Many of us have been to Villa d'Este and Pebble Beach, to Goodwood and Hampton Court at least once in our life, if not almost every year. All of these classic car events are fantastic — but wouldn't it be exciting to break the routine and attend a very different, but even more surprising and thrilling collector car event in a very different part of the world? After we attended the Concorso d'Eleganza Japan in the ancient imperial city of Nara in March and were deeply impressed by the cars, the setting and the culture, we knew we had to return to Japan in 2026. On 11-12 April 2026, the Concorso d'Eleganza Japan will return to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Yakushiji Temple in Nara, followed by a Tour across Japan. And as Classic Driver will support the event as the official media partner, our CEO and concours specialist J.P. Rathgen sat down with Hidetomo Kimura to learn a bit more about the event and the possibilities for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide to participate.

Kimura-san, what was your inspiration for starting a Concorso d'Eleganza in Japan?

Firstly, I was very impressed and amazed when I went to Villa d’Este for the first time, it’s such a beautiful event. I realised that — although, in Japan there were rallies where one can drive your car that existed before — there was no such thing as concours of elegance. So I wanted to introduce that culture to Japan.

Japanese car culture is very special. Many of the most valuable cars in history, like the Ferrari 250 GTO or the Bugatti Kellner Coupe, have resided in Japan. Still, we rarely see Japanese collectors in other concours events — you are, of course, an exception. So what was the difference between the idea of a concours in Europe or America compared to Japan?

Tough question. In the past, there were some great collectors of vintage cars in Japan. In my opinion, the biggest comparison that I could make between Japanese car culture and European or American car culture would be that in Japan, we don't think it's a virtue to show off what you have. We don't find too much beauty in it. We like to be private and humble. That’s the Japanese mentality, and that’s probably the biggest difference. However, I, along with others who have a global perspective, realized that this mindset alone is not enough. We have a responsibility to pass on vintage cars — which are both works of art and cultural heritage — to the next generation. Therefore, we must share them with the world and engage with people from all around the globe.

Earlier this year, the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan took place in Nara, one of the oldest cities of Japan. We saw many international guests attending, but also a lot of Japanese guests joined with fantastic cars that are normally not seen anywhere else. What makes the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan such a magical event?

When Concorso d’Eleganza Japan took place in Kyoto, it was held at an old Imperial landmark called Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next year’s event will again take place in Nara, at one of the oldest Buddhist temples, which is also an Imperial temple. Venues such as Nijō Castle and Yakushiji Temple are not usually open to the public, they are not event locations. That’s what makes it so special. It may be an even bigger surprise for Japanese people to find out that it's possible to host such an event at these world heritage sites.

How did you make that possible?

I am a patron of Japanese traditional performance arts, and through our association and our relationships with the traditional performance world, it became possible. The performers and theatre people have been very supportive of including these experiences in the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan, which makes our concours even more special. The Concorso d’Eleganza Japan is not just about displaying and showcasing your cars. It's about experiencing a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture and history in ins truest sense. It’s very authentic, and it's very real.

I think that’s a very nice way to describe it, also based on my experience of the event. Kimura-san, if a collector from Munich, London or Los Angeles would like to join the event with his car, what can he expect? And how does it work?

There are two parts to the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan. There’s the concours part, where the cars are judged to the same standards as a European concours. This part of the concours also gives you a chance to enjoy Japanese food that is specially prepared for the participants. The second part of the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan is a one-week driving tour across Japan. You'll be able to visit multiple fantastic locations and experience Japan’s culture and history like it is rarely accessible for tourists. This also provides an opportunity to meet Japanese collectors and visit their collections. As you said, these cars typically don’t leave Japan, so this is a rare chance to meet those Japanese collectors and see their cars. It's the first time in the history of Japanese car culture that a concours of elegance has existed, so that's something everybody can look forward to.

Please tell us, Kimura-san, which cars are welcome to the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan? Is there an age limit, or do you welcome every car? Of course, there will be different classes, but how would you generally describe the cars you would like to attend the concours?

