Osaka Auto Messe (OAM) is Western Japan's largest custom and tuned car show, standing alongside the Tokyo Auto Salon and Nagoya Auto Trend as one of Japan's top three custom car events. Its core philosophy centres on "allowing visitors and organisers to enjoy car customisation culture together in Osaka's uniquely fun way".
Organised by the Auto Messe Association, Osaka Auto Messe has been held annually in February at Intex Osaka since its inaugural edition in January 1997, with the sole exception of 2021 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2026 event marked its 29th edition, taking place over three days from 13 to 15 February.
The exhibition's core theme revolves around "Customise", spanning two major pillars: aesthetic styling (Dress-up) and performance tuning (Tuning). Exhibits cover a broad spectrum of aftermarket segments, including complete custom builds, rims and tyres, exhaust and suspension systems, in-car electronics, interior accessories, car care chemicals, and even automotive-themed gaming and toys. The 2026 show occupied Halls 1 through 6C at Intex Osaka, covering an exhibition floor area of roughly 330,000 square metres, with over 700 vehicles on display and 373 exhibitors.
The visitor demographic at Osaka Auto Messe presents a distinctive edge compared to similar exhibitions across Japan. According to data from the organiser, visitors under the age of 30 make up roughly 40% of the total crowd, families with children account for over 30%, and more than 80% of attendees own at least one car. This "youthful, family-oriented, and practical-need-driven" audience profile elevates the event from a conventional showcase into an active commercial touchpoint directly engaging genuine car buyers and modification enthusiasts.
Visitor turnout has consistently remained strong above the 200,000 mark. The 27th edition in 2024 drew 211,738 visitors, the 28th edition in 2025 recorded 195,730 visitors, and the 29th edition in 2026 rebounded to 213,403 attendees. Cumulative visitor attendance officially surpassed the 5-million mark in 2019.
The headline feature of the 2026 show was its deep collaboration with SUPER GT. Presented under the "SUPER GT featuring OSAKA AUTO MESSE" banner, Intex Plaza hosted a showcase of five GT race machines, including the 2025 season's GT500 and GT300 title-winning cars—the No.1 au TOM'S GR Supra and the No.65 LEON PYRAMID AMG, alongside the No.8 ARTA MUGEN CIVIC TYPE R-GT. Top GT drivers including Sho Tsuboi, Kenta Yamashita, Hiroki Otsu, and Mitsunori Takaboshi appeared in special stage events, while GTA Chairman Masaaki Bandoh also took to the stage across all three days to preview the 2026 season. Furthermore, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's race transporter, the TGR K-MAX 7, made its debut display at Osaka Auto Messe.
OEM carmaker participation was equally robust: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing presented the in-development GR GT and GR GT3 prototypes; Honda/Mugen showcased HRC concept vehicles and racers including the CIVIC TYPE R HRC Concept, PRELUDE HRC Concept, and Honda HRC PRELUDE-GT; Suzuki tied up with Monster Hunter to reveal a Jimny Nomad special edition; while Daihatsu displayed the K-OPEN Running Proto 2, hinting at a rear-wheel-drive layout for the third-generation Copen.
Starting in 2024, the Auto Messe Association refreshed the event's official slogan to "オモロイ アシタ ムゲンダイ" (An exciting tomorrow, limitless possibilities), highlighting its philosophy of shared enjoyment between visitors and organisers. The exhibition also introduced "こどもビリティ" (Kodomobility), an experiential initiative tailored for primary school pupils featuring tyre-changing workshops, VR driving experiences, and the issuance of JAF Kids' Safety Driving Licences, systematically nurturing the next generation of car enthusiasts.
In 2025, the organiser expanded its footprint into the Tokai region with the debut of "Auto Messe in Aichi" in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, which successfully ran its second edition in 2026. This strategic move highlights the Osaka Auto Messe brand's growing influence as it extends beyond Kansai into Central Japan.
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
Help us improve our website
