AE86 Drifting at Gunsai Touge | Sandals In Japan (4K)

I first met Mr. Hiroshi "Kaicho" Takahashi (better known as Running Free 86) on a trip to Japan in 2019 when he took me to a Friday night meeting at Daikoku PA. He's renowned in the old-school AE86 community for his elite driving ability. I love raw, low-power drifting and have been dreaming of drifting at Gunsai Touge for years. So when one of the best drifters I know told me to come out for the 4AG drift event hosted by Garage Infinity and get a ride-along, I knew I couldn't pass on this opportunity before I left Japan.

My friend Kenken offered to drive me there, which meant leaving at 5:00am so that we could get to Gunsai from Tokyo before the event started. Despite the overcast skies and light rain, it was a stunning drive through the mountains. I was immediately greeted by hachiroku's as far as the eye could see, in every style imaginable. It was truly a beautiful sight to see.

The most exciting moment was seeing how luxurious Kaicho's passenger seat was. I knew that someone who would go as far as to remove every feasible trace of cushion in order to achieve the maximum weight reduction was a driver as serious as they come. Due to the rain, the driving had to be more conservative to avoid crashing into the guard rail (again) or falling off the mountain. However, that didn't detract from the most insane ride-along of my life.

Mr. Takahashi is seriously awesome, and by awesome I mean he's completely crazy. I'm so grateful that he invited me to come out and have the opportunity to experience this event. I'm also so thankful to Kenken for offering to drive me. As with all of the events I've attended in Japan, I met countless people who were so kind and welcoming to me, showing me their cars and being excited to meet me as well. The people that I've met along the way have been the best part of my trip, and I cannot express how much I appreciate them making me feel welcome as a loud foreigner who barely speaks Japanese. That said, お疲れ様でした!

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Enjoy!

(Professional drivers on a closed course, do not attempt.)

[AnotherMotorist]

miss that Japan early brightness. Especially summer with the sun full blown at 5am. Unfortunately Gunsai was empty when I went, old guy at the booth let me walk the track though.

[PikaTwoB]

Gotta love this perfectly balanced 80s box

[Walaki]

For me, the AE86 is one of the most beautiful cars ever created. And to think that even after 40 years its still being loved all over the globe like it is, makes me so happy. Superb video, amazing quality, thank you very much!

[andrewlee]

I created the dorikaze logo in 1998, the ae86 forum based in YYZ/YVR and this video just makes me so hype. So many og builds, n2 kits and togue drifting was so lit.

[koukisandmilk]

Great footage! Gunsai for sure one of my favorite tracks

[parcito]

Instant love for that charismatic smile. She's so cute. Must be an awesome experience driving there

[andremz]

06:36 Holyy Faaaakk!!! i can feel it just by watching this video, crazy entry speed at that corner

[hideinthebush]

When the video begins with the goat Runningfree86, you know it's gonna be dope !

[MENACENZL]

67 and I owe you 2 lots. Cool video. 🤟

[AVOWIRENEWS]

Wow, drifting with an AE86 in Japan sounds like an exhilarating experience! The Gunsai Touge is such an iconic location, famous for its challenging turns and beautiful scenery. It must be thrilling to watch an AE86, a car renowned for its agility and drift capabilities, navigate those roads. Plus, in 4K, every detail of the action must be so vivid and immersive. Drifting culture in Japan has such a rich history, and it's always exciting to see it in action, especially in such legendary spots! 🚗💨🇯🇵

[alexanderturnbull]

Next time I go to Japan I’m going to Gunsai

[NitemairMedia]

I’m a V8 muscle car guy that got into drifting via Initial D anime. The hotrodder in me fell in love with these low cost imports that people take and turn into cars like this. I guess I’m just a gearhead now, I love seeing all cars.

[HaroldBeniga-cy]

That tire screaming and engine roaring its beautifully music to my ears💯%💪💪

[estherdlcrz]

It reminds me of the old anime Initial D. Takumi is one of the greatest drifter in downhill or uphill race. Nice video ❤

[WeekenderGarage]

YouTube algorithm putting in work! Came across this on my front page and holy crap am I glad I clicked through. This video was awesome and very gorgeous. I look forward to going back and catching up on your content! Keep up the good work!

[lovelove]

I miss mine
I had my in ‘98-2000. Couldn’t afford to fix my up like these guys

[kyushalimit]

WICKED! glad the Japan content is still flowing too.

[perplxxd]

the Toyota gods have once again blessed my ears with the greatest sounding motors ever🙏
(minus a rotary)

[dennisthemenacesociety]

So awesome you got to meet Hiroshi🫶🏽! I can't wait to meet him and hype him up in Texas soon 🙌🏽

[edwinjohnraquedan]

algorithm sent me here!! LoL i guess you have a new found fan hahhaha sick asss Content where have you been.. i dig this kind of content dead ass