Of course, cars from most eras are welcome to join, especially considering the fact that collectors will be bringing their cars all the way to Japan from the rest of the world. Personally, I’m most excited to see the very elegant pre-war cars and the 1950s racing cars. Those cars are quite rare to see in Japan.

You mentioned that the judging scheme is comparable to Europe, which I can agree with, because I had the honour to be part of the jury last year. How would you describe the judging team that you put together?

Earlier we mentioned Villa d’Este, which is the inspiration for Concorso d’Eleganza Japan, so I want it to be at that same standard. The judging panel is made up of people I’ve met at the world’s most beautiful concours, such as Pebble Beach. I can’t reveal too much, as we’re still at the selection stage, but the judging team includes wonderful judges who hold very high standards, and of course, they're in association with FIVA as well. There are also many Italian cars in Japan. So starting next year, there will also be an association with ASI, the Italian assosciation for classic cars.

That's a very good move forward. And, I mean, you're totally right. If we look at the judging panels in the past, we had Andrea Zagato and Nakamura-san, who is a Japanese design legend, obviously. What also makes this event so special is that you have your cars scrutinised by big names from the car world in the absolute magical setting of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

So, if someone is interested in joining the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan, how does the organisation help with logistical challenges in terms of shipping, customs, and where to store the car?

I understand the concern that people in Europe, where you can just drive to many places, might have about shipping their cars to Japan. But the cars are transported in very carefully controlled conditions, meaning owners need not worry about rust or things like that. I personally participate in a number of concours and rallies around the world, so I experience shipping cars abroad multiple times annually. I’ve never had a bad experience, and the prices have come down since the pandemic.

Are there special things that people who want to drive in Japan have to take care of when they come with a European, American, or British driving license?

Things are pretty straightforward, except for cars from Germany and Switzerland, which are a little more complicated, although certainly not impossible. Most of the cars are registered on their own license plates.

Kimura-san, you've been a car collector yourself for a long time. You're very much focused on Italian cars from iconic brands and design studios like Abarth, Carrozzeria Touring and Zagato. Is it an advantage for organizing the event that you really understand what collectors would like to experience?

Absolutely, yes, I think that's a great advantage that, as a collector of vintage cars, I  understand the mindset of other car collectors, and I’m still active in participating in other concours events. I totally understand both their concerns and their passion. So that's definitely an advantage.

Let’s get to the key points. When will be the next Concorso d’Eleganza Japan, what is the deadline for registration, and how do you join?

The concours itself takes place on 10-12 April 2026, so three days, followed by a week-long tour, from 13-19 April 2026. Ideally, participants register sometime between October and November, to have enough time to organize the transport, but if you apply by January it might still be possible to join. There’s an application page on our website where you can send us information about your car and yourself. And of course, if you would first like to take a look before shipping your car, you are also welcome to join the event program without a car as a guest.

This year, Marcello Gandini's fantastic Lancia Stratos Zero concept won the "Best of Show" trophy. That shows it’s not only pre-war but also post-war cars that are celebrated at Concorso d’Eleganza Japan. Having this legendary flown in from Los Angeles also shows the importance of the event. Would you say that was a dream come true?

It was such an honour, and an emotionally moving experience, to see a car that would headline at any concours of elegance in the world attend our event. The owner was also so happy with the car’s reception that he will be attending next year as well. I’m pleased that someone like him, who has participated in all big events from Villa d'Este to Pebble Beach, was impressed by our event.

On a personal note, what would you like to share with everyone in the car world who reads this interview?

Of course, I love participating in the world’s other concours events, but the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan is so unique and so different to the other concours experiences that it really is not to be missed. Objectively, as a car collector, the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan is becoming a great event and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who attends. The Concorso d’Eleganza Japan may have a shorter history than other concours, but it’s definitely one of the most unique and special car events in the world.

We couldn’t agree more. And Classic Driver is very proud to have been a media partner from the very beginning. I’m certain that the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan will become a permanent fixture for the collector car calendar. Thank you for speaking with us, and we cannot wait to return to Japan in April 2026.