WDs are amazing after all” – The star of this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon is the Land Cruiser 250!

“Japanese off-road 4WDs are amazing after all” – The star of this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon is the Land Cruiser 250!