Towards the end of January, there was some truly thrilling news from a brand that all of us JDM enthusiasts have adored and followed for quite some time. Some of us have even ventured to Japan solely to purchase car accessories from this renowned shop! Yes, the beloved Up Garage has finally arrived in the USA, and they have ambitious plans in store. But before delving into that, let’s discuss the impressive lineup of cars that graced the grand opening morning.
The Moonlight Runners made a dazzling appearance that morning, and it had been quite some time since I last laid eyes on their cars. Their craftsmanship never fails to astound; each vehicle is a testament to their unparalleled skill and dedication.
As I arrived, a few RX7s gracefully pulled in, their distinctive rotary engines emitting a symphony of beautiful sounds that never fail to captivate.
JDM Classic Goodness.
The sight of this LS was truly delightful, especially with its Rays Payton Place wheels accentuating its presence on the floor. Such a stunning combination!
Now, let’s venture inside Up Garage and explore further!
In a classic nod to Japanese tradition, other Japanese aftermarket brands and companies rallied to show their support. Following cultural custom, companies often send “Oiwai Hana” as a token of congratulations during such milestone events. Among the floral tributes, Tomei, CBRE, HKS, and TsuKuru adorned Up Garage’s grand opening with their well-wishes. Reflecting on the gesture, it certainly made me wish I had brought flowers to join in the celebration.
The building is a utopia for tuner enthusiasts, boasting an extensive array of automotive treasures from headlight to tail light and everything in between. Whether you’re in search of performance upgrades or aesthetic enhancements, this haven has it all, fulfilling every gearhead’s wildest dreams.
At Up Garage, the shelves are brimming with wheels, suspension parts, and countless other Japanese treasures, meticulously curated to cater to every enthusiast’s needs and desires. Whether you’re seeking the perfect set of wheels to elevate your ride’s aesthetic or fine-tuning your suspension for optimal performance, you’ll find an abundance of choices to fulfill your automotive aspirations.
You can Buy parts or you can just bring your parts and Sell them!
Here’s the exciting twist about Up Garage: it’s not just a place to buy parts, but also a hub for trading and selling your own. If you’re 18 or older, you can bring your old parts to the designated counter, where the Up Garage team will assess their value. Once a fair price is agreed upon, they’ll hand you cash on the spot. It’s a seamless process that adds a dynamic element to the automotive community, allowing enthusiasts to not only acquire but also exchange parts, fostering a culture of collaboration and excitement.
Interview with Up Garage COO Teruhiko Kohno
Thank you for visiting our store. I was surprised that you are really good at Japanese.
Kohno-San
No, Thank you. It was a pleasure to be here during the Grand Opening. I was shocked by all the people standing in line. Thanks for letting me inside to take some photos while there was a line. I don’t want to take too much of your time as I know you’re very busy.
First off, Congrats on the new and first Up Garage in America!! How do you feel about this accomplishment?
Rell (ThirdWorld) Thank you. We started out as we expected, but I’m glad we were able to open.
Kohno-SanWhen did Up garage plan to come to America? Why did Up Garage want to open stores in the US?
Rell (ThirdWorld)We were working on a plan to open a store in 2020. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go to the US after the Covid-2019. There are 2 reasons. Firstly, based on the sales performance of the e-commerce site, the highest sales are in the US. Secondly, we learned that JDM is very popular overseas through the movie The Fast & Furious.
Kohno-SanCurrently how many stores are in Japan? When and where did the first store open?
Rell (ThirdWorld)
We have opened more than 230 stores in Japan. We opened our first store in Machida, Tokyo in 1999.
Kohno-SanWhat were your expectations for Soft Opening and Grand Opening on the 26th and 27th?
RellAs expected, many people visited the store. And we were very happy.
Kohno-SanWhat are the future plans for Up Garage USA? Do you plan on opening more stores in the future?
Rell (ThirdWorld)We plan to open more stores in the U.S. in the future. And as for locations, we are considering California, Texas and Arizona.
Kohno-SanDo you plan on doing an Annual Car Show someday or Maybe Just attend events with a booth to sell Up Garage goods and parts?
Rell (ThirdWorld)Yes, we would like to be able to organize car shows.
Kohno-SanLast question, is it possible to setup orders straight from Japan?
Rell (ThirdWorld)We have been operating an e-commerce website and selling auto parts all over the world since 2014. Here is the website: https://www.croooober.com/en/
Kohno-SanThank you for your opportunity for this interview. I’m glad that you guys were so busy for your first day. I’m looking forward to Up Garage USA’s future and the next stores to come. Hope to see you again at TAS next year!
Rell (ThirdWorld)